When looking at airplane kits I test flew
a Glassair Super IIS and liked it. Then I flew a small tail Lancair and
liked the overall handling in the air, but was concerned with the pitch
sensitivity. I remember thinking that my wife, a low time pilot, would
never want to fly this thing. The next day I flew a Lancair 360 with the
MKII tail and thought the difference in pitch characteristics was dramatic; my
comfort level went way up. My wife also took a test flight and gave me her
“permission” to buy the kit.
I fly out of a 4400’ runway at 6870
MSL and for several months of the year the density altitude often exceeds 10,000’.
Under these conditions I use over 3000’ of runway on landing. I could
probably learn to fly the small tail plane here, but am very glad I have the more
stable pitch control afforded by the MKII.
Jack Dysart
N817S
Steamboat Springs, CO
From: marv@lancair.net
[mailto:marv@lancair.net]
Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2008
12:27 PM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: Re: MKII tail vs original
tail??
Posted for "George Shattuck"
<sgs@plantationcable.net>:
I have absolutely not changed my mind on the small tail/big tail issue. I
have 1200+ flight hours on my airplane in every concievable flight environment
(except icing and thunderstorms) and there are simply no negative issues I can
think of regarding my small tail, original design airplane. As I remember it
the original complaints about the small tail came from the Australian aviation
authorities during efforts to certify the airplane. With a fixed pitch prop
(light) and the CG way aft it was/is possible to run out of down elevator
authority during an approach to landing. That is probably a valid critique
and would have to be dealt with by the builder in deciding how to configure
his airplane and how to operate it. I think it was necessary for Lancair to
change to the MK-II tail for! marketing purposes after all the hoopla about the
small tail.
My experience with my small tail 320 has been nothing but positive, with
exhilarating performance and with no surprises in any configuration. I have
wound up with a big load of baggage and passenger and as one would guess, the
CG well aft and the airplane a bit light in the nose. As in all things in
aviation, situational awareness is always a requirement as is staying ahead of
the airplane. In any situation, staying within the limits of the envelope and
not becoming complacent are a must for flying safe.
I have never felt that the MK-II large tail was necessary to operate the
Lancair 320 safely. What is necessary is a good head on the shoulders of the
pilot, training, experience, and the ability to fly the airplane within the
established limits.
George Shattuck
N320GS
----- Original Message -----
From: marv@lancair.net To: lml@lancaironline.net
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 2: 17 PM
Subject: MKII tail vs original tail??
Posted for T Brand <tbrandetc@hotmail.com>:
Would appreciate some opinions as to whether or not the MKII tail has proven
its importance and safety for the 320 series planes. Read three reports from
old (1995+) Lancair Mail Letters from pilots (whose names would be familiar
to readers) stating the change to the larger tail was not necessary and that
they were happy with the original tail size. There has been more than enough
time to confirm or challenge the necessity of upgrading to the MKII
horizontal
stabilizer.
I also read Marv's-and others- description of the problems aligning hinges,
redoing ribs and installing trim systems when adding the early version of
the
MKII horizontal stabilizer to fuselages/kits delivered in the early 1990.
I am in a position where I can build either way. Would greatly appreciate
hearing fly! ing and building experience to support one design over the other.
Mr.'s Russell, Shattuck,..have you changed you minds?
Tom Brand
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