The recent discussion about safety improvements that could come about from pilot "improvements" is certainly appropriate.  I'm far from an expert on that subject, but on the subject of improving the potential safety of the aircraft I do have some opinions from an engineering perspective as this is where Lancair could have some positive impact.  Following are some of my observations:

1.  Trim authority - some or all of the trim servos seem to have significantly more travel than is necessary, especially nose-down on the elevator.  This has been widely discussed on the ES list, and I assume it pertains to other models as well.  Nearly full-up trim is required for landing with a forward CG, but very little nose-down trim is required for high-speed flight.  The trim system was designed to be nearly symmetrical, creating a large amount of available excess travel in that direction.  This travel should be limited by reducing the servo travel.

2.  Fuel vent redundancy - there is no redundancy built in.  I was tempted to drill a small hole in the vent tube inside the wingtip to provide venting if the external vent became plugged, but didn't because of the concern about having fuel vapor inside the wing.  As far as I know, certified aircraft are required to have some kind of redundant vent.  I'd feel better if ours did as well.  A vented cap is probably not practical, so some other method would have to be worked out.

3.  Directional (yaw) stability.  The use of ventral fins has been discussed again and it would seem like these devices would be a logical addition to at least some models in the lineup.  Stall/spins are certainly one of the predominant cause of accidents.

4.  Door safety latches.  No accidents have been caused by IV/ES/Columbia doors opening in flight, but I understand that the doors come off, causing damage, especially to the pocketbook.  I haven't figured out how to build a "hood latch" type of thing, but somebody might be able to.  Also, I have read a report that said the legacy is almost uncontrollable if the canopy opens.  I would think that this would be of significant concern and in this case I believe a simple safety latch could be designed.

5.  I understand that Lancair has recently come out on the subject of AOA's.  Right on.

Lancair has been mostly silent on these and other potential improvements.  I say "improvements" because I don't want to imply that the original design could be called defective and I don't believe any accidents (except perhaps one) have been related to potential design deficiencies.

Gary Casey