From: GBFitz@aol.com
Message-ID: <54.232f6c9.26086a91@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2000 01:02:57 EST
Subject: Re: Legacy 2000
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Mime-Version: 1.0

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Gary,

     I have about 850 hours on a "Standard Build" L-320/360, and I'm just 
about finishing up attaching the wing stubs (and, oh yeah, installing that 
$&#**^% brace required by the Service Bulletin, but we won't go into that 
here...), and getting ready to start the wings when the weather warm up.  I 
figure that I will have about 1800-2000 hours in the airframe alone by the 
time I'm finished, and the only Grand Champion award I may win is the one for 
"Best Composite Plane in My Garage".  From where I stand, it's pretty easy to 
see how some pre-assembly at the factory, using jigs and special tooling, can 
cut down on the time required by the builder significantly.  If they are 
pre-building many of the composite parts and brackets, and assuming that 
their parts fit (builders who've had to reconcile the blueprints with the 
composite parts know what I mean ;-)  ), you will see a pretty large 
reduction in the required building time, for the airframe at least.  Of 
course, then you have your panel, engine, etc.....
    I've heard about the early standard build L-IV kits.  Rumor has it that 
the people who complete these kits without the aid of a "Builder Assistance 
Program" have qualified for honorary membership in the Bhuddist temple of 
their choice, being revered for the diligence and patience.
    If it sounds like I'm complaining about the Standard Build kit, well, 
yeah, I guess I am....but due to my financial situation when I bought the 
kit, it was either the Standard Build kit or an RV.  Fortunately, Bob Jude 
gave me a ride in his plane, and I came to the realization that I didn't want 
a Lancair, I NEEDED a Lancair!  When I bought my kit I asked Mike Schrader if 
he had an "Extra-Slow" build version that would knock another $5000 off of 
the price.  Now, I realize the only way construction could go any slower is 
if I had to put the peel ply on before I pulled it off.
     The one good thing about the Standard Build  kit is that I will have 
made a major dent in the amount owed for the kit before I need an engine or 
avionics, so my financials look better when I need some more money.

Gary (Fitzgerald)
"...but it WILL fly by Y3K!!!"
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LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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