Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #53151
From: <Sky2high@aol.com>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: FAA RESCINDS INFO LETTER
Date: Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:25:45 -0400
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
Marv, et al,
 
I don't think there was any implication that the airframe was the cause of failures other than its, uh, "different" handling characteristics.  I thought the FAA was right on, even though there was no emphasis that "low time in type" indicates a very high accident rate and the anon LOBOer pointed that out.  However, I believe the low time in type analysis applies to non amateur built aircraft, too.
 
I think the 4 recommendations are pretty much in line with what LOBO also recommends, especially #1. 
#2 was recently discussed on the LML, along with the faults in AOA systems that don't directly read wing pressures (perhaps this is what caused the FF to rescind). 
#3 should be well understood by the pilot as mis-rigging (especially flaps) can lead to unusual stall characteristics in different configurations and some of this is discussed in the LOBO maintenance seminars.
OK, #4 is a bit wordy and somewhat vague except for the last silly sentence (perhaps another reason it was rescinded).
 
I look forward to the rewrite.......
 
Scott Krueger
Just 134 hours short of 1000 in type.
 
FAA Recommendations:
1. Review and thoroughly understand all available information regarding the slow-flight and stall characteristics of their own Lancair. In addition, obtain specialized training from a certificated flight instructor (CFI) in their Lancair model or other similar high-performance airplane to experience slow flight handling characteristics, stall recognition, and stall recovery techniques.
2. Install a high-quality angle-of-attack (AOA) indicator to provide warning of an impending stall. Owners that already have an AOA indicator installed should have the calibration validated to assure proper operation. Lancair flight characteristics, including stall speeds, can vary from airplane to airplane, and many Lancairs have been known to stall with little or no warning.
3. Lancair owner/operators should have their aircraft evaluated by a mechanic with Lancair maintenance experience for proper rigging, wing alignment, and weight and balance.
4. Lancair airplane builders should use the services of experienced and qualified construction evaluators who are familiar with the Lancair construction, rigging, flight, and handling characteristics. This should be done before further flight.
 
In a message dated 10/9/2009 9:09:00 A.M. Central Daylight Time, marv@lancair.net writes:
Posted for "Bruce Gray" <Bruce@Glasair.org>:

 Does this mean the information is wrong or someone applied political
 pressure?
 
 Bruce
 www.Glasair.org

[It probably just means that the common sense applied by our anonymous LOBO person must have sunken in... hardly any accidents have been caused by airframe failures... in other words, it's not the airplane's fault, it's a training and piloting issue.  Remember many years ago when they called the Bonanza  the "doctor killer"?  Same principal... lack of training, poor judgement, just because you're good at one thing doesn't automatically make you good at (and prepared for the challenges of) everything else.  <Marv>   ]
 
 -----Original Message-----
From: Lancair Mailing List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of
 Tom McNerney
 Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2009 10:08 PM
 To: lml@lancaironline.net
 Subject: [LML] FAA RESCINDS INFO LETTER
 
 See link:
 http://www.eaa.org/news/2009/2009-10-08_lancair.asp
 
 Tom
 
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