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Pine -

I have seen Lancairs with a zillion screws holding down the cowling, and while they look pretty I can't imagine a system less likely to make me want to look inside.  I plan on using quarter-turn fasteners, such as Camlocs or the equivalent product from Skybolt fasteners.  Talking to Lancair flyers at Oshkosh, the overwhelming preference was for stainless steel hardware rather than cadmium plated steel.

However, I don't plan on removing the cowling for a preflight.  I expect to just peer through the tiny little oil dipstick door, where I can at least see that the engine is still there, but not much more.  Just like every other plane I've flown.

You might look at those aircraft where the upper cowl is hinged along the center, so that you can, in effect, essentially lift up half of the cowling.  Another option is a huge oil dipstick door, similar to a Cessna 150 only much bigger.  I've never seen this on a Lancair but it wouldn't be a bad idea.  If you do this, I'd recommend some sort of brace to hold it open (the oil door on my 150 slams down in the slightest breeze) and substantial bracing (doublers) around the open hole.  Just make sure that the pressure plenum for engine cooling is not compromised by the hinge (i.e., seal it up).

Good luck.  I know these comments have not been too helpful, but that's all I've got...

- Rob Wolf

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