----- Original Message -----

From: Ed Gray

To: lml@lancaironline.net

Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 1:25 AM

Subject: [LML] safety

Steve, feel free to disagree!  But I fear you missed my point.  True, the 360 is fun to fly in the mountains, I went to Aspen in mine in October.  And, if you have lots of experience in a Pitts or T-6 or other high performance plane, you can fly a Lancair.  And I understand that IFR flying in Co often means ICE, and that is no good.  But what if you hop down to Amarillo and there is a 2000 foot layer- you just going to turn around and go back?  No IFR rating means you can never, ever legally or safely fly into a cloud.  IFR training means you don’t get disoriented when you can’t see the horizon.  It demonstrates a higher level of competence and commitment to flight safety.  A Skyhawk driver who steps up to a 360 is much more likely to survive if he has Instrument training.  And, when you arrive after dark due to headwinds, you will me much better equipped to find an airport and land safely.  No charge for this advice/opinion.  Ed Gray