N1BZRich(at)aol.com
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 Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 6:16 am Post subject: short Tennessee trip report |
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All on the Lightning list,
As many of you know, I have been in Tennessee the last week and a half. The purpose of the trip was two fold; judging landings at the national college flying contest (Linda was a judge there also) and also to get some more flying time in the new 2008 Lightning demo. At some point I may write up my thoughts after watching well over 300 short field landings, but at this time, just let me say, current flight training apparently does not emphasize full stall landings.
I always enjoy my time with the Lightning guys, because it involves flying, working on airplanes, and just catching up on what has been going on both with the airplane and the great people that work there. Even got to meet Wayne and Nell Lenox who started their LIghtning build this past Monday. I will have some photos of them in the next newsletter plus some other new shots of the new demo.
I normally send several e-mails while I am in Tennessee, but this time I kept so busy, that I couldn't find the time to do that. Sorry 'bout that. Just let me say that I really enjoyed all the flights in the new demonstrator and I even gave several demo rides to others. When I find the time I will get the "flight evaluation" written up and posted in a newsletter for all to read. For now just let me agree with what Nick said after his first flight in April - "It is the best flying one yet". I attribute a lot of that sentiment to the new trim system. Those that have flown it all agree that it is well worth the effort. It will be standard from now on for all kits, and the factory is making a retrofit kit available for current builders and flyers at basically what amounts to their cost. I highly recommend it. Earl Ferguson, N17EF - the world record holder, installed it on his Lightning while I was there and he agrees that the airplane is easier to keep trimmed on cross countries and of course there is virtually no maintenance required as opposed to the constant re-adjustments on the bungee system.
While there I also got to finally fly a Jabiru 230 and a newer model of the 170. Previously I had flown the 170, 250, and 400 models. These (except for the 400 which is a 4 place airplane) are all available as SLSA "turn key" airplanes. They are all fun to fly with great performance and they fly like real airplanes, not at all like most of the other SLSA's out there that have limited utility because of lack of performance or cross wind considerations. So if any of you guys (or ladies) have a bride (or husband) that wants a high wing airplane, fly one of the Jabirus. I think you can even still build them as EABs, if you don't want a "store bought" version. The fit and finish that come out of Ben's hangar is as good as any Cessna or Piper and much better than any of the other SLSAs I have seen at OSH or Sun-N-Fun.
That's it for now. Got to get some things done today before my next trip to NC tomorrow.
Blue Skies,
Buz
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