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sailor(at)mindspring.com
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 Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 2:54 pm Post subject: Training |
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How does everyone feel about the Lightning (LSA Version--with winglets)
using it as my trainer? I am a student pilot and want to make sure I don't
buy something that is beyond my abilities, or will take me a long time to
master. How does it handle at slow speed, landing and etc.? I think I just
want to do local flying with an occasional cross country. I'm at a local
non towered AP with a 3300 ft paved runway. I like the 3 week build assist
program and also looking at used.
Thanks,
Hollis
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N1BZRich(at)aol.com
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| Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 4:53 pm Post subject: Training |
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In a message dated 1/18/2009 5:55:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, sailor(at)mindspring.com writes:
| Quote: | How does everyone feel about the Lightning (LSA Version--with winglets)
using it as my trainer? |
Hello Hollis,
Since you are already a student pilot, we can assume you can "multi task" (such as walking and chewing gum at the same time - just kidding here, well mostly just kidding), so you obviously have the basic skills and motivation to finish your pilot training. So based on that, to my way of thinking, your chances of success really will depend on your instructor, not you. The Lightning is an easy airplane to fly, but like all things that take training to develop the proper specific skills, you need to be taught by someone that has the background, experience, patience, and the right attitude to be a good instructor. Some instructors are great, some are just OK, but way too many are pretty weak. Weak in skills, weak in experience, weak in motivation, and weak in instructional techniques. In many cases, it really isn't their fault - as they were likely taught be others that just wanted to build flying time to move on to a better paying piloting job. So finding the right instructor is job # 1. After that, have that person get a proper checkout in the Lightning by someone that is experienced in the Lightning. Then, and only then, they can start your training.
To be more specific about the Lightning, yes, it is very easy to land. However, the light weight of the airplane combined with the relatively high aspect ratio and high lift wing, make airspeed control very important. If you are trying to land too fast, it will float some time before it slows enough for a full stall landing. If you try to force it on the runway while still fast, it will tend to rebound or skip back into the air. So just fly the proper speed on final, flare just inches above the runway and hold it off until it stalls on. There will be no bounce or rebound if you are not too fast. That 3300' runway you fly off of is plenty long for a Lightning. With good approaches, an experienced Lightning pilot can easily operate out of a much shorter strip. Also, slow flight is a piece of cake. The ailerons are still very effective at slow speeds, but the proper use of rudder for coordinated turns becomes more important the slower you fly. So use rudders and ailerons together while slow flying (keep the ball centered). Well, you should be doing this all the time, but actually the Lightning basic design will allow you to be somewhat lazy about proper rudder coordination at cruise speeds.
So, yes, with the right instructor, you can learn to fly in a Lightning. Some time ago, I gave demo rides in the demo Lightning to two buddies that were thinking about building a Lightning together. One was a pilot and the other a student pilot. The student pilot also brought his instructor (a lady instructor) so she could also get a demo ride and evaluate it for completing his training. All three liked the airplane and the lady instructor was sure she could finish the students training in the Lightning. The student himself, after getting some stick time during his demo ride, exclaimed excitedly, "I can fly this thing". So I would suggest the same to you. Bring your instructor to SYI, or where ever you are thinking about doing the build, and have the instructor get a demo flight as well as you. That way everyone involved can make an informed decision. You and the instructor (on the Lightning), and the demo pilot (as to whether your instructor has their "stuff" together).
One other comment, just so you understand the requirements of a newly built experimental amateur built aircraft. The first 40 hours are restricted to a specific area and the aircraft must be flown solo by the pilot or pilots that are doing the test flying. So your dual instruction could not start in the Lightning until after this 40 hour test period is completed.
Blue Skies,
Buz
A Good Credit Score is 7001028747/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=DecemailfooterNO62"> See yours in just 2 easy steps!
[quote][b]
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pennington(at)q.com
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| Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 5:39 pm Post subject: Training |
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<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--> Good evening Hollis
I'll be happy to share my opinion with you. Of course, my opinion is based on my flight experiences in Light Sport airplanes, Cessna 172's, Piper Warriors and now, my Lightning. Other pilots will certainly have different opinions. I would first emphasize that no airplane is perfect for all applications. Heck, nothing in life is perfect...everything is a compromise. You didn't say what aircraft you have trained in, so, I'll assume it's a Cessna 172 or another typical "drag machine".
That said, I would classify the Lightning as a performance airplane. It gains airspeed quickly and has little drag. The cruise speed is faster than the Cessna or Warrior. Because of that, you'll reach your destination much faster which means you'll have to plan farther ahead.
The Lightning is a "slippery" airplane. It does not bleed off speed rapidly. As a result, when entering the pattern and preparing for landing, you must begin reducing airspeed much sooner than with your trainer. Take offs and landings are also quite different than a Cessna.
I would not consider the Lightning a "Short Field Airplane". Although, with proper approach techniques, the landing rollout is respectable. Some Lightning owners even land their planes on grass or dirt.
I installed the winglets on my Lightning. Mostly because I liked the way they look. But, I believe they benefit you during slow speeds and especially during stalls. The Lightning is a fast, good looking, cruiser. The seating is comfortable for two adults with adequate shoulder room.....as long as they are not big people.
I would not say the Lightning is a "Trainer" airplane, but with proper training, you can easily fly it. I believe it is absolutely critical that you have thorough training in the Lightning before you solo.
I now have about 65 hours on my Lightning and I am beginning to take longer trips. Short hops are also good.
I hope this helps in your decision.
Happy flying .
Gary Pennington
[quote] ---
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sailor(at)mindspring.com
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 8:42 am Post subject: Training |
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Gary,
Thanks to you and others that have responded to my question. I currently own an Interplane Skyboy. It is a bit easier to land, I’m sure, than the Lightning. It drops out of the air when you cut the throttle and it has trailing link suspension.
Thanks again,
Hollis
From: owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of GARY PENNINGTON
Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2009 7:38 PM
To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: Lightning-List: Training
Good evening Hollis
I'll be happy to share my opinion with you. Of course, my opinion is based on [i]my flight experiences [/i]in Light Sport airplanes, Cessna 172's, Piper Warriors and now, my Lightning. Other pilots will certainly have different opinions. I would first emphasize that no airplane is perfect for all applications. Heck, nothing in life is perfect...everything is a compromise. You didn't say what aircraft you have trained in, so, I'll assume it's a Cessna 172 or another typical "drag machine".
That said, I would classify the Lightning as a [i]performance [/i]airplane. It gains airspeed quickly and has little drag. The cruise speed is faster than the Cessna or Warrior. Because of that, you'll reach your destination much faster which means you'll have to plan farther ahead.
The Lightning is a "slippery" airplane. It does not bleed off speed rapidly. As a result, when entering the pattern and preparing for landing, you must begin reducing airspeed much sooner than with your trainer. Take offs and landings are also quite different than a Cessna.
I would not consider the Lightning a "Short Field Airplane". Although, with proper approach techniques, the landing rollout is respectable. Some Lightning owners even land their planes on grass or dirt.
I installed the winglets on my Lightning. Mostly because I liked the way they look. But, I believe they benefit you during slow speeds and especially during stalls. The Lightning is a fast, good looking, cruiser. The seating is comfortable for two adults with adequate shoulder room.....as long as they are not big people.
I would not say the Lightning is a "[i]Trainer[/i]" airplane, but with proper training, you can easily fly it. I believe it is absolutely critical that you have thorough training in the Lightning before you solo.
I now have about 65 hours on my Lightning and I am beginning to take longer trips. Short hops are also good.
I hope this helps in your decision.
Happy flying .
Gary Pennington
[quote]
---
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sailor(at)mindspring.com
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:05 am Post subject: Training |
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Thanks Buz,
Lots to think about. Appreciate the info. I’m going to be in Sebring this week to look around.
Hollis
From: owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-lightning-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of N1BZRich(at)aol.com
Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2009 6:53 PM
To: lightning-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: Lightning-List: Training
In a message dated 1/18/2009 5:55:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, sailor(at)mindspring.com writes:
| Quote: |
How does everyone feel about the Lightning (LSA Version--with winglets)
using it as my trainer? |
Hello Hollis,
Since you are already a student pilot, we can assume you can "multi task" (such as walking and chewing gum at the same time - just kidding here, well mostly just kidding), so you obviously have the basic skills and motivation to finish your pilot training. So based on that, to my way of thinking, your chances of success really will depend on your instructor, not you. The Lightning is an easy airplane to fly, but like all things that take training to develop the proper specific skills, you need to be taught by someone that has the background, experience, patience, and the right attitude to be a good instructor. Some instructors are great, some are just OK, but way too many are pretty weak. Weak in skills, weak in experience, weak in motivation, and weak in instructional techniques. In many cases, it really isn't their fault - as they were likely taught be others that just wanted to build flying time to move on to a better paying piloting job. So finding the right instructor is job # 1. After that, have that person get a proper checkout in the Lightning by someone that is experienced in the Lightning. Then, and only then, they can start your training.
To be more specific about the Lightning, yes, it is very easy to land. However, the light weight of the airplane combined with the relatively high aspect ratio and high lift wing, make airspeed control very important. If you are trying to land too fast, it will float some time before it slows enough for a full stall landing. If you try to force it on the runway while still fast, it will tend to rebound or skip back into the air. So just fly the proper speed on final, flare just inches above the runway and hold it off until it stalls on. There will be no bounce or rebound if you are not too fast. That 3300' runway you fly off of is plenty long for a Lightning. With good approaches, an experienced Lightning pilot can easily operate out of a much shorter strip. Also, slow flight is a piece of cake. The ailerons are still very effective at slow speeds, but the proper use of rudder for coordinated turns becomes more important the slower you fly. So use rudders and ailerons together while slow flying (keep the ball centered). Well, you should be doing this all the time, but actually the Lightning basic design will allow you to be somewhat lazy about proper rudder coordination at cruise speeds.
So, yes, with the right instructor, you can learn to fly in a Lightning. Some time ago, I gave demo rides in the demo Lightning to two buddies that were thinking about building a Lightning together. One was a pilot and the other a student pilot. The student pilot also brought his instructor (a lady instructor) so she could also get a demo ride and evaluate it for completing his training. All three liked the airplane and the lady instructor was sure she could finish the students training in the Lightning. The student himself, after getting some stick time during his demo ride, exclaimed excitedly, "I can fly this thing". So I would suggest the same to you. Bring your instructor to SYI, or where ever you are thinking about doing the build, and have the instructor get a demo flight as well as you. That way everyone involved can make an informed decision. You and the instructor (on the Lightning), and the demo pilot (as to whether your instructor has their "stuff" together).
One other comment, just so you understand the requirements of a newly built experimental amateur built aircraft. The first 40 hours are restricted to a specific area and the aircraft must be flown solo by the pilot or pilots that are doing the test flying. So your dual instruction could not start in the Lightning until after this 40 hour test period is completed.
Blue Skies,
Buz
A Good Credit Score is 7001028747/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=DecemailfooterNO62"> See yours in just 2 easy steps!
| Quote: | | http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List |
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[quote][b]
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