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N1BZRich(at)AOL.COM
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:10 am Post subject: Lightning

Hey Lightning folks, 

     I knew we could generate some message traffic if I  just asked for project updates.  Thanks to  Earl, Brian, Linda, John,  Lynn, Rick, Walt and our down under friend, Dennis, for providing some  feedback.  As you all can see, a few are flying and several other are  really getting close.  Those that have flown are very pleased with their  birds and, as far as I can tell, all those getting close have been pleased with  the build process and especially the support in Tennessee.  One thing  that I think is great is that those that have built the Lightning so far have  put in the extra effort to insure top quality airplanes in fit and  finish.  Outstanding paint jobs, great panels and interiors - it only  takes a little extra effort to do it right and the Lightning design certainly  deserves that.  I think the Lightning builders are going to get a great  reputation as a group that produces great looking and great flying  airplanes.  Congratulations to all of you and the Lightning team in  Shelbyville.

     Now to answer or comment on some of your  messages:

 -Brian, I am sure all builders are looking forward to your results  with the drag clean up experiments.  Hope the stuff I left with Nick  for you comes in handy.  If you can achieve even half of the cruise  improvements that you are looking for you will have been successful.  It is  a clean design already, but you have zeroed in on those places that I think  could be improved on.  In the long run, I am sure Nick and Pete will want  to incorporate some of your improvements (flap hinges) into the basic  design.  Keep us informed.

 -As to cold weather starting and other engine questions.  I am into my  second winter since starting to fly my airplane and in the past 13 months I have  about 238 hours on this 3300 Jabiru.  I couldn't be more pleased with this  little jewel of an engine.  The only maintenance has been regular oil  changes and new plugs at the 100 and 200 hour points.  Heck, when plugs  cost less than $2.00 each why ever clean a plug.  Just replace.  Plugs  and oil filters ( $4.00 or so) are available at any local auto parts  store.  Lynn asked about oil leaks (Continentals seem to all leak) and  vibrations. I can say I have seen no oil leaks.  One thing that Jabiru did  right was to use O-rings instead of gaskets - hence, no leaks.  Also, the  engine is very smooth when running.  If you are having a vibration it is  either the propeller or spinner that is causing the problem.  As to cold  weather starting, if you follow the published procedures, no problems down to  temperatures where I really don't like to fly.  (I should have moved to  Florida many years ago.)  Basically, for a cold weather start, pull the  choke fully on (aft) and the throttle completely closed (also  aft).  Then pull the propeller through 6 to 8 blades, complete your  preflight, strap in, and start the engine.  As I said, this published  procedure has gotten me through a winter and a half with no problems.   Granted, in Virginia we really don't get the really cold weather, but I have  started the engine down to about freezing.  One other thing I do on a  regular basis when I know my next start might be in cold temperatures - I keep a  light bulb under the engine (you can get it in underneath by the nose gear  leg) with a blanket over the cowling and cowling intake plugs in  place.  This seems to help and probably raises the engine compartment  temperature at least 10 degrees or so above ambient outside air  temperature.  I used to do this trick with my Bonanza using two light bulbs  and I could raise the temp around the engine from 15 to 20 degrees.  Engine  pre-heaters also work, but the light bulb is simple and basically is  "cheap".  Just takes a few seconds before you close the hangar door and a  few seconds more to remove before your next flight.  PS - don't let a 100  watt bulb touch your bottom fiberglass cowling for 2 1/2 weeks while you drive  your new Corvette to Colorado or you will end up with a small brown spot on the  outside of your bottom cowling.  Yep, I did that.  I now use a 60  watt bulb.   In fact, don't let the bulb touch the fiberglass at all-  rest it on the exhaust or use some other way to suspend it near the bottom of  the engine. 

 -Dennis, I sent photos of my auto pilot servos installation several months  ago.  I take it that you did not get those or that you could not display  them.  I will find have to find them again and resend.  The  TruTrak system is great.  

     Folks, keep the info flow ongoing.  Remember  that the list included those that have built, those that are building, those  that are considering building, and those that are just gathering information to  help them decide at some later date what airplane to build.  All can  benefit from the list - so don't hesitate to put in your $.02 worth.   

 Blue Skies,

 Buz 

  [quote][b]

cdewey6969(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 12:44 pm Post subject: Lightning

Great to hear updates from everybody. Curious how

Dennis Down Under is doing with the installation of

the 8 cylinder Jabiru. Innodyn has an inexpensive

turbine- anyone know whether the Lightning could take

this engine? I know the Vne is 205 or so, but any

guesses as to what the plane will do with a turbine?

Could the plane handle a 250 mph cruise??? Afterall,

ther is a guy with a Lancair Legacy racing in Reno

with a jet engine and beating most everyone. If the

Lightning is stressed to +-9 g's, why can't it handle

250+mph!!! I plan on flying 2000 mile legs regularly

in my Lightning, so speed is important. BRS parachute

will be in my plane, so I would feel safe going faster

than the Vne.     Charles in Virginia (currently

building a Lightning)

--- N1BZRich(at)aol.com wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   Hey Lightning folks, 

     I knew we could generate some message traffic if

 I  just asked for 

 project updates.  Thanks to  Earl, Brian, Linda,

 John,  Lynn, Rick, Walt and our 

 down under friend, Dennis, for providing some 

 feedback.  As you all can see, a 

 few are flying and several other are  really getting

 close.  Those that have 

 flown are very pleased with their  birds and, as far

 as I can tell, all those 

 getting close have been pleased with  the build

 process and especially the 

 support in Tennessee.  One thing  that I think is

 great is that those that have 

 built the Lightning so far have  put in the extra

 effort to insure top quality 

 airplanes in fit and  finish.  Outstanding paint

 jobs, great panels and 

 interiors - it only  takes a little extra effort to

 do it right and the Lightning 

 design certainly  deserves that.  I think the

 Lightning builders are going to get 

 a great  reputation as a group that produces great

 looking and great flying  

 airplanes.  Congratulations to all of you and the

 Lightning team in  

 Shelbyville.

     Now to answer or comment on some of your 

 messages:

 -Brian, I am sure all builders are looking forward

 to your results  with the 

 drag clean up experiments.  Hope the stuff I left

 with Nick  for you comes in 

 handy.  If you can achieve even half of the cruise 

 improvements that you are 

 looking for you will have been successful.  It is  a

 clean design already, but 

 you have zeroed in on those places that I think 

 could be improved on.  In 

 the long run, I am sure Nick and Pete will want  to

 incorporate some of your 

 improvements (flap hinges) into the basic  design. 

 Keep us informed.

 -As to cold weather starting and other engine

 questions.  I am into my  

 second winter since starting to fly my airplane and

 in the past 13 months I have  

 about 238 hours on this 3300 Jabiru.  I couldn't be

 more pleased with this  

 little jewel of an engine.  The only maintenance has

 been regular oil  changes 

 and new plugs at the 100 and 200 hour points.  Heck,

 when plugs  cost less than 

 $2.00 each why ever clean a plug.  Just replace. 

 Plugs  and oil filters ( 

 $4.00 or so) are available at any local auto parts 

 store.  Lynn asked about oil 

 leaks (Continentals seem to all leak) and 

 vibrations. I can say I have seen 

 no oil leaks.  One thing that Jabiru did  right was

 to use O-rings instead of 

 gaskets - hence, no leaks.  Also, the  engine is

 very smooth when running.  If 

 you are having a vibration it is  either the

 propeller or spinner that is 

 causing the problem.  As to cold  weather starting,

 if you follow the published 

 procedures, no problems down to  temperatures where

 I really don't like to fly.  

 (I should have moved to  Florida many years ago.) 

 Basically, for a cold 

 weather start, pull the  choke fully on (aft) and

 the throttle completely closed 

 (also  aft).  Then pull the propeller through 6 to 8

 blades, complete your  

 preflight, strap in, and start the engine.  As I

 said, this published  procedure 

 has gotten me through a winter and a half with no

 problems.   Granted, in 

 Virginia we really don't get the really cold

 weather, but I have  started the 

 engine down to about freezing.  One other thing I do

 on a  regular basis when I 

 know my next start might be in cold temperatures - I

 keep a  light bulb under 

 the engine (you can get it in underneath by the nose

 gear  leg) with a blanket 

 over the cowling and cowling intake plugs in  place.

  This seems to help and 

 probably raises the engine compartment  temperature

 at least 10 degrees or so 

 above ambient outside air  temperature.  I used to

 do this trick with my Bonanza 

 using two light bulbs  and I could raise the temp

 around the engine from 15 

 to 20 degrees.  Engine  pre-heaters also work, but

 the light bulb is simple and 

 basically is  "cheap".  Just takes a few seconds

 before you close the hangar 

 door and a  few seconds more to remove before your

 next flight.  PS - don't 

 let a 100  watt bulb touch your bottom fiberglass

 cowling for 2 1/2 weeks while 

 you drive  your new Corvette to Colorado or you will

 end up with a small brown 

 spot on the  outside of your bottom cowling.  Yep, I

 did that.  I now use a 

 60  watt bulb.   In fact, don't let the bulb touch

 the fiberglass at all-  rest 

 it on the exhaust or use some other way to suspend

 it near the bottom of  the 

 engine. 

 -Dennis, I sent photos of my auto pilot servos

 installation several months  

 ago.  I take it that you did not get those or that

 you could not display  them. 

  I will find have to find them again and resend. 

 The  TruTrak system is 

 great.  

     Folks, keep the info flow ongoing.  Remember 

 that the list included 

 those that have built, those that are building,

 those  that are considering 

 building, and those that are just gathering

 information to  help them decide at some 

 later date what airplane to build.  All can  benefit

 from the list - so don't 

 hesitate to put in your $.02 worth.  

 Blue Skies,

 Buz 

 


	


 

Now that's room service!  Choose from over 150,000 hotels

in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit.

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IFLYSMODEL(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 1:46 pm Post subject: Lightning

Hey Buz and the rest of you Lightning folks: I really appreciate your  comments. I am just a wannabe for the moment. And most likely until I can  convince my wife we need to sell the Bonanza (N2JX). It has a lot of  modifications, including an IO-550 and 3400 lb gross weight, so if any of you  know of someone that is looking for a great airplane, send them my way.

     I had sent a request for a test flight to the  lightning home, but I suppose they will not read the e-mail until sometime next  week. Since the light sport expo was in Sebring (about 20 miles from here) I had  hoped for a good chance for a flight.

     I will continue to lurk on this site, and see what  all I can learn.

 Lynn Nelsen

  [quote][b]

dashvii(at)hotmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 2:13 pm Post subject: Lightning

Interesting question.  I am familiar with Innodyn and they have a 185hp 

turbine that weighs less than 180lbs, so the weight is about right.  There's 

a foreign aircraft manufacturer, can't recall the name, something like an 

"Excite" or "Extreme" which looks like a Lightning with tip tanks, a 180hp 

turbine, tailwheel, 5 bladed GT prop.  It cruises right at 300mph and top 

speed was about 320mph I think.  I believe fuel burn was about 10 gph.  I'll 

have to see if I can find the site.  Think the company might have tanked 

since they didn't have much updated.



As for a 250mph cruise.  Well it's been dive tested to about 240 something 

true.  I have not been up that high though, I've only been to about 200.  

Nick might can give you an idea for a "what if" airplane.  I know that 

Innodyn also makes a 165 hp version.  Perhaps one of thes on the plane could 

work.  I think that a tailwheel version could also be possible.  I think 

that you'd want that to get the size prop you need on that thing.  Very cool 

idea though.  Let me know if you end up trying some things like this, would 

be an interesting project.  Brian W.



_________________________________________________________________

Dave vs. Carl: The Insignificant Championship Series.  Who will win?

N1BZRich(at)AOL.COM
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 2:25 pm Post subject: Lightning

Hey Charles,

     Where in Virginia are you?  I am based at JGG  and FKN.  

     As to your questions and aspirations for a 250  mile per hour cruise and a 200 mile range, I think you should look at a Lancair  IV or some other aircraft designed for that mission.  The Lightning Vne is  208 and it is stressed for +5, not +9.  Some of the individual structures  of the Lightning may have been tested to 9, but the data / information is quite  clear that it is a 5 G airplane.  

     Of course, it is a homebuilt and you the builder  can make changes as you see fit, but then it becomes a "Charles Special" and not  a Lightning.  The Innodyn turbine is certainly an interesting engine  and the one of around 205 HP could probably achieve the speeds you are talking  about if you had a clean airframe, the right propeller (expensive), and a  perfectly designed air inlet which would probably require lots of testing  and changes to optimize the air flow to the turbine.  Of course, fuel  consumption is higher than for an internal combustion engine, so you would have  to GREATLY increase the capacity of your fuel tanks to even match the current  Lightning range.  A 2000 mile XC leg that you mentioned would probably  require some sort of external tanks in order to increase fuel capacity to  the amount you would require.  So with all these changes, why not just  start with an airplane design that is aimed at the mission you describe.   

     Remember the mission goals for the Lightning were  more along the lines of - a great looking safe airplane that is fast and  economical to build, and fast and economical to fly.  The current  Lightning certainly meets those goals.     

 Blue Skies,

 Buz

  [quote][b]

cdewey6969(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 3:13 pm Post subject: Lightning

By "leg" I didn't mean that I actually wanted to fly

2000 miles at once. I can break the trip up as many

times as necessary, so extra gas storage for the

Lightning wouldn't really be necessary. I did some

searching on Innodyn's website and saw someone who put

an Innodyne turbine in a Cub if I remember correctly.

Another 165 HP Innodyn turbine was put in an RV4 and

there is video of it and the Cub on Innodyn's website.

The sound of the turbine really is sweet! He was

having trouble making the brand new engine run

efficiently and it was determined that the engine

wasn't getting enough air, so a larger intake opening

in the cowling was made for it, and then it operated

perfectly. It is interesting to note that Innodyn

suggests that their turbines run most efficiently when

at full power setting. They are burning about 7

gallons per 100 hp (horse power). If the Lightning can

cruise at least 50mph faster, then the extra fuel burn

would be worth it. I am going to call Innodyn on

Monday to see if they think it can be installed in a

Lightning and if so, what kind of cruise speed might

happen. Interestingly, the turbine can also be used

for helicopter operation; they have a list of some

planes it can definitely be used in on the Innodyn

website- mostly RV's and canard type planes are

listed. If it can go in an RV4 why not in a Lightning?

(at)yahoo.com> wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 <cdewey6969(at)yahoo.com>

 

 Great to hear updates from everybody. Curious how

 Dennis Down Under is doing with the installation of

 the 8 cylinder Jabiru. Innodyn has an inexpensive

 turbine- anyone know whether the Lightning could

 take

 this engine? I know the Vne is 205 or so, but any

 guesses as to what the plane will do with a turbine?

 Could the plane handle a 250 mph cruise??? Afterall,

 ther is a guy with a Lancair Legacy racing in Reno

 with a jet engine and beating most everyone. If the

 Lightning is stressed to +-9 g's, why can't it

 handle

 250+mph!!! I plan on flying 2000 mile legs regularly

 in my Lightning, so speed is important. BRS

 parachute

 will be in my plane, so I would feel safe going

 faster

 than the Vne.     Charles in Virginia (currently

 building a Lightning)

 --- N1BZRich(at)aol.com wrote:

 

 > Hey Lightning folks, 

 >     I knew we could generate some message traffic

 if

 > I  just asked for 

 > project updates.  Thanks to  Earl, Brian, Linda,

 > John,  Lynn, Rick, Walt and our 

 > down under friend, Dennis, for providing some 

 > feedback.  As you all can see, a 

 > few are flying and several other are  really

 getting

 > close.  Those that have 

 > flown are very pleased with their  birds and, as

 far

 > as I can tell, all those 

 > getting close have been pleased with  the build

 > process and especially the 

 > support in Tennessee.  One thing  that I think is

 > great is that those that have 

 > built the Lightning so far have  put in the extra

 > effort to insure top quality 

 > airplanes in fit and  finish.  Outstanding paint

 > jobs, great panels and 

 > interiors - it only  takes a little extra effort

 to

 > do it right and the Lightning 

 > design certainly  deserves that.  I think the

 > Lightning builders are going to get 

 > a great  reputation as a group that produces great

 > looking and great flying  

 > airplanes.  Congratulations to all of you and the

 > Lightning team in  

 > Shelbyville.

 >     Now to answer or comment on some of your 

 > messages:

 > -Brian, I am sure all builders are looking forward

 > to your results  with the 

 > drag clean up experiments.  Hope the stuff I left

 > with Nick  for you comes in 

 > handy.  If you can achieve even half of the cruise

 

 > improvements that you are 

 > looking for you will have been successful.  It is 

 a

 > clean design already, but 

 > you have zeroed in on those places that I think 

 > could be improved on.  In 

 > the long run, I am sure Nick and Pete will want 

 to

 > incorporate some of your 

 > improvements (flap hinges) into the basic  design.

 

 > Keep us informed.

 > -As to cold weather starting and other engine

 > questions.  I am into my  

 > second winter since starting to fly my airplane

 and

 > in the past 13 months I have  

 > about 238 hours on this 3300 Jabiru.  I couldn't

 be

 > more pleased with this  

 > little jewel of an engine.  The only maintenance

 has

 > been regular oil  changes 

 > and new plugs at the 100 and 200 hour points. 

 Heck,

 > when plugs  cost less than 

 > $2.00 each why ever clean a plug.  Just replace. 

 > Plugs  and oil filters ( 

 > $4.00 or so) are available at any local auto parts

 

 > store.  Lynn asked about oil 

 > leaks (Continentals seem to all leak) and 

 > vibrations. I can say I have seen 

 > no oil leaks.  One thing that Jabiru did  right

 was

 > to use O-rings instead of 

 > gaskets - hence, no leaks.  Also, the  engine is

 > very smooth when running.  If 

 > you are having a vibration it is  either the

 > propeller or spinner that is 

 > causing the problem.  As to cold  weather

 starting,

 > if you follow the published 

 > procedures, no problems down to  temperatures

 where

 > I really don't like to fly.  

 > (I should have moved to  Florida many years ago.) 

 > Basically, for a cold 

 > weather start, pull the  choke fully on (aft) and

 > the throttle completely closed 

 > (also  aft).  Then pull the propeller through 6 to

 8

 > blades, complete your  

 > preflight, strap in, and start the engine.  As I

 > said, this published  procedure 

 > has gotten me through a winter and a half with no

 > problems.   Granted, in 

 > Virginia we really don't get the really cold

 > weather, but I have  started the 

 > engine down to about freezing.  One other thing I

 do

 > on a  regular basis when I 

 > know my next start might be in cold temperatures -

 I

 > keep a  light bulb under 

 > the engine (you can get it in underneath by the

 nose

 > gear  leg) with a blanket 

 > over the cowling and cowling intake plugs in 

 place.

 >  This seems to help and 

 > probably raises the engine compartment 

 temperature

 > at least 10 degrees or so 

 > above ambient outside air  temperature.  I used to

 > do this trick with my Bonanza 

 > using two light bulbs  and I could raise the temp

 > around the engine from 15 

 > to 20 degrees.  Engine  pre-heaters also work, but

 > the light bulb is simple and 

 > basically is  "cheap".  Just takes a few seconds

 > before you close the hangar 

 > door and a  few seconds more to remove before your

 > next flight.  PS - don't 

 > let a 100  watt bulb touch your bottom fiberglass

 > cowling for 2 1/2 weeks while 

 > you drive  your new Corvette to Colorado or you

 will

 > end up with a small brown 

 > spot on the  outside of your bottom cowling.  Yep,

 I

 > did that.  I now use a 

 > 60  watt bulb.   In fact, don't let the bulb touch

 > the fiberglass at all-  rest 

 > it on the exhaust or use some other way to suspend

 > it near the bottom of  the 

 > engine. 

 > -Dennis, I sent photos of my auto pilot servos

 > installation several months  

 > ago.  I take it that you did not get those or that

 > you could not display  them. 

 >  I will find have to find them again and resend. 

 > The  TruTrak system is 

 > great.  

 >     Folks, keep the info flow ongoing.  Remember 

 > that the list included 

 > those that have built, those that are building,

 > those  that are considering 

 > building, and those that are just gathering

 > information to  help them decide at some 

 > later date what airplane to build.  All can 

 benefit

 > from the list - so don't 

 > hesitate to put in your $.02 worth.  

 > Blue Skies,

 > Buz 

 > 

 

 

 

  

 Now that's room service!  Choose from over 150,000

 hotels

 in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your

 fit.

 http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097

 



 browse

 Subscriptions page,

 FAQ,

 http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List

 

=== message truncated ===
	




 

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cdewey6969(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 3:26 pm Post subject: Lightning

Brian, I google'd "excite airplane" and nothing but

radio controlled planes came up. Any chance that the

plane you were thinking of is the freebird extreme? It

is at www.freebirdextreme.com. It's mock-up in a

trailer has been at all the air shows. The jet version

of that plane is at least a couple of years off from

being made, if they ever go through with it. I don't

think they even have the LSA or experimental version

flying yet. The company just traded hands in the fall.

Do you or anyone out there know of 2-seater light jet

that is fuel efficient and fast without spending a

fortune (and with BRS)? Would love to make the

Lightning as close to super fast as possible and would

be willing to be the guinea pig.

--- Brian Whittingham <dashvii(at)hotmail.com> wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 Whittingham" <dashvii(at)hotmail.com>

 

 Interesting question.  I am familiar with Innodyn

 and they have a 185hp 

 turbine that weighs less than 180lbs, so the weight

 is about right.  There's 

 a foreign aircraft manufacturer, can't recall the

 name, something like an 

 "Excite" or "Extreme" which looks like a Lightning

 with tip tanks, a 180hp 

 turbine, tailwheel, 5 bladed GT prop.  It cruises

 right at 300mph and top 

 speed was about 320mph I think.  I believe fuel burn

 was about 10 gph.  I'll 

 have to see if I can find the site.  Think the

 company might have tanked 

 since they didn't have much updated.

 

 As for a 250mph cruise.  Well it's been dive tested

 to about 240 something 

 true.  I have not been up that high though, I've

 only been to about 200.  

 Nick might can give you an idea for a "what if"

 airplane.  I know that 

 Innodyn also makes a 165 hp version.  Perhaps one of

 thes on the plane could 

 work.  I think that a tailwheel version could also

 be possible.  I think 

 that you'd want that to get the size prop you need

 on that thing.  Very cool 

 idea though.  Let me know if you end up trying some

 things like this, would 

 be an interesting project.  Brian W.

 



_________________________________________________________________
	


 	  Quote: 	
		   Dave vs. Carl: The Insignificant Championship

 Series.  Who will win? 

 

 



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 FAQ,

 http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Lightning-List



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Daniel Vandenberg

Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 22

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 3:33 pm Post subject: Lightning

IMHO the Innodyne should be viewed with a healthy skepticism.  Likely to have VERY HIGH fuel burns at typically used altitudes.  If you could get up to the FL's and stay up for a long time it might have potential.   No way to get that much fuel into a Lightning.



Please review this thread on Van's Airforce.  First customer Innodyne RV-8 (Jim Benson in Colorado) has posted a couple of times.  The lastest is that "We lost an inch off the turbine wheel."  Translation...the engine is already being rebuilt after just a few hours of early testing.



http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=12103



Dan



Brian Whittingham <dashvii(at)hotmail.com> wrote:[quote] --> Lightning-List message posted by: "Brian Whittingham" 



Interesting question.  I am  familiar with Innodyn and they have a 185hp 

turbine that weighs less than 180lbs, so the weight is about right.  There's 

a foreign aircraft manufacturer, can't recall the name, something like an 

"Excite" or "Extreme" which looks like a Lightning with tip tanks, a 180hp 

turbine, tailwheel, 5 bladed GT prop.  It cruises right at 300mph and top 

speed was about 320mph I think.  I believe fuel burn was about 10 gph.  I'll 

have to see if I can find the site.  Think the company might have tanked 

since they didn't have much updated.



As for a 250mph cruise.  Well it's been dive tested to about 240 something 

true.  I have not been up that high though, I've only been to about 200.  

Nick might can give you an idea for a "what if" airplane.  I know that 

Innodyn also makes a 165 hp version.  Perhaps one of thes on the plane could 

work.  I think that a tailwheel version could also be possible.  I think 

that you'd want that to get the  [quote][b]

dashvii(at)hotmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 4:29 pm Post subject: Lightning

Charles,

    Interesting airplane, but not the one that I'm thinking of.  I've got a 

picture of it saved at work and I'll see if I can find what the company is 

tomorrow.  Can't remember at all the name of the company.  I know it's 

overseas though, Brian W.



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Daniel Vandenberg

Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 22

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 4:50 pm Post subject: Lightning

 	  Quote: 	
		  BRS parachute

will be in my plane, so I would feel safe going faster

than the Vne.     Charles in Virginia (currently

building a Lightning)

	
Charles....



Here is some food for thought on the BRS.  Be careful not to let the presence of a BRS breed a false confidence.  



I was just reading last night in Flying magazne (Feb 2007  Richard Collins p30) about Cirrus accidents and the unexpectedly high accident rate of this supposedly "safer" airplane.  The safety record has come in just about like the much older retractables in the same class.  If you factor out the BRS "saves" that have been documented, the Cirrus safety record would be much worse than Bonanzas/Comanches/etc.  



One (among several) of the concerns about the Cirrus safety record is that  pilots may be pushing the safety envelope somewhat because of the BRS security blanket.  This may, in effect, negate the safety advantage of having the parachute on board.  Mr. Collins wondered whether the BRS may be similar to the second engine on a light twin...leading pilots to do things they would not do with a single engine...leading them into trouble.



Seems to me pilots should fly the same (carefully and conservatively) with or without the BRS.  Then, in the rare circumstance of need (mid-air collision, structural failure, power-loss over rough terrain) the BRS improves the odds of survival.



But "pushing the performance envelope" because of the presence of the BRS needs to be carefully considered...and probably discarded..as a factor in flight planning and flying.



My $.02



Dan



   Need Mail bonding?

Go to the Yahoo! Mail Q&A for great tips from Yahoo! Answers users. [quote][b]

N1BZRich(at)AOL.COM
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 6:15 pm Post subject: Lightning

In a message dated 1/14/2007 6:15:50 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  cdewey6969(at)yahoo.com writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		  It is    interesting to note that Innodyn

suggests that their turbines run most    efficiently when

at full power setting. 	


 

 Charles,

     If I am not mistaken, the Innodyn runs at 100%  power all the time.  The controlled pitch propeller is how they vary the  thrust.  This is what I remember when I was reading up on their company  several years ago.  I had thoughts of doing what you are thinking about,  but I was going to use an RV as a test aircraft - not the Lightning.   

 Blue Skies,

 Buz

  [quote][b]

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