ronin5573

That would convince me not to buy one.  Factory support is an important factor when they are asking 275 grand for a new aircraft. 

3 hours ago, Warmi said:

My worry would be not so much some kind of FAA ramp check but rather in hopefully unlikely scenario that I crash the plane or somehow need to fill out insurance claim there may be issues related to the plane not being in compliance. 

I hear you 100%.  I have just never heard of an insurance claim being denied because someone installed a 345 transponder instead of an approved 335 etc etc etc…..  rules are rules 

If you take some time to look at SLSA aircraft on trade a plane or controller,  you will quickly realize that the vast majority of these planes are being bought, and sold every day with illegal modifications on them.  My comment isn’t to the legality of the situation. It only shows that people just don’t care. I also haven’t seen any federal actions of enforcement either. 
So the only group that is reacting to it is forums online.

I have also seen many experimental light sport aircraft that aren’t following the rules as well.  Many are using constant speed propellers. I haven’t herd of any actions on those either. 
  I have a SLSA aircraft with 3 letters of authorization from the manufacturer.  Not all builders of SLSA are equal. 🤷

I think I have an extra brand new trail tech landing light.  Let me know if you still need one . 

11 hours ago, Kevin said:

Mine takes a long time even here in NC on warm days. 

Have a Tannis engine Heater installed.  My engine temps are at 90 deg F at startup. 

Congratulations,  you will love the plane. 

2 hours ago, PilotPete said:

Welcome!

Here are my thoughts on getting in and out of the SC, not damaging the aircraft, and a couple of other notes of things I wish I knew then:

If two persons are on the back steps at the same time the airplane can tail drop. This might damage the aircraft and/or cause someone to fall. One person at a time. 

Try not to step on the seats. The support underneath isn't tremendous, and is part of an service bulletin for inspection/repair from bent support brackets.

When entering, as stated by others, use the dash handholds and center column support/side of canopy/fuselage. Support as much weight there. Don't use the seatbacks to enter.

Exiting is simply a matter of "commiting" to stepping off backwards and knowing the step is still in fact attached and didn't fall off in flight. Step back and feel for it. It's easy over time.

Do not turn and face rewards to climb off/out. It won't work. If a passenger does turn towards the tail tell them to turn around. I haven't seen an easy way off facing the tail except a big jump. 

I ALWAYS exit first and come around to monitor folks as they exit and step backwards. I monitor the "NO STEP" areas carefully. Keep them clear of the flaps and the no step areas. Don't let them step sideways towards the cargo hatches, as these are super thin. 

Ensure you retract your flaps as it can be easy to catch a toe.

No high heels. They will puncture your seats and are really not appropriate for safely climbing in and out. 

Since we are talking taking care of the canopy area:

Don't leave the canopy up in the sun without a dash protector. The sun/canopy will quickly burn a hole in your dashboard. No BS. It's a real problem.

Be careful of strong wind gusts/windy days catching and pulling/damaging an open canopy. 

Reach up and close the canopy carefully and fully, don't let passengers try to pull it closed via the guide rails, as the rails can bend. 

Don't place anything on your dashboard. Closing the canopy on a headset, especially, can crack your canopy. 

Clean the canopy with Plexus, gently, and only wipe in the direction of flight (One direction, don't swirl). Swirling causes damage/glare issue. Don't use a lot of elbow grease as you can crack the canopy a lot easier than you might think. Use a fresh clean cloth. 

I think being super attentive to passengers puts both you and them at ease, and establishes an aura of "sterile cockpit". I remind myself and my passengers to take our time.

A bent flap, a dented wing, a damaged flap motor, a busted $18,000 canopy, broken seat rails, all not fun. One moment of inattention and a passenger can ground your plane for a long time. These are not Piper Archers. They are relatively fragile. Be careful. 

Oh: Close canopy before flight. Double check. Keep your cords/headset control unit clear of the canopy latch. Keep objects in the rear storage clear of the canopy latch mechanism. There have been several accidents, one fatal, from the canopy opening in flight. Many others that were "non events". Best to avoid all of that.

Move the plane by pushing and pulling at the prop hub base (not prop tips). If you use the hand tug, only use it to steer the wheel, don't pull it will come off and you will get hurt. It's only to steer. Don't push/move the plane by the tail or wings (maybe at the root?) as they are prone to dents! Use the prop hub. It's a very light plane.

I always tie down my plane, even for short visits at transient parking. I almost lost my plane when a helicopter came to the pumps and his rotor wash got under my wings. I ran over and me and another guy held her down. She will fly off if left alone on a windy day. 

Enjoy!!

This forum is a great resource. Read as many of the posts here that you can digest. There are huge amounts of knowledge, lore, and tips in this group. 

Safe travels and once again welcome!

-Pilot Pete

 

 

 

 

 

Wow,  I wish I would have read something like that in 2014.  Fantastic advise!! 

https://youtu.be/_HOAHGNWzs8

On 1/8/2022 at 7:08 PM, Ricky Hinson said:

Just purchased a 2018 Sport Cruiser. Having trouble with the canopy leaking air. Is there a fix for this. Can it be adjusted. Anyone ever tried weather stripping? Thanks, Rick

Where are you located ?  I ask because if you live in a northern Climate ... you might be going down the rabbit hole like I did to try to get some heat in the cabin. I also blamed leaks and this and that, but the bottom line is after 20 deg ... it was just to cold for me.

6 hours ago, Toryn said:

Really looking forward to finding out soon.   Also thought it was a bit strange that the previous owner had screws of 3 different lengths holding on the spinner cone for the 2 blade.  All in all though, that prop is still in pretty good shape.  What do you guys think it’s worth?   I believe I saw they are about $1850 new on the sensenich site.  

I love those freebe harbor freight magnetic screw holders.   I think I have like 6 of em. 

3 hours ago, Toryn said:

There’s a party pooper song?    Forgot to mention the plane was converted to ELSA some time ago by the previous owner, which we’d verified with documentation. 

No party pooper song then …..🤐

I would have to agree the wrap job looks great.  So much more updated in looks. 

Why do I hear the party pooper song in my head right now ??? 

2 hours ago, Mel said:

"GENUINE ROTAX" parts.

Ironically the genuine Rotax fuel hose doesn't need to be replaced as it Teflon. 

1 hour ago, Jerry Mascagni said:

My IA thinks that there is a pretty large area that has pitted. As he welds up one hole and we check for leaks. We find another leak just a little way from where he just welded.

I'm going to find the phone number for Utah and call them. Maby they still have the tank.

If it just pin holes,  Proseal might be a cheaper repair. 

that makes more sense.  I hope all goes well. 

3 hours ago, Trc1969 said:

 I can get my medical but I’ll have to get someone on retainer to get everything together to present to the FAA.

1 hour ago, Trc1969 said:

 I should have explained a little better.  I will NOT apply just have someone retained to get everything together, look it over, send me for whatever testing is necessary, and then let me know if I will be cleared.  Basically hiring a consultant that at some point becomes my AME and gives me the exam hopefully with all pitfalls already addressed before we send it to the FAA.

You must have some kind of condition that your not saying.  A class 3 medical isn't that complex of a physical.  I know of no one that could get a medical without any underlining problems that ever retain anyone to present anything to the FAA.

1 hour ago, Trc1969 said:

 I really wanted the SR22 to fly weekly from Eastern KY to Panama City and Brooksville/Tampa, It’s fast and appears to be easy fly.

You seem really excited about aviation and flying which is great but your making some huge assumptions on things without any  knowledge.  Do you have a 

CFI to help you through all this ?? One of the first things most CFI will do is make sure you get a student medical cert which is a class 3 medical. With out that it makes flight training kind of a waste of time really. And just as an FYI the Cirrus is a great plane but its anything but easy to fly being a high performance and very complex aircraft. 

I wonder how difficult it would be for him to purchase a US aircraft and then have it re registered to Canada.  Would sure make shopping easier as the amount for sale in the US compared to Canada. They do have a better selection of hockey sticks!! 😅

9 minutes ago, DavePilot said:

See

How To Resize Images From Context Menu In Windows 10

https://www.intowindows.com/resize-images-from-context-menu-in-windows-10/

for an easy method to resize images to use less bytes of SCFLIER Total Allocated Memory shared amongst all Members.

My issue usually comes in that I use my iPhone more then a windows pc. 

I have the same issue.  It’s like you can only upload a set amount then nada. 

11 hours ago, ShawnM said:

"Image Resizer for Windows".

that works fantastic 

Lancair’s have never been referred to as docile.  It shows in the high accident rate. 

8 minutes ago, Warmi said:

Get your 3rd class medical - to me that is a no-brainer.

You can fly anything with it - SC , Lightning - whatever ... 

Personally, I was kind of looking at the new Lightning as my next plane ( either that or Sling 4 TSI - but I don't need 4 seats). With the Titan engine it will cruise faster but the main thing for me is 17XX lbs gross which is what I am having problems with on my Sting S4 - not enough gross. I am 6 feet 210 LBS , my wife is almost 6 feet and while she is pretty thin , at 6 feet she is still heavier than most women + BRS and we are maxed out with fuel.

With 17XXX lbs , I can add a BRS installation to the Lightning ( Nick mentioned that they do offer it if you want it ) , load it with fuel and still have enough for decent size baggage.

 

Why buy a lightning when you could get what it was designed from the Lancair. …. if you can fit into it.  I'm 6'5  and cant get my knees under the panel but it a screamer at 200 + knots at 8-10 gallons per hour

https://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=LANCAIR&model=320&listing_id=2375076&s-type=aircraft

42 minutes ago, ShawnM said:

Call down to Cruiser Aircraft for the required LOA for that mod. Damn, I was laughing just typing that. 

Lol