| Robert Froelich's Lancair IV | |
| The aircraft
was constructed between Feb 1992 and Oct 1995. As of Feb.
1999, it has 250 hours on it by flying to all three
coasts. When flying, it is an aircraft that needs
planning way ahead of where you are. 100 miles out at
15,000 feet is only 20 minutes to touch down. Down wind,
base and final go past very fast during which time there
is a lot to think about. I have three co-pilot substitutes: 1) a good S-Tec 65 auto-pilot, 2) a Terra Radar Altimeter and 3) and Angle of Attack display. The radar altimeter is most helpful reducing workload when flying into a new airport. It displays the altitude above ground so that you do not have to calculate it, look up the local field elevation and obtain the local altimeter setting. The Angle of Attack unit talks to you if the gear is still up when slowing below a set airspeed and talks to you if the pitch and bank attitude combination is beyond a safe critical angle of attack. it displays the optimum approach attitude. Both announcements have been found to be useful reminders in the landing pattern, when workload is the greatest. The Angle of Attack adjusts automatically for C.G., weight, and altitude. It is the ideal instrument for landing, much better than the airspeed indicator. Airspeed indication accuracy increases with airspeed. Angle of Attack accuracy increases with a decrease in airspeed. A great airplane for cross country trips: comfortable, 4 passenger, 1100 pound useful load, 18 gallons per hour, 280 mph at 65 % power, 96 gallon fuel, 350 hp at 38 inches manifold pressure at 2700 RPM for takeoff. E-Mail |
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