Converting to a MKII tail

Submitted by Anonymous on

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From: Marvin Kaye <marvkaye [at] olsusa.com>
Subject: Converting to a MKII tail
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1998 12:00:34 -0500
To: <lancair.list [at] olsusa.com>

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Posted for "Bo Thisted" <thisted [at] interserv.com>"



This question is for a Lancair 360 with the small tail.



I am contemplating a purchase of a 360 with the smaller tail. I would like to

know if it is possible/ feasable to install a MK II tail instead. If so, how

complex and time consuming would this be?  Also, since I am not the original

builder, would I be able to perform the work myself. If not, where would I

have

to go to have this done ? Can I use some of the builders out there or must

it be

done by an A/P.



I appreciate any input you may have.  Thank you in advance.



Bo Thisted

thisted [at] interserv.com

Converting to a MKII tail

Submitted by Anonymous on

From: Doug Waddingham <DougWaddingham [at] worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Converting to a MKII tail
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1998 22:13:57 -0700
To: Lancair List <Lancair.list [at] olsusa.com>
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Posting for Bo Thisted who asked about converting to a MKII tail.



Bo - yes it is possible to convert from the small to the big tail. It's not

going to be easy though and I doubt it is something I would do myself. I

bought a kit in '96 and all they offered was the MKII tail so I didn't have

a choice. If I did though I think I may have opted for the smaller tail.

Friends of mine who are flying say it is just fine although I think getting

some dual from Don Goetz up in Redmond would prbably be a good thing to do.



Some considerations: (1) Are the antennae glassed into the existing H.

Stab? If so you'll need to find another location for them as the MKII is

made of carbon fiber and they won't work in that material. (2) The "saddle"

on which the stab sits is not large enough for the new stab with the result

that you will need to do major surgery to get it to fit. I think this will

also affect your vertical stab and rudder as well.



I'm still in the first half of the building process myself but the

modification you propose seems to me to be about as complex as they get.  I

believe it would take a considerable amount of time although someone with

more experience than me might find it an interesting challenge.



Good luck and happy flying



Doug

Converting to a MKII tail

Submitted by Anonymous on

From: Marvin Kaye <marvkaye [at] olsusa.com>
Subject: Converting to a MKII tail
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1998 10:52:08 -0500
To: <lancair.list [at] olsusa.com>
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Posted for "bobjude" <bobjude [at] gateway.net>:



I agree with Doug Waddinghan concerning his comments about the small tail.

The

small tail flies just fine.  Trying to convert an existing small tail to the

MKII tail is major surgery.



Bob Jude

N65BJ

Converting to a MKII tail

Submitted by Anonymous on

From: Martin Quartim <martinq [at] cris.com>
Subject: Re: Converting to a MKII tail
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1998 15:59:24 -0500
To: <lancair.list [at] olsusa.com>
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I talked to some L-320 pilots about the MK II tail and here is what I heard:



1- "Oh you couldn't tell the difference..."



2- "It is a bit scary when you are taking off and climbing, the nose goes

where it wants..."



3- "I have the small tail and I think it is OK, but you should get the MK

II tail if you can, you will loose just a few knots but you get more pitch

authority for landings and take offs and better horizontal stability for

cross country"



I think a few less knots is a small price to pay for a safer and more

comfortable cross country aircraft.



What is the total speed loss 1,2..3kts?



I am considering to purchase an L-360 Fast built kit with small tail. The

current owner bought the kit around 89 and has done nothing to it.



I understand I can purchase the MK-II tail, outback gear, wing tips and the

new epoxy and use with this older FB kit. What I am not sure of is if there

are any differences between an 1989 L-320/360 FB and the newer L-320/360 MK

II Super FB?



Also I understand that the newer kits come with a lot more work done. Can

some one speculate how much time and work will I save if I get a new kit as

opposed to the older one?



Is the quality and fitting of parts of new kits any better then 1989 kits?



Happy Landings,



Martin