Forums:
Good morning all! I'm new to LOBO and trying to become one of the team by purchasing a IV-P. I'm sure this is a tight knit community where everyone knows everyone, so I'm sure you will know what aircraft I'm speaking about. Basically I have an offer on a IV-P up in Wisconsin and we're a bit stuck on trying to get the airplane to Brad in Tennessee for a pre-buy. It's not for sure that the current owner is okay sending the aircraft down to Tennessee for pre-buy, but some of that is due to the logistics of getting the plane down there. He has a very busy schedule and I'm not insurable yet in the IV-P. So I thought I'd reach out to the community and see if there happened to be anyone up in the Wisconsin/Illinois etc area that might be able and willing to help out? Sounds like an all expense paid trip on my dime! Brad said he would be able to get the plane into his shop on Feb 7th, but I could probably also slide that date around to facilitate someone's schedule if they were able to help with the transportation conundrum. Anyway, thank you for any consideration. I hope to join your ranks in the near future as another Lancair owner! -Landon
Landon,
Submitted by Tom Sullivan on
Landon,
There are two IVP owners with substantial time in type in Wisconsin I see regularly for our annual LOBO Approved Training. I think we could approach them about flying it down (you are talking a flying plane correct?). Both are currently insured owners too so shouldn't be an issue getting them named for the flight.
Let me know if you want me to reach out to them.
Tom
906-458-6989 cell
Tom, thank you for the
Submitted by Lumberjack44 on
Tom, thank you for the response! We've since concluded that the logistics of getting down to Brad proved a bridge too far and are taking it to a shop in Green Bay. The current owner has already dropped it off and it will begin it's pre-buy next week.
On that note, do you or anyone familiar with IV-P's have recommendations on IV-P specific things that should be looked at during a pre-buy?
Landon,
Submitted by georgerosel1 on
Landon,
Congratulations on the new purchase and good luck with your pre-buy and initial training.
there are so many questions you will have and suggestions by hundreds of 4P owners. Probably too many to discuss here. I would recommend reaching out by phone with several owners in your area and create a dialogue with them. You’re welcome to call me. 303-995-5501. To answer your question however I would start with inspecting the nose strut and overcenter linkage gear and make sure it has been upgraded to the latest and complies with ALL the service bulletins. I would also make sure the door window has been inspected and not drilled through as per the original fast built kits. Talk to Brad Simmons about this. I would also find a shop that can pressurize the cabin up to 5.25 psi. Check relief valve. They must know what they’re doing however! Be very careful here. Even the slightest hydraulic leak is too many. Jack the plane up and cycle the gear multiple times. Test Emergency gear extension. Trim tabs must have zero slop.
etc etc etc
Good luck! LOBO is here to help.
Talk soon,
… George
Landon,
Submitted by rpastusek on
Landon,
I've attached the condition/annual inspection checklist for my IV-P, N437RP. I wrote it specifically for my airplane/equipment, but most of the inspection items will apply to IV-series Lancairs in general. I've gone so far as to recommend folks conduct a condition/annual inspection as a pre-buy, but that's your decision. (Annual Inspections for normally-certificated GA aircraft; "Condition Inspections" to the same standard as Annuals for experimental-registered aircraft.) The reason for this recommendation is that there are specific items/areas required by the FAA for an annual/condition inspection, but "pre-buy" inspection items are at the inspector's/your discretion. One example is the gear swing recommended by LOBO President George Rosel in an earlier post--required for a condition inspection; but optional for a pre-buy unless you specifically ask for it. So have your inspection folks take a look at my checklist as at least a guide for what to look at. ...and by the way, there is no way they will catch all the discrepancies with your airplane...it's an unreasonable expectation! I have missed important things on my own airplane--which I built myself--during condition inspections, but the attached should at least point toward the "biggies."
I'd encourage you to "follow along" with the inspectors if at all possible!! You will gain a great understanding of the internal workings of your new airplane, and will likely see things they don't. Also, go to the LOBO website, www.lancairowners.com, and read George Wehrung's write up, the second item under the ARTICLES tab, "So You Bought a Kit Plane You Didn't Build". It will likely give you some additional insight as to what to look for...
You are welcome to call or write (preferred) if you have additional questions/issues.
Bob Pastusek
LOBO Secretary
757-286-4802
Pecan Plantation, TX (0TX1)
Attachments:
You will need to raise the
Submitted by Tom Sullivan on
You will need to raise the plane 11” minimum to swing the gear. Most IV’s will be close to balanced when lifted on the traditional jack points so support is needed for both the nose and the tail. There are release pins at the rear of the gear cylinders that can be accessed through the gear doors on the mains. It would be wise to perform the FIRST gear swing manually (with no hydraulic pressure) to ensure your mains will clear the floor. The hydraulic system has enough power to raise the plane off the jacks and turn that test into a very expensive and ugly outcome.
I’m available by phone and two hours north of Green Bay if you need anything. I’m flying out of Appleton Thursday evening so could stop by earlier to look at the plane if you desire. Let me know.
Tom
906-458-6989 cell