Hello Canardians, thought I'd stir things up a little:
Interested in comments on purchase of LEZ vs. other types of exp (Lancair, Glasair) for light IFR for personal transport. Fly about 250 hrs/annual for business currently. I have been thinking about selling my Mooney for a year or so. I have a large family and access to six seat aircraft so 3rd and 4th seats of the Moooney are not a big loss. so far I have the following:
LEZ:
- $40-60k for a nice one
- simplest of the three (lowest op cost)
- best midwest support (EZ Hangar, EAA32)
- 165-170 ktas
- best type club comraderie (rough river et al)
- unusual planform (interesting)
- tandem seating good for form
- light icing might fall into prop
- high landing speeds, 3000' strip or greater
Glasair/Lancair
- higher purchase price $80-120K
- retract/controllable prop, retract gear = >$
- side by side (good for wife, pax)
- 180-240 kias? depending on motor
- better panel for panel candy
- look out for small tail 320/360s neg static stable in ldg config
- questionable support on Glasair?
Mooney
- 155 ktas
- very stable, easy to fly partial panel
- big panel with a/p, wx900, gps, etc etc
- manual gear
- 4 seats
- smooth airstrips down to 1500'
- metal roll cage, good off-field landing history
I am especially interested in comments on builder/owner support and flying qualities on the Glasair/Lancair compared to the LEZ/Cozy. My dad's neighbor built a Glasair in the 80s and flying it with him was a little bit of a disappointment esp considering the time and effort (pitch too light, roll too heavy, not fast as advertised).
If I got a LEZ, the plan would be to build a 2nd one at my leisure to better understand the craft (and because I like building things)
Thanks in advance for comments
Bob Miller
St.Louis, MO:)