44TJ was highly recommended to me from the guys at RAFE. I went to them to get dual instruction in their Speed Canard early in the year. The RAFE borrowed it for 1.5 years, gave demo flights in it (25 hours worth, according to the log book), and the seller is also a Southeastern regional rep for RAFE. All of the RAFE and EZ Jet guys who were were familiar with the plane gave it a great recommendation.
I looked at 44TJ about every weekend for the last month; compression test, oil analysis, multiple airframe inspections, etc. Long story short, nothing that the guy in September said was true, except that the plane has a GU Canard. According to RZ of RAFE and the seller, this one does not have any unpredictable tendencies in the rain.
The seller did not demand de-registration, but encouraged me to keep it as 44TJ because it's easier to re-register and "it would warm my heart to see 44TJ at Sun N Fun again."
Long story short, I flew it home yesterday. It made the 400 mile trip without a hiccup. Seller also threw in a lot of extras including a set of wheels pants, a powder coated 320 mount, the original plans (#17), every receipt, a build photo album, some specialty tools, tons of miscellaneous spare parts, etc.
It's not as fast as I'd hoped, but upon further research, with no pants, a 235, and a climb prop, it's right where it should be.
Sorry, not trying to hijack this thread, just responding to Kent's request to let you all know what I thought about it!