Lancair Maintenance And Safety Were The Themes

LOBO, the Lancair Owners and Builders Organization, held a Condition Inspection Workshop at Creve Coeur Airport in Saint Louis, Missouri earlier this month. The weekend event focused on the annual condition inspection requirements of Lancair composite aircraft. Topics covered included maintenance-related mishaps, required and recommended maintenance records and actual airframe/power plant inspection including engines, propellers, hydraulics, flight controls, landing gear, avionics, fuel systems, weight and balance and composite components.

“Improper maintenance is high on the list of mishap causes involving experimental aircraft,” said LOBO President Jeff Edwards. “LOBO Condition Inspection Workshops, where experts help us educate our members about proper airframe and power plant inspection and maintenance, are one of the primary tools we are using to promote the safe enjoyment of Lancair aircraft.”

Attendees came from as far away as Stockholm Sweden. They viewed presentations on recent maintenance-related aircraft mishaps, and the value of maintenance records in tracking trends and avoiding denied insurance claims or FAA enforcement. Following that, attendees divided into groups and worked directly with volunteer FAA A&P/IA certified mechanics as they conducted actual condition inspections on two separate Lancair aircraft made available by LOBO members.

According to Edwards, “Much of what we cover in our maintenance workshops is familiar to builders, but many Lancair owners purchased from the original builder. While everyone learns something, second-generation owners can benefit tremendously as builders and volunteer experts share their experiences with one another. Lancair builders, like all those who choose to build their own aircraft, are very resourceful in finding ways to safely maintain their aircraft. LOBO’s workshops foster the fellowship and fraternity of experimental aircraft ownership by providing builders a face-to-face venue to share that corporate knowledge.”

FMI: www.lancairowners.com