Lancair ES-P, Pilot Operating Handbook

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Do not take the aircraft into a "full" stall. While
decelerating, slowly feel out the controllability of
the aircraft. As soon as an acceptably low speed is
reached to allow landing at the intended airport,
accept that, add about 5 kts, and land. Stall/spin
characteristics of the Lancair with ice have not
been evaluated. AVOID!
Flight into known icing is prohibited. Flight into inadvertent icing is
not to be treated lightly. Remember that other systems may be affected
such as the pitot system. If flying in IMC conditions have the pitot heat
ON.
MARGINAL VFR FLIGHT
Flight in VFR conditions is what we normally think of, but statistics
suggest that marginal VFR is where problems often occur. Again the
preflight weather briefing should include the weatherman's (and your
own) assessment of the potential for less than VFR conditions. Do not
attempt to mix VFR and IFR conditions. If the weather is "marginal,"
and if you're not IFR equipped, rated and current, wait it out.
NIGHT FLYING
Night flight should be considered as marginal VFR. In many countries
IFR flight plans are required for night flights — and for good reason.
Forced landings off-airports are problematical at best. Clouds are hard
to see ahead, and in some locations there are as many stars in the sky as
lights on the ground and "which way is up" becomes a problem without
reference to the instruments. Use the MEAs for altitudes flying
enroute, and approach plates for terminal area altitudes and flight paths
and be on the alert for "spatial disorientation" or vertigo. On the
positive side, night flights are quite rewarding in many ways. The air is
smoother, traffic is lighter later in the evening, and on clear nights dead
reckoning navigation from lights to lights is easier due to generally
clearer air. With a well equipped and operating aircraft, acceptable
terrain enroute, and predictable surface winds (just in case of engine
failure) night flights have their own special reward.
VERTIGO & HYPOXIA
Vertigo is the condition where your inner ear, based on gravity, gives
you the sense of "which way is up." Small prolonged accelerations in
any direction, such as a low rate uncoordinated turn, will affect the
inner ear fluid creating the sensation that down is no longer down, but
off to one side making you believe that you're in a turn. When there are
few or no visual clues (nights or IMC conditions without a good