My plane, N788W, is a 2001 Lancair Columbia 300, s/n 40022, built in Bend, OR. I bought it used in 2010 with only 288 hours total time on the airfame and engine – practically a new airplane. Here are some basic specifications.

• • 310 hp Continental IO-550-N engine
  • Normally -aspirated
  • Best performance at 10,000 to 12,000 feet altitude
  • 165 kts TAS (true air speed), typically 11.5  gph fuel burn (<65% power, lean-of-peak)
  • 98 gallons usable fuel in the wing tanks
  • Nominal maximum range with wing tanks only = 1200 nm
  • TKS de-icing system (installed in 2013 in preparation for the flight to Antarctica)

To increase the range of my plane for long ocean crossings, I remove the back seats and install an auxiliary aluminum fuel tank that holds about 70 gallons, as shown in the photo. Installation of the extra fuel tank and HF radio requires approval from the FAA, specifically Form 337 and an FAA Special Flight Permit (SFP) to cover:

• Modifications to the fuel system (Form 337)
• HF radio installation (Form 337)
• Overweight operation (Special Flight Permit)

Immediately after I bought the plane in 2010 I had the avionics upgraded, with a few additional upgrades since then:

• • Garmin GNS530W GPS
  • Garmin GMX 200 multi-function display
  • Garmin GTX 330ES transponder with ADS-B Out
  • SL-30 NAV/COM radio
  • Shadin fuel totalizer
  • STEC 55X autopilot
  • ICOM IC-706MKIIG HF radio modified to transmit on aviation band frequencies
  • Two iPads with Foreflight loaded with Foreflight and Jeppesen charts, as needed
  • Stratus 3 GPS with ADS-B In