As Oshkosh 2004 got off to a rousing start, the folks at the Lancair Company boasted (justifiably) that it has already delivered 15 of their speedy new four seaters. And this just in the few months since their first delivery in Lakeland last April.

"Demand for the Columbia 400 has been strong since we announced the model several years ago and it has intensified since the certification," said Lancair President Bing Lantis. "Possibly more exciting, however, is that our production rate is picking up each week and we're delivering Columbia 400s at a great pace."

When it earned its TC a few months ago, the Columbia 400 apparently became the fastest certified piston powered aircraft in production with a cruise speed of 235 knots at 25000 feet. According to the Lancair gang, though, the most notable feature of this bird, as reported by new owners, is the low speed behavior it's been exhibiting in their hands.

"People who buy Columbia 400s expect them to be fast, and they're definitely not disappointed," says Lantis. "But what we hear the most about is the aircraft's docile and predictable handling in the slow-flight regime. It's an airplane that let's you have your cake and eat it, too."

Lancair Sales boss Rich Belzer also notes that despite the hot sales boasted by the 400, that interest in the normally aspirated Columbia 350 remains strong. "The Columbia 400 is an evolution of the Columbia 350 and both share a lot of the inherent goodness," according to Belzer. "We're currently producing both 350s and 400s on the line and finding no shortage of pilots looking for the unique qualities that each have to offer."

In light of this demand, Lancair is getting ready to finish the a multi-million capital improvement program that will not only expand manufacturing space, but also add additional tooling. Ultimately; the expansion program is expected to allow the company to ramp up production to one each business day, an objective that they hope to reach by the end of 2004.

FMI: www.lancair.com/certified