Flight Training in a Zodiac. N601BK flies!

After receiving an air worthiness certificate for my 601XLb this last month I was told buy the insurance company that I could fly it as soon as I got 5 hours in another 601XL.  They would not accept any other type aircraft for training.  I called Paul Hamilton at Sport Aviation Center in Carson City NV.  He has an AMD 601XLi SLSA that he uses for training.  It was and 1100 mile trip, but it was some of the most enjoyable training I have had.  The aircraft is a delight to fly and Paul made the time go by so quickly I was a little sad to be done so quickly.

With Paul's sign off in my log the insurance was happy so Thursday evening I took N601BK out for its first flight over Bountiful UT.  The only surprise I got was how similar the two aircraft fly.  I have now made three flights and the smile will not wash off.

Thanks to each of you on the website.  You have helped in many ways that you may not realize.

-Bruce-
Zodiac 601XLb
Jabiru 3300a
N601BK

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Permalink Reply by David Gallagher on October 3, 2010 at 4:59pm
Bruce,

Glad to see you got transition training before your first flight. I traveled about the same distance for mine and it was also well worth it. You have a sharp looking airplane and it looks like you paid a lot of attention to the details. Good luck and enjoy your creation.

Dave
Permalink Reply by Mack P. Kreizenbeck on October 3, 2010 at 6:25pm
Bruce,
Congrats from Idaho!
Are you the same person that I visited several years ago while the bird was under construction in your basement?
You do have a nice looking 601 and I'll bet that if flys as well as it looks! Flys a lot different than a Cessna?
Don't feel bad, my insurance company did the same thing to me, so I went to Draggon Fly in Santa Rosa for my instruction.
Many happy hours and keep the great salt lake on your underside,
Mack
Permalink Reply by Bruce Johnson on October 5, 2010 at 11:59am
Hi Mack,

Yes, this is the very same one. It took eight years and ten days, but we finally got to the finish line.

Thanks again, Bruce
Permalink Reply by Jerold Ebke on October 3, 2010 at 10:31pm
Stories like yours keep me going to the shop each evening so I can keep working. As time goes by, I am enjoying the challenges and know that every day, I am one day closer to the completion of my dream.
Would you be willing to share what insurance company you are with? I will be a new pilot with 0 time except training and am concerned about insurance since the issues of the last several years. Prior to this, as I was choosing the Zodiac to build, all the companies I talked to said no problem. Now, I sense considerable hesitancy on their part.
Jerry
Zodiac 650
N650SJ
Permalink Reply by Jake Reyna on October 4, 2010 at 8:12am
Jerry, I think you're best bet is Falcon Insurance if you are an EAA member. The big obstacle is getting that first 5 hours. If you are a low time pilot, they usually charge more money, in my experience. So, the more time you have, the less insurance will cost your, theoretically.

Jake
Permalink Reply by Zenith.Aero on October 4, 2010 at 8:34am
Congratulations Bruce!
Permalink Reply by Chris Aysen on October 4, 2010 at 10:15am
Bruce - Congrats from South Louisiana "cajun country". - Chris
Permalink Reply by David Coberly on October 4, 2010 at 6:01pm
Bruce,
I was able to get full coverage thru SkySmith with 0 Time Dual and 0 Time in make and model had never even been off the ground in a 601XL before my first flight. I was checked out in a RemosGX before hand flys very close to the 601XL. Don't know if they would have payed off if I had an accident but I didn't have to find out thank goodness! 65hrs+ Going on 2 years all's Good! David Coberly
Permalink Reply by Patrick Underwood on October 5, 2010 at 1:55pm
Beautiful plane! Congratulations.

What's the coiled-up thingus in the corner by the right seat?
Permalink Reply by Bob Pustell on October 6, 2010 at 6:56pm
Patrick -- The orange coiled tube looking thing? I think you are referring to the SCAT tube that brings air from the NACA duct to the "eyeball" vent for the right seat occupant.

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