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Permalink Reply by Normand Lambert on April 6, 2017 at 8:37am

Hi Brian,

Q. Does the recent AD regarding the horizontal tail inspection apply to this model?

R. NO, Only applies to CH6xx/CH7xx models. The CH2xx/CH3xx has an ALL FLYING STAB completely different.

Q. What kinds of specific things should I be looking at in the prepurchase inspection?

R. Things to check on the airplane :

     - Main landing gear suspension (plastic 'pucks' wear)
     - front landing gear suspension leak
     - Upper engine mount brackets (behind firewall - cockpit side)
     - Flap mecanism and control cables
     - Rust of the wing spar an tail brackets/supports 
     - Get/keep the PLANS of your plane in a safe place ; you may need them.

Q. What are the flight characteristics of this model as it is an older design?

R.
The TRI-Z, you refer to, are older designs from the Zenair family.
They included the CH200, CH250 and CH300.
The CH2xx were 2 seaters side-by-side and the CH300 was a 4 seater.
The main difference from the CH200 and CH250 is the fuel tanks location;
fuselage for the CH200 and wing tanks for the CH250.

These planes were on the HEAVY side; 1800lbs gross for the CH2XX but
they were VERY STURDY (aerobatics capable). For the CH2XX, engine ranged
from 115hp to 160hp. With the 115hp engine, the CH2XX was somewhat
underpowered but with the 150/160hp it was a pocket rocket !

The CH300 was powered by a 150/160hp engine giving it a good performance
envelop. Top speed is around 140mph with a stall speed around 75-80mph.
I would categorize them in the CheroKee 140/160hp type flying.

Not difficult to fly but requiring some low-wing knowledge.
On an engine failure, the CH2XX is a BRICK and needs to be pointed
DOWN to keep the speed UP... Response is CRISP (roll) and it is a fun airplane to fly.

The CH300 handles low speed much better due to its longer wingspan, nice control response.

These planes are NOT SUBJECTED to the January Transport Canada mandatory stabilitor/elevator

check : they have an all-flying Stab design that has nothing to do with the CH6xx/CH7XX designs.
  
There is not much support for those planes any more (older designs) so be ready to get your hands

dirty if the plane requires replacement parts be made.

Get a good flight with the plane BEFORE committing to buy and get the owner to do an inspection with you.

That will tell you how that airplane was treated all these years...

I've flown a CH250 and know of 2 individuals that own a CH300, those were their comments.

If the price is right and the plane is too, why not ????

Regards,
Norm

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Permalink Reply by Brian Reimer on April 9, 2017 at 12:24am

Thanks Norm, that's exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I hope to take a flight out to see the Tri-Z later this month and inspect it. Your comments will certainly help me focus my examination.
I'm hoping that it passes mustard as I'm getting excited to own an airplane again. I just wish it was a tail wheel airplane, but hey it's got wings!

Thanks
Brian

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