Mark

Male

Shelbyville, TN

United States

Profile Information:

Aircraft Model
ZODIAC XL
Project Status
Flying
Building From
Kit
Building Experience
Have worked on airplanes before
Flying Experience
Private Pilot
Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info
Production Manager

Comment Wall:

  • Dr. Edward M. Moody II

    Great! I'm still slogging away at the XL. The paint is all done, the wings are back on and all the cables are connected and tensioned. The FWF is complete and Pete just shipped me a replacement for the spinner backplate that I buggered up so we'll ge the prop on soon. That puts me close to first start.

    Ed
  • Dr. Edward M. Moody II

    Hey Mark I asked Pete but he hasn't replied yet... Re the breakin oil for the Jab 3300, is there a fancy trade name or do I just ask for Aeroshell straight mineral grade 100?

    Also, does the model 3300L designate hydraulic lifters?

    Ed
  • Mark Townsend

    The 3300L engine has a maximum continuous RPM rating of 2850RPM. The engine
    may be operated at engine speeds above 2850RPM for up to 10 minutes.
    - All other engine specifications and limitations are identical to other 3300 models (such
    as the 3300A).
    - The 3300L uses the same parts, Parts Books, Servicing, Maintenance and Overhaul
    Information as other 3300 models.

    As fo rthe oil I have always used a straight mineral oil for break in, but get confirmation on which grade from Pete.
  • Dr. Edward M. Moody II

    Yesterday I put in the harnesses and seat pans and the seat upholstery. Being sort of height challenged, I think I will add a piece of 4" thick upholstery foam under the seat upholstery and see where that puts my head. I kinda feel like a first time driver in his parents' Lincoln Continental... I can barely see over the hood! I bought 7 quarts of Aeroshell 100 straight mineral grade for the first two oil / filter changes (50 hours). I'm not sure if I really need a multiviscosity oil down here near the coast. What would be a good choice of single viscosity for the 3300 in a warm environment?

    What is the status of your XL? You're going to be shamed if I fly off my hours and get up to Shelbyville before you fly yours.

    Ed
  • Dr. Edward M. Moody II

    Well Mark, the FAA guy from the Baton Rouge FSDO expects to set up my inspection right after Easter. All the paperwork is in order, POH, Flight Test Guide, a zillion photos, a builder's log that is slightly longer than "War and Peace". The engine has been run, the bugs debugged, all the decals, placards, warnings, a note from my momma, yada yada yada.

    I found a flight school in Tallulah, LA that has an AMD 601XL and I will check out and do my transition training on the 18th. I am ready to move on to the next phase of this saga. There will no surely be more cooling and calibration bugs to debug but I'm anxious to get on with it.

    With a little luck, I may be able to drop in on you guys this Fall. Take care and have a Happy Easter.

    Ed
  • Richard Simmons

    Mark,

    Gary Rogers stopped by to see me yesterday and talked about our planes a bit. Give me a shout some time and talk about where we are at now with the NTSB notification.

    Rich
  • Mark Ertz

    Mark (Iowa) to Mark,
    Still the number one improvement to my bing setup was that vertical fin in my intake hose between the airbox and the carby. If you get any power loss @ the throttle firewall, put the divider in your intake. Remember, I am the guy who battled the bing w/ all kinds of mods. Good luck
  • Sebastien Heintz

    Your plane is looking great!
  • Dr. Edward M. Moody II

    Well, did the FAA make yet another mistake and cdertify your plane airworthy? Inquiring minds want to know.

    Ed
  • Phill Barnes

    Congratulations Mark
    Did you take a video of your first flight?
    How did your plane and engine perform and was everything to your expectations?

    Regards
    Phill Barnes
  • Roger Lambert

    Congratulations! Keep your cables tight and you can make the next Fla/Tenn game in Gaiinesville.
  • Sebastien Heintz

    Congratulations Mark !
  • Dr. Edward M. Moody II

    Well congratulations buddy. I am eager to get back up to Shelbyville to see it in person. Stay sharp and build hours.

    Ed
  • Steven Ward

    Congrats Mark!
  • Tim Garrett

    Congratulations Mark ! Now the fun really starts!
  • Allan / Zenair Australia

    Great to hear Mark

    A day you will never forget

    Cheers and fly safe

    Allan
  • Stephen R. Smith

    Nice looking plane Mark. Have fun, be safe.

    Steve
  • Dr. Edward M. Moody II

    Hey buddy, I finished the forty hours today and I'm looking forward to fly-ins, airshows, and pancake breakfasts around the state. I also hope to visit some builders who are in neighboring states within reach. Rest assured, vigilance and continued tweaking are still on the agenda. Shelbeyville is on the long term list of destinations.

    Ed