John, I was the second of three boys in my family who went through the SIU-C A&P program. My brother-in-law thought enough of our success that he followed suit and went through himself. Of the instructors from the 70's, Dick Cannon is the only one who I still see hanging around there. He is officially retired, but I believe he still teaches on an occasional basis. I am a part of their A&P advisory committee and go back each year to talk to the staff and students about the state of the industry. Boeing-STL is well represented by Harry Fanning who went through the program the same time as myself. If the weather holds out, I hope to fly my 601XL into MDH next week. It will have been 25 years since I last put a wheel on their runways. Yes, it is a small world. Great STL video, by the way.

Here in Florida, i usually fly with the right side only with the first latch for airflow. Yes, it does have a second latching position, but I only use that in colder weather. On my first flight, as I was going around the pattern, when my canopy came unlatched completely. I left the pattern, climbed to 2000 ft and entered a power off stall with the nose high to reduce the suction on the canopy. I got it latched on the right side one position. the canopy stayed down and I landed. But it was a little disconcerting when that happened. Now, as you might imagine, I don't even move without the canopy latched positively. but IZ havbe had no problems with the right side latched only one notch. Hope this helps you.

Thanks for your note John. I bought this from a fellow in Palm Beach, FL by the name of John Boswell. DD was listed as the builder but I think it was actually built by Czech Aircraft Works. I hope it all works out.

Yes, it is well equipped. It has an extra 40 amp alternator. I think it is the only gold airplane I have ever seen...takes some getting used to but I won't lose it on the ramp.

Hey John - thanks for the encouragement - I want to write a longer piece about my year long search and eventual purchase of the Zenith. It is quite a story and includes a visit to St. Louis to check out an Ercoupe. Dan Defelici is listed as the manufacturer of my airplane. I didn't know he went on to the Sport Cruiser.

John,

I have to agree with your assessment of the Y stick. I found myself trying to hold steady with my left hand while reaching for things with my right. I tried to get it trimmed and keep heading with rudder pressure. It works until you hit a real good bump.

Hello John, I am using the so-called Marine mounting bracket which I think came with the unit.

The mount has three small bolts that go down into the panel cover. I have two of the bolts just going into the cover with nila-nuts under the panel cover. The third bolt, in the front runs down into a nut plate which was already in place for attaching the panel cover to the panel. It seems solid enough.

Steve

Hi John,
I'd love to buy finished wings but I don't think the wallet will support that option. It is a total pain having to rebuild parts that you have built to the best of your ability in the first place. I'm annoyed as Zenith have dragged their feet over this issue and have consistently said 'No problem with our design' . Now this, a lot of extra work.

Paul Toone

Let me know if these won't download right and I'll try another format.

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