Gary Ray

West Bloomfield, MI

United States

Profile Information:

Aircraft Model
ZODIAC XL
Project Status
Flying
Building From
Kit
Engine installed (or plan to install)
Corvair
Building Experience
No Experience
Flying Experience
Private Pilot
Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info
Veterinarian/Self-employed/Retired 2014
Wing Spar Upgrade Complete
450 plus flight time
Home Airport (ie. KMYJ)
KPTK

Comment Wall:

  • Jake Reyna

    Gary, how much longer before you get back into the air?

    Thanks for your positive feedback on some of my ideas. The upgrade can be a daunting task and sharing ideas will get the fleet back into the air sooner.

    Jake

    Feb 1, 2010

  • Jake Reyna

    Gary, I seem to be having the same problem with another builder, I post or email and .... poof, it's not there.

    I'm finishing up the nose ribs, the templates did make it easier, but there is still plenty to do. Not having the nose skin attached has helped. I was hoping to finish the first wing in a week, today is day 8.

    I stopped counting the hours. My guess is it will take me at least 200 total.

    Jeff Garrett just posted that the counter balance doesn't fit. Did you have any issues?

    Jake

    Feb 2, 2010

  • Gary Ray

    I have just finished building my ailerons in my basement as per plans, I will take them out for the trial fit tomorrow. I hope I did not get bad information on this one. There are 26 holes/ side not counting the large one for the bar. I saw the post. Right now hoping I don't have to re-do it.
    My estimate might be off, Mid November to now at about 8-10 hours/wk is about 80-100 hrs so far.

    Feb 2, 2010

  • GENE MAYO

    Hello Ray: I notice you turn your gear around, Have you notice the A.C tail wanting to hit the ground when one gos to get in th A.C.? I too have trouble with having to pull the A.C. off on take off. I only have 7 hours on my plane when I started the up-grade. About finish, will pull wire next week. Thanks in advance fot the information.
    GENE MAYO
    601SX/JABIRU

    May 29, 2010

  • GENE MAYO

    Gary: thanks for the reply and comment. Is the a.c. tail heavy after you turned the gear around? I have a friend who told me we could not step on his a.c. at the same time, or the tail would hit the ground. I don't know switch way his gear is on. My gear is where its puts the wheels to the back, and as i stated you have to pull the a.c. off. how did this affect your CG? I have a Jabiru engine(light). The tow bar is made out of 1 1/2" pvc pipe. I made it about 1/2" narrow than the wheel fork, where it will hold tight.
    GENE MAYO

    Jun 3, 2010

  • GENE MAYO

    Hi Gary: I told you my tow bar was made from 1 1/2" pvc. Well its not its made out of 1" pvc.
    regards GENE

    Jun 7, 2010

  • Jerold Ebke

    Gary. Just saw your reply on canopy issue.Discovered prebent hoops for mid canopy rollover do not conform to drawings.Will see if ZAC will replace. I see notes about you being gear forward. I used Grove gear and plans called for it to be straight edge forward and this is how I mounted mine. If this is how you are set up, has it worked OK. Thanks. Jerry

    Oct 23, 2010

  • Jerold Ebke

    Gary, Thank you again for sharing your experience with me. I am considering either the Jabiru or the UL 350 which both weigh about the same. Both groups of course have idealized their mounts etc., hopefully for the best W&B which at this point is only some idea that I am aware exists. I will learn more as I eventually take flight lessons and get closer to completion. I am surely encouraged by your report of better takeoff and landing characteristics with the gear where I have it. The best to you. Jerry Ebke

    Oct 24, 2010

  • Chris Sinfield

    Gary

    got any photos of how you installed the Auto Pilot servos??

    I am going down that path myself

    Jun 19, 2011