Jerry "Sonny" Webster

Male

Fenton, MI

United States

Profile Information:

Aircraft Model
Zenith CH 650
Project Status
Less than half
Building From
Plans-only
Engine installed (or plan to install)
Corvair
Your website (about your aircraft...)
http://www.kitlog.com/sunmanav8
Building Experience
No Experience
Flying Experience
Private Pilot
Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info
Education: BS in Mechanical Engineering - 1988, MS in Engineering Science - 1995. Worked as engineer at General motors for 10 years then 10 years at Chrysler in multiple product, service and quality roles. Left the industry to pursue an unrelated entrepreneurial opportunity in Texas. Became a private pilot in 1990 followed by an instrument rating in 1993. Expense priorities of family life made it difficult to justify the cost of flying. Have been entertaining a homebuilt for several years as a rewarding hands-on technical task then ultimately a great adventure vehicle. After extensive research and learning (mostly at Oshkosh and on the web) I finally committed to the purchase of plans for the CH650. Time will tell whether I have "the right stuff" to see this through. I'm not disillusioned about the time, effort and skills required so my goal is to fly my plane to Airventure 2020.

Comment Wall:

  • Richard and Debbie Cowles

    Yes, it will be a long journey, but the rewards!!!!! Everyone is telling me to get my sheet metal stuff from The Yard Store. I found their pricing reasonable. What are you going to do for the metal brake? Look at ch601.org.

    Dec 3, 2010

  • Roger E Barnes

    Sonny I have a set of main wing spars for a 601 ordered in 2010 prior to the upgrade notice, zenith has since sent me a set of upgraded spars for my project so these are up for grabs if you want them, i am pretty sure they will work for a 650 but Roger Dubert could verify that.
    Of course they would require the upgrade work but would be a great start for you.
    my email is rbarnes3@maine.rr.com

    Dec 3, 2010

  • Robert Crawford

    I'm building the CH-701 and the HomeBuiltHelp.com DVD's are a great help. I would never have started this scratch built project if I had not found them. Well worth it for any scratch built aluminum aircraft.
    Bob

    Dec 3, 2010

  • Richard and Debbie Cowles

    I have not built it yet, but am wondering what the other builders have done with the 1/4 bends that I am seeing in the plans. I am currently building the table and removing my glider project from the garage for the 650. I found a source for the OLFA knife if you need, about $10 and I will drive to Aircraft Spruce East to get my metals. Get the DVD's from Homebuilder-perfect for plans and scratch builder. My wife decided that she wants to fly with me (after many years-very good!) so, I quit building the glider so we both could fly.. Anyone looking for a HP-18 glider 95% done? I have started to build the forms though. Looks like about 30.

    Dec 5, 2010

  • Larry Ward

    I just noticed that Magnolia is not that far away from Hallsville (just outside Longview).  I too am building a 650 but from component kits.  I have completed tail section and will take delivery of fuselage after Christmas.  Just wanted to let you know there are others of us out here.  Oh yea, I agree with the early comment about the DVD's for building.  They are 1st class and are a huge help in knowing what and how to do each of the building steps. 
    Good luck in your building program.

    Dec 10, 2010

  • Larry Ward

    I have completed tail section and have started on fuselage.  Presently working on bottom fuselage section.  I ordered the fuselage kit after Christmas.  My progress has been slowed due to death in family and we are now going to adopt our 4 year old grand daughter.  Had not planned on this but since both parents have died, it was the only thing to do.  So now I will have my grand daughter helping me build my plane.  Once finished, I will teach her to fly.

    Mar 24, 2011

  • Irv Russell

    Hello Jerry,

    It's great to hear from you. Yes, I purchased plans for the CH650 about a month ago and have been busy setting up the RAMF aka "RUSSELL AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURING FACILITY".......:-). This process is coming along very nicely, my wife is elated to see our two car garage getting cleaned out and organized....FINALLY! I've been studying the plans, viewing construction videos, and purchasing tools (Harbor Freight just opened a store 15 minutes and Aircraft Spruce is approx. 35 minutes away from RAMF.....SWEEEET!).

     

    I attended Sun N Fun from March 29-April 1 (which was quite exciting in more way than one), I got an opportunity to spend time with "The Corvair Authority", William Wynn......I'm DEFINITELY going with the corvair conversion.

     

    I have not started using MyKitLog, but I fully intend on doing so in the near future. You're 10000% correct, it is an invaluable resource, and I thoroughly enjoy viewing the progress photos of fellow builders. It's great to see your progress as well; I will continue to follow your progress as it provides encouragement and inspiration! 

     

    Stay Strong and Steady,

     

    Irv Russell aka "Doc"

    Atlanta, GA- CH650 #8314

    Apr 12, 2011

  • David Peterson

    Hey Sonny

    I'm just starting a plans build 750 here in Australia. Thought I might add you as a friend as I see you're plans building as well. No doubt lots of useful experience to share.

    A friend (also plans builder) and i are working on a 2.6m bending brake for the spars that can do the R3.2 radius. How are you planning to handle the long radiused bends?

    Cheers

    Dave

    Jun 3, 2011