Stephen R. Smith

Male

Malin, OR

United States

Profile Information:

Aircraft Model
STOL CH 701, ZODIAC XL
Project Status
Flying
Building From
Partial kit
Engine installed (or plan to install)
Jabiru
Building Experience
Have already built an airplane
Flying Experience
Private Pilot
Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info
Self Employed. Software developer. Retired
Home Airport (ie. KMYJ)
4S7

Comment Wall:

Load Previous Comments

  • Rich Whittington

    Stephen I read in a response you left another member that you have an airplane tracking system, what are you using and do you know of alternatives?
    Thanks
    Rich

    Dec 30, 2008

  • Johann G. Johannsson

    Hi Stephen. Happy New Year.
    Thanks for the kind words. Your plane is also very nice and all work looks very professional down to the finest detail. Sure would love to fly in your part of the woods someday. Great pictures.
    Best regards from Iceland.
    Johann G.

    Jan 1, 2009

  • Sam Birchill

    Thanks for giving me the info on this site. Looks like a lot of info here.

    Sam

    Jan 2, 2009

  • Martin Pohl

    Steve, great photos!!! I remember your XL as one of the nicest I have ever seen.

    My project is still under construction, but should be ready for first flight in 2010.

    Cheers from Switzerland,
    Martin

    Jan 12, 2009

  • Justino Guzmán Fernández Villarino

    Thanks Steve. Your photos are good too. In my case it is just being in the right place at the right time.

    Cheers from Spain
    Justino

    Jan 23, 2009

  • Jake Reyna

    Steve, I haven't played with this site, been busy building and wasn't familiar with the comment section. Mack is currently on an extended vacation with his wife. I believe you know that he was having tach problems and is waiting on a part from Jabiru, other than that he's ready to fly. I need to get the plane flying by the end of March to have any chance at making Cloverdale on May 9th. It's good to be an optimist :-)

    Feb 13, 2009

  • Jeff Webb

    Steve, Great photos on your site!

    I'm curious what kind of speed your getting and what kind of prop your swinging with that Jabiru??

    Thanks,

    Jeff

    Feb 23, 2009

  • Ben Church

    Steve,

    Thank you for sharing the details of your flight computer system. To say it's impressive would be a tremendous understatement. I'm particularly impressed with your real time flight data logging to a ground-based server. Very clever.

    Mar 1, 2009

  • Richard Rost

    Thanks Steve. I'm glad I'm just starting my project. It's going to take awhile to talk my wife into $450 a gallon paint.

    Apr 11, 2009

  • Doug Dugger

    WELCOME HOME STEPHEN
    what a fantastic trip hope to read all about it see ya soon.

    May 3, 2009

  • Patrick Underwood

    Like my PC... there's no good time to buy, you just have to do it!

    But your layout embodies the vague plan I had for my own. Same with the sunshade (have you posted details of the installation somewhere?)

    "I'm the navigator. I have the right to know where I'm going."--attributed to Don Eisele, Apollo 7 astronaut

    May 6, 2009

  • Patrick Underwood

    Thanks for the link, Stephen.

    Took a look at your blog posts about the tablet PC, data downlink etc. I worked with a programmer friend during my first (abortive) build attempt, and he talked up a similar system, including tiny webcams at various places in and on the plane. Nice to see such a thing is actually possible!

    May 6, 2009

  • Jake Reyna

    Steve, I was having a conversation with Jabiru Jim last week about the carb. Previous manuals were lacking just a bit, but I think these latest versions are a good resource, along with the Engine Tuning Manual.

    Somewhere I read that the the diaphragm should be replaced every 100 hours and was wondering what your experience had been with the Bing?

    Aug 30, 2009

  • Bil Gillam

    H i Stephen, Glad you liked the picture. I was taking a 701 to Billings for a friend after he sold it. I still have my 601. Bill













    .

    Sep 3, 2009

  • Ralph Sanson

    Steve,
    At 300 hrs I've now replaced the exhaust valves and done the mod to cylinder base nuts. This was partly an exploratory check and the existing valves were not burnt but had mild pitting on the contact ring, and a little more looseness than I'd been expecting. The rockers have allways had plenty of oil supply, valvelash in spec, EGT / carb jetting in spec. so the cause is not certain. Possibly I could have run more hours before the work, but leaving two leaking valves was not a good idea. Engine can sit idle at times up to 4 weeks so corrosion might have been able to occur, its flown as regularly as possible. The cylinder bores showed odd areas of patterning down near the bases, might be related to the base nut issue, will have to wait and see.

    My impression is that it wont go on to TBO without further and deeper intervention, its just a matter of time and I will decide what form of upgrade to perform. Looking at the pictures, whats happened in your engine and your comments are the same as for mine, thanks for the updates.
    Ralph

    Oct 4, 2009

  • Tim Garrett

    Have you tried any of the neat suction cup camera mount gizmos? I agree, shooting video while flying solo is tricky and not reccommended especially in some of the terrain you fly in.

    Oct 11, 2009

  • François Chapperon

    I completely missed your kind message about photos and countryside !
    Better late than not, thanks for this post !
    I'll read all your blog to see the job you've done. quite huge i believe !

    France is a very small country where you can fly fantastic different landscapes, in one or two days ! Sea, mountains smooth and hard ones, dust bowls, and rich green areas, forests and lakes..
    All that on a short trip . ..
    It's a mini "attraction park" compared to your huge country !

    François

    Oct 12, 2009

  • Phill Barnes

    I can relate to what you mean about having a fascination with another country as my Wife, Son and I love America and Canada. We would love to move over there but are unsure of infrastructure behind the public medical system for migrants.

    I can't wait to get my plane up an flying which I hope won't be to far away. I will certainly have someone taking a video and pics for me.

    Phill

    Oct 12, 2009

  • Phill Barnes

    Hi Steve
    I just looked closer at the layout of the forums and you are right. I don't know how to transfer all of the info over without it having to be posted all over again but I will ask Admin if it is possible.

    Phill

    Oct 17, 2009

  • Gary Briggs

    Steve,
    I wanted to thank you for the feedback you gave to me about the roll servo linkage/ geometry. I will make sure i optimize the servo force. Thanks,

    Gary

    Nov 7, 2009

  • Phill Barnes

    Steve
    Do you have any pics and data on what you have done to your cooling ducts.

    Phill

    Nov 7, 2009

  • Phill Barnes

    Thanks Steve.

    Phill

    Nov 7, 2009

  • Dr. Edward M. Moody II

    Are you planning to tear your plane apart to do the Zenith SAIB mods?

    Ed

    Nov 9, 2009

  • Dr. Edward M. Moody II

    Not gonna do it. I think the plane has an adequate margin for the way I fly and intend to continue flying it that way. It is almost starting over from scratch on the wings of a plane which has many many examples flying without incidents. Do you have particulars and perhaps a link to "the latest accident"? Has there been another since the infamous six crashes that got the ZBAGers so fired up?

    Ed

    Nov 9, 2009

  • John Cange

    Steve,
    Will be real curious to see how much progress was made during the 3 day workshop. Any encouragement would be helpful.

    John

    Nov 21, 2009

  • Jake Reyna

    Steve, I saw your recent post, 450 miles. On one hand it's good to hear about a flying XL, on the other it's rubbing salt in the wound ;-)

    I do believe that you are in an excellent position to watch as the Upgrade proceeds and you can pick and choose the best way to proceed. That is after you finally get around to doing the Upgrade.

    Hope all is well! Happy Holidays!
    Jake

    Dec 26, 2009

  • Jake Reyna

    Steve, that was a good line "dam, I wish I had the upgrade kit installed" :-0

    We are all Independent Manufacturers and this site should be used to share knowledge, there should be no secrets. So, I suggest that the site be renamed to Zenith Independent Manufacturers Association, ZIMA. But we need some catchy slogan to reflect the mission of advancing and building Zenith aircraft.

    Say jello to Alan. I'm still waiting for more beer.

    Live long and prosper!
    Jake

    Dec 27, 2009

  • Jake Reyna

    Steve, is you upgrade still scheduled for February?

    Jake

    Feb 7, 2010

  • Chris Sinfield

    Steve
    what type of lights did you install LED's???

    Feb 19, 2010

  • Phill Barnes

    Congratulations Steve
    That was a pretty fast upgrade job. Well done.
    Now for the big question. What was your empty weight before and after the upgrade.

    Look forward to seeing some more videos and pics from you.

    Regards
    Phill

    Feb 23, 2010

  • Sebastien Heintz

    Good job Steve! I look forward to seeing pictures of your next cross-country adventures...
    Sebastien.

    Feb 23, 2010

  • Phill Barnes

    I look forward to reading your blog. Thanks for the info.

    Regards
    Phill

    Feb 23, 2010

  • Jake Reyna

    Steve, I did get your drift on the front bearing wear, but I thought that adding a nylon bearing to match the rear would be a good thing. It does make for smoother action. I've added 1/16" nylon to my next order will use behind the shim along with some grease.

    I posted this as a reply to your comment on my blog.

    Mar 15, 2010

  • Carlos Sa

    I just visited "Animusic" - Fantabulous ! !! !

    Thanks for the introduction.

    Carlos

    Mar 27, 2010

  • Jake Reyna

    Steve, I think I can, I think I can ;-) I'm heading back around the 15th and am about ready for the first flight. The engine is running great and it's time for that leap of faith ;-)

    Jake

    Jul 5, 2010

  • Jake Reyna

    Steve, as an Experimental I'll have to do 40 hours. Mack only had to do 5 hours as an ELSA, same as you right? The DAR was very generous with my flight test area and gave me a 100 statute mile radius, just need to avoid the Boise, MHAFB and Twin Falls airports.

    Jake

    Jul 5, 2010

  • Phill Barnes

    Hi Steve
    Thanks for your comment on my photo.
    Yes that lock wiring was frustrating at first but once I figured out the best technique, a few feet of wire an 3 coffee's later, it was a piece of cake. I think that those who didn't do it need to consider how dead they will be if the cap screws come loose.

    After your upgrade, have you noticed any more smoking rivets?

    Phill

    Aug 25, 2010

  • Bob McDonald

    Thanks for the link to the sun blind shade for the CH601. Its so hot you drink lots of water from the bottles..then you need to land...my CH601 has 6 hrs fuel....but I only have a 4 hr bladder ! ;>) Beside being bald I really need to keep my head out of the sun.

    Sep 14, 2010

  • Jerold Ebke

    Stephen,
    My apology for asking a question that you discussed previously. Where do you have fuselage static ports on your 601, Both sides or only 1 and what did you use to create the port itself?
    I am building 650, plan to use Dynon180 or Skyview.
    I will keep track of info better this time if you are so kind to answer. Jerry Ebke

    Oct 24, 2010

  • Jerold Ebke

    Stephen,
    Thank you for your quick Sunday aft response. I have learned a tremendous amount from members like yourself. Every little bit of help brings me closer to fun flights like you discuss. Best to you, Jerry

    Oct 24, 2010

  • Jake Reyna

    Steve, it is good to have it flying. The videos I posted were from early October. I've been trying to get back and fly off the 40 and then move it to Astoria. I have a few more modifications to do to the FWF and have a canopy idea I want to tinker with, but that has to wait until I get it home.

    I'll see you in the Spring! Maybe sooner.

    Jake

    Nov 7, 2010

  • Bob McDonald

    Steve

    Last post I saw you were tearing down your Jabiru with the plan on rebuilding. The recent post used the term "brand new" ? Is there a reason for this change in direction or did you mean "newly rebuilt" ?

    Bob

    Feb 27, 2011

  • Jake Reyna

    Hey Steve, I heard that you were installing a new engine. I haven't been spending any time on the z.aero site, no airplane, no motivation.

    We're looking forward to Bend, it is like Mountain Home and you would know :-) Looking forward to seeing you in the near future, hopefully Cloverdale.

     

    Jake

    Feb 27, 2011

  • Jake Reyna

    Steve, rumor has it you installed the Sonex cooling plenum. How is that working? My XL is still in Idaho and it's looking like late June to get it to Bend. I've been saying for how may years that we would go flying ;-)

    May 27, 2011

  • Jake Reyna

    Steve, I think you made the right choice with the Sonex plenums. I've never had confidence in the Jabiru version, they work in the XL, but there are better solutions. My setup is a variation of the Jabiru and Sonex plenums and I will be making some modifications once I get the airplane to Bend. Hasta la vista!

    May 28, 2011

  • John Austin

    Thanks for the info on the Iridium plugs. I'll see what the "factory" gaps are when I get them and go from there.

    By the way, how did the "reverse flow" sump cooler work out on your plane? If I understand correctly, you made an opening above your oil cooler and let the high pressure air reverse direction and flow up the sump fins towards the prop hub. I've got marginal oil temps at high rpms in my 750/3300 setup, despite a 10-row cooler. However, the engine's only got 23 hrs and still on the break-in 50w oil. I'll go to the 15-50 at 25 hrs, if things don't improve after that, I'm considering some sort of additional cooling and wondered how your idea panned out?

    Aug 9, 2012

  • John Austin

    A follow-up on the plugs, Steve. The "factory" gaps seemed to be about .030, so I left them "as-is" and installed them. They definitely helped my radio reception rf noise ... sort of! Before, I had an "ignition" noise accompanying weak receptions that definitely varied with rpm. It was equal on both mags. After installing the NGK DR9EIX plugs, the right mag was completely quiet, but the left sounded about the same! Looking closely at the mags, the right's lead says "7mm high temperature suppressive", the left says "Electra Cable ECA 7". Looks like the cables are from two different vendors - wonder if that left on is not suppressed? I put 4 ferrite beads on it and it is quieter but not completely quiet like the right. Now I'm wondering if it is possible to change out that mag lead to a quality rf suppression cable?

    And so it goes ...!

    Aug 10, 2012

  • Darryl Legg

    Hi there Steve,

    We do seem to be like minded pilots. Every time I jump in my plane I make sure I go somewhere different. Long way to catch up on you tho...I also don't use a camera very often.

    Australia is a great place to fly around. Huge country, great people. No where near as many airports as usa so planning requires a lot more care. Best time of year is usually June to August or so to fly around. Bit cooler and less turbulent.

    You won't be able to hire a 601, but a similar factory built plane.....Technam or Sportstar etc....But yes, great place, you will be very welcome down under mate...

    Nov 10, 2014

  • Gary Welch

    Hey Steve; I have ten hours on her know and have had a few squawks to resolve but she is flying good. Did a trip to Lampson and Ukiah today which was pretty positive. I'm learning there is also a lot of anxiety that goes along with phase 1!

    Oct 23, 2016

  • Mark Strout

    Thanks Steve for the response re the spring gear.  If you happen to know the owner, would there be a way I could connect with them?

    Dec 24, 2017