Bob Hartunian

Fawnskin, CA

United States

Profile Information:

Aircraft Model
STOL CH 701
Project Status
Less than half
Building From
Partial kit
Engine installed (or plan to install)
Rotax 912
Building Experience
Have already built an airplane
Flying Experience
Private Pilot
Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info
Retired after 42 yrs working in aircraft companies specializing in composite structure manufacturing.
Degrees in mechanical/materials engineering.
Built and fly a Pulsar XP with 900 hrs on plane out of high altitude airport, L35.
Fabricating 701 for desert and mountain flying into rough strips for fishing trips.
Home Airport (ie. KMYJ)
L35

Comment Wall:

  • Lee DeLano

    Followed plans without much thought about separate fuel filters.

    I usually do my own fueling from 5 gal. cans and airplane is stored in a hangar year round.  Normally have replaced the single filter annually during normal maintenance.  The clear plastic filters allow pre-flight inspection.  The quick drains have caused more problems - a small piece of grit/dirt will interfere with the spring loaded seal and have a tendency to leak.

    I did install a shut-off valve on the tank discharge line so each tank could be isolated.  It is safety wired in the "OPEN" position and operated annually.

    Additionally, I installed an electric fuel pump and spliced in a fuel pressure gauge line at the top of the engine (Rotax 912ULS) and routed line to gauge in panel.  Along with that, I added a vent line from the existing fuel split at the top of the engine and ran a nylon line back to the fuel tank - used PVC drip irrigation fittings to make 90 degree bends - the line is on the pilot side and the air bubbles can be seen going back to the tank.

    Have been operating since 2010, approx. 200 hours, the system has been running successfully.  Annual maintenance and inspection are important for this system.

    My grandkids live near Sparks, NV and the highest airport I have operated from is Spanish Springs (N86).  I used to commute from Modesto to El Centro and would regularly fly-by Big Bear, but never landed there.  You will enjoy the airplane - I love mine.  I do go to Gravelly (1Q5) once or twice a year, a truly gravelly runway - experienced rock nicks and erosion in the composite prop - updated the prop with metal tips from Warp Drive - would recommend if you are headed to unimproved strips.
    Thanks for the comments.  Usually attend fly-in at Cloverdale in the spring, maybe I'll see you there.

    Jul 9, 2016

  • Thomas Hudgins

    Bob Hartunian Tie wraps are fine in most instances. However ANYTIME you are using them in an area where high heat is the norm, "never" use the standard Nylon tie wraps. Go the extra cost and use Tefzel or Peek tie wraps. These are designed for use in High Temp and are chemically resistant compounds that will take the beating that Nylon will give up the ghost on in an instant.

    https://www.nelcoproducts.com/cable-ties-materials-specifications/

    Feb 16, 2020

  • Coenie

    Thank you for the info.

    Dec 9, 2021