Hi Robin;
I now have over 550 hrs on my 801.
To answer your question about cruise speed, I can do about 90 knots indicated (105mph) at 2400 to 2500 rpm (at 3000-4000 ft msl) with my Lycoming O-360. This speed is in line with Zenith's published figure.
Your slower indicated speed might be a result of the location of your static port. Mine are on both sides of the fuselage about halfway between the wing and elevator. My speed agrees with a GPS ground speed in a no-wind situation.
As far as the flaps are concerned, I rarely use them as my home airport has a 4000 ft paved runway. I will use about 50% flaps if I have to get into a short (1000 ft) runway with obstructions. Based on my own experience, I suggest you fly your 801 for many more hours before you use much more than 5-10 deg of flaps. It is particularly important to practice both power on and power off (idle) landings until you are very familiar with the behavior of your aircraft. If you can land consistently without the nosewheel "slamming" down, than you may be ready to start landing practice with flaps. Full flap landings must either have an extremely steep approach and/or some power in order to land smoothly. My approach speed on final is generally about 55-60 knots.
I have all four of my tanks plumbed separately, with an Andair 5-position valve. Running the tanks low providing that you have sufficient altitude is not a concern, I have run a tank dry three times and it is pretty much a non-event. The engine sputters, prop slows, the nose drops --- but simply switch tanks and you are flying again with very little altitude loss.

HI robin,

noticed you are in Kenya, as i am. i am just preparing to ship my 85 percent complete 801 here from the US,  would love to chat about your plane some time.  my kit is set up with the Walter LOM  m337ak  engine.. not sure if you are familiar with it, but as it can run on 87 octane and give me 210 hp i figrued it would be great for our altitude here.  let me know if you are free to chat some time and if i could pop in and see you plane.   0770696803   i am based in the Mara.   cheers  josh

Hi Robin

I am glad to hear that you are getting use to the 801. 

One thing I would like to emphasize again is the value of a little power when landing. Whenever I have non-pilot passengers I essentially fly right down to the runway for a very smooth landing. And as soon as the mains make contact pull back the stick all the way. Doing this I can very easily do a "wheely" all the way down the runway (by fine adjustment of the stick position and power) -- and then very gently drop the nosewheel.  Also, for better runway visibility during touchdown, I like to have 5-10% flaps.

Regardless of what some veteran pilots might tell you, there is really no good reason to reduce to idle upon landing.  If an engine is going to quit, reducing the power to idle in the pattern is usually an invitation to do so -- probably due to carb icing.

However, I frequently practice no power (idle) landings when alone or with pilot friends to remain proficient in case of a rare event of engine failure.

It actually took me more than 100 hours in my 801 before I could make satisfactory landings at idle -- but I am a slow learner.

Larry L