Carl Orton
  • Male
  • North Richland Hills, TX
  • United States
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Carl Orton's Discussions

Anyone using the Wheel Fairings?

Started this discussion. Last reply by Jim Reese Apr 19. 5 Replies

Hi, All;I purchased the Zenith, optional, wheel fairings for my Cruzer. I'm finally getting around to installing them.My Qualified Pilot (using the additional pilot program) felt they were not the…Continue

Anyone install a fuel primer?

Started this discussion. Last reply by Gary Welch Feb 5. 6 Replies

I have a flying Cruzer that I built. It has an O-200 with an MA3-SPA carb. I did not install a primer. Went to fly yesterday (temps finally above 45F) and could not get a start. Coughed a few times…Continue

Bad Ambient Noise in Comm Mic

Started this discussion. Last reply by Carl Orton Nov 19, 2024. 7 Replies

My comm (iCom A200) works just fine. However, my Cruzer generates so much background noise with the engine, rushing air, any fuse noise, etc., that in flight my comms have a LOT of background noise.…Continue

Changes for the Zenith Annual Banquet at Oshkosh - 2024?

Started Jun 15, 2024 0 Replies

Please do not shoot me for asking a sensitive question.First, background:  My wife and I have attended just about every banquet since 2017. Not 100% attendance, but most years. We try to hit it…Continue

 

Carl Orton's Page

Latest Activity

Carl Orton posted a discussion

Anyone using the Wheel Fairings?

Hi, All;I purchased the Zenith, optional, wheel fairings for my Cruzer. I'm finally getting around to installing them.My Qualified Pilot (using the additional pilot program) felt they were not the most secure mounting because you could flex them around with only the 3 screws holding them to the wheel. (talking just the mains here...).What are your opinions / do you fly with them this way / have you invented some other support brackets to provide greater rigidity?Thanks for any insight...CarlSee More
Apr 14
5 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

Anyone install a fuel primer?

I have a flying Cruzer that I built. It has an O-200 with an MA3-SPA carb. I did not install a primer. Went to fly yesterday (temps finally above 45F) and could not get a start. Coughed a few times but battery finally died. I’ve always had to pump the throttle several times while cranking, but this time I was out of luck. my neighbor/CFI really started pushing to install a primer. On the way home, he starts looking at primer options available. so my question to the group is: did anyone include…See More
Jan 25
6 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

Bad Ambient Noise in Comm Mic

My comm (iCom A200) works just fine. However, my Cruzer generates so much background noise with the engine, rushing air, any fuse noise, etc., that in flight my comms have a LOT of background noise. The tower *can* understand me, but they do note the background noise.I'm running my headset into a flightcom portable intercom. I have not tried to talk without the intercom, so I have no idea if I'm picking up both mics, adding to the issue or what....Has anyone else had similar issues? Any…See More
Nov 15, 2024
7 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

Changes for the Zenith Annual Banquet at Oshkosh - 2024?

Please do not shoot me for asking a sensitive question.First, background:  My wife and I have attended just about every banquet since 2017. Not 100% attendance, but most years. We try to hit it regularly.We missed in 2022 (first year of being at the Mineshaft, I think) because of a camping issue that basically resulted in threats to have me take my wife to the airport and she'd fly home by herself (rental camper that was horrible). So we didn't attend in 2022. I was basically shut down the…See More
Jun 15, 2024
0 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

FlightCom IISX Portable Intercom Co-Pilot Xmit

Hi, all;I have a Cruzer with only one set of headphone/mic jacks. I purchased a FlightCom IISX portable intercom. Appears to work well in the intercom function.However, my CFI would like the ability to transmit as well. Technically, he *can*, since both mics are live when I press the PTT on the Y stick. However, he'd like his own PTT.FlightCom makes a PTT Gold switch, but user reviews say that if you use this switch, co-pilot loses intercom functionality.Anyone in a similar situation? How'd you…See More
May 30, 2024
5 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

Has anyone used the FAA Additional Pilot Program for Phase 1?

In the dark crevasses of my mind, I'm arguing with myself that I already posted this query, but cannot find it...I'm curious if any builders have used the Additional Pilot Program for their flight testing.  I have a bunch of questions, but I'll take the relatively easy one first....Did you follow the AC to the letter? As in, it seems there's a lot of information they want in the pilot logbook such as qualifications of the "Qualified Pilot", "Builder Pilot", and Observer Pilot.Along with the…See More
Mar 11, 2024
4 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

Cruzer GRT Fuel Sender Calibration frustrations

Hi, All;Received my AW cert the end of June, then prep for OSH, and upon return we've had 28 or more days of over 105 deg temps. Frustrating to get stuff done when you're stumbling all over from heat exhaustion!Anyway, I've started calibrating my fuel senders. Std Zenith supplied VDO senders. I have a GRT Sport EX EFIS and model 2004 EIS. Fuel senders wired to the analog inputs of the EIS as per GRT direction. The GRT wiring diagrams say to use 470ohm resistors in the excitation voltage…See More
Aug 28, 2023
4 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

Adhesive residue on bubble doors

I know solvents can destroy poly acrylics, so treading carefully. Do we know what the bubble doors’ composition is and/or what solvent may be used to remove adhesive residue after the protective paper is removed? The left window paper separated just fine, both inner and outer. The right door, however, has about 1/3 of the outer surface quite heavily coated with adhesive. Inner surface is clean. thanks for your insight. See More
Apr 17, 2023
5 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

Large washers next to rod end bearings?

I assembled my fuselage several years ago. I recently had a follow up tech counselor visit, and they said they were surprised that I didn’t place large (1”+) washers on the bolts next to the rod end bearings. Allegedly the bearings can fail, and with no washer, the rod can slip over the nut, resulting in Bad Things. The plans make no mention of this situation or mitigation. How many have used the washers?Thanks!See More
Apr 4, 2023
12 Comments
Carl Orton posted discussions
Jul 13, 2022
Carl Orton posted a discussion

Got start fixed; now hard to start

sighWell, folks, I had a no start problem that turned out to be the mags installed 90 deg out such that firing order was 3-2-4-1. Got that fixed and it fired right up.HOWEVER.Tried the second start this evening.  Could not get it to start. I HAVE NO PRIMER installed. Had to shoot some starter fluid (ether( into the air filter, then it fired right up and ran great.Should I just pump the snot out of the throttle more? I probably pumped it 5-6 times. Didn't want to flood, but obviously I'm aways…See More
Mar 27, 2022
7 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

O-200 Won't start, pop, cough, anything...

Very frustrated.I rebuilt my own O-200. I have significant engine building experience from a prior professional life as a Chrysler tech. I also built my own AeroVee VW conversion for my prior plane, a Sonex. I know, I know, it's not the same. One mag was less than 75 hrs when the core became available. I sent the other mag to our local mag shop for 500 hr servicing. The MA-3SPA carb also had less than 75 hrs on it, so I did not send it out for overhaul. I could put 100LL into the fuel bowl,…See More
Feb 28, 2022
10 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

MA3-SPA Initial Mixture Setting?

Hi, All;I've been trying to get my O-200 to fire up so I can then take the plane to the hangar. However, no joy.I thought I had spark issues, so double-checked the crank/cam timing, firing order from #1 cylinder, plug wire orientation, distributor timing with the mag synch tool, etc.So, I sprayed some starting fluid in the air filter. THAT got some results, so I know that SOMETHING is at lest providing a start.So now I'm concentrating on fuel.Just to make sure, how many turns (?) out from fully…See More
Feb 23, 2022
2 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

Preferred oil pressure sensor location?

When I stripped down my O-200 for overhaul, the oil pressure line was a port on the passenger side of the crankcase. yet it seems like most folks now refer to add the sensor to the tap location on the oil filter adaptor. does it make a difference?See More
Dec 14, 2021
3 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

Removing friction lock from throttle cable?

Like many others, I have installed dual throttle cables in my Cruzer.I've seen a few comments about removing the friction lock on the right side cable just to ensure that the cable isn't locked when you need it most.So....HOW do you remove/disable the friction lock? Standard McFarlane cable....Update: duh...called McFarlane; all one does is remove the black knob, then unthread the knurled lock knob and remove the leather packing material jammed in there. Reinstall the lock and plastic knobs and…See More
Oct 15, 2021
0 Comments
Carl Orton posted a discussion

Source for carb heat box locking stud and cross pins

I'm finishing-up the connection of FWF wires etc to my O-200 Cruzer.I purchased the Zenith FWF kit, which came with everything.I had a heckuva time installing the tiny cross pins into the bottom of the air filter mount studs.  I'm talking the studs you push thru the filter and gasket and act like a dzus to hold everything onto the sheetmetal carb heat airbox/valve.  These are TCM parts - 28306 and 28308. Spruce has 'em, but they're priced at $60 for ONE stud and $32 for ONE tiny little cross…See More
Oct 13, 2021
2 Comments

Profile Information

Aircraft Model
CH 750 Cruzer
Project Status
Just started
Building From
Kit
Engine installed (or plan to install)
Continental O-200
Your website (about your aircraft...)
http://Mykitlog.com/corton
Building Experience
Have already built an airplane
Flying Experience
Private Pilot
Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info
Had a 172; sold it and built a Sonex. Test flew that, sold it, and now have purchased Cruzer plans. Will buy the kit after I have the chance to test-fly it!
Home Airport (ie. KMYJ)
KFWS or 52F

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Comment Wall (3 comments)

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At 10:48pm on August 17, 2020, Oliver Reik said…

Hi Carl, Thank you for getting back to me. I also reached out to Falcon insurance, i will let you know about their response. Oliver

At 7:37pm on August 14, 2020, Brian Thomas said…

Carl-

Sorry, life took over my build for a while. I think I'll skip on the tool for now.

-Brian

At 10:28pm on July 30, 2017, Kenneth Stapleton said…

Hi Carl

Welcome to the Zenith family! I see in your profile that you are planning for the Cruzer. The Cruzer is a fantastic plane! If you get up to the factory, a demo ride will be in order. My wife (Sharlene) and I were there in June for 3 days and we were VERY impressed! We found all the folks at Zenith to be warm, friendly and honest. Not once did we see any kind of sales pitch...their business model is one that relies on the reputation of the product they produce. They were having an Open House while we were there so we had a chance to speak with quite a few of their customers (builders). We were amazed to find that many of them were building their second or more Zenith kits...quite a feat for an industry that sees new companies come and go so frequently!

We are heading back up to the factory in September for their 25th anniversary bash and will be bringing back more of the CH 750 STOL kit. Hopefully, we will see you there!

Ken and Sharlene

 
 
 

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