Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
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Glenn Johnson
- Male
- Harrisonburg, VA
- United States
- Blog Posts (8)
- Discussions (120)
- Events
- Groups
- Photos (15)
- Photo Albums (1)
- Videos
Glenn Johnson's Discussions
O-200 On 601XL
Started this discussion. Last reply by Glenn Johnson Jul 5, 2018. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Airspeed not accurate
Started this discussion. Last reply by Robert Stacey May 27, 2014. 7 Replies 0 Likes
Glenn Johnson's Page
Latest Activity
Flying my 601XLB
Profile Information
- Aircraft Model
- ZODIAC XL
- Project Status
- Flying
- Building From
- Kit
- Engine installed (or plan to install)
- Continental O-200
- Building Experience
- No Experience
- Flying Experience
- Private Pilot
- Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info
- Completed my 601XL after 7-1/2 year build. FAA issued the SAIB so "rebuilt" plane and engine. After about 100 hours did a really sloppy landing and needed to rebuild front of aircraft. Made some comfort changes and put more power in the engine with new piston and electronic ignition.
Looking for another plane to build and then retire and enjoy life.
- Home Airport (ie. KMYJ)
- KCPK
Recent updates
Have my plane flying again after a hard landing which took out nose gear, firewall and cabin floor. Use the rebuild yo make the plane "fit" me better. Moved rudder pedals almost 2" forward, bought a Zenith cowl, upped compression from 7:1 to 9.5:1, replaced mag with P-MAG electronic ignition.
This made it a better looking and flying aircraft. Also changed to a Ed Sturba propeller which I like. I am now seeing cruise of 95 to 100 knots @ 2400 RPM which it great. I was seeing 85 - 90 knots before. Cruiseing at this increased speed makes flying much more comfortable as it it No longer feels like it is walering all over. Pattern work is much easier also. I have to hold less power than before and seems to get a bit more "glide" on final.
I also added a Garmin 235 transponder, Garmin GDL for ADS-B in and a Garmin 660 portable GPS. This makes a big difference in situational awareness with other aircraft. I did the rebate process and got a passing grade first time flying over KORF airspace.
I have to also say that Zenith was great working with me getting parts for my aircraft. My kit was a early kit made before CNC process so was a real challenge getting what I needed. I had to make sure nothing was predrilled as it would never match what I drilled. The photo below is results of my landing incident a few years ago.
Next, ? I have plans for a T(S) 18 Thorp. I recently read that support for this design has faltered. Several flying friends mentioned a Mustang 2 which after some quick research I ordered plans for that, so still deciding what to build next.
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Glenn Johnson's Photos
Glenn Johnson's Blog
Flying my 601XLB
Posted on October 21, 2019 at 5:37pm 1 Comment 3 Likes
This is Tangier Island we flew to in August. It's a quaint village struggling against time and climate change and sinking into the bay. We had a group of four aircraft for this almost 70 mile trip. There are many great restaurants and normal tourist shops. If you go it's short and has many frost heaves creating a roller coaster landing and take…
Where I stand now
Posted on February 3, 2010 at 8:09pm 4 Comments 0 Likes
Back in October I grounded my 601 because of the engine using oil, low oil pressure and just not running very well for very long. What I found was a partial oil ring on the #3 cylinder as well as a few bearings that were at service limits on the crank shaft and cam shaft. I also found a stud that had pulled loose from the crank case under the rear cam shaft journal, so the case needs to be line bored also. I also… Continue
Engine issues
Posted on November 1, 2009 at 6:47am 4 Comments 0 Likes
This past week I was able to finally get time to get it apart. The # 4 oil ring was missing about 1/3 of it, other wise engine is in good but worn out shape. As far repairs, looks like I can get all new bearing, rings and gaskets and be good… Continue
Flying report
Posted on July 27, 2009 at 7:15pm 1 Comment 0 Likes
Performance was not what I expected and it climbed very slow and as soon as I was out of ground effect I had a very heavy left wing. The climb was some where around 80 KIAS and was very slow. After a few circles over the airport and two attempts I landed unevently with a slight bounce.… Continue
FAA BLESSING
Posted on May 24, 2009 at 9:30pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
He did go over the cable tensions… Continue
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Hello,
My name is Mr. Michael Mccarthy, I have contacted you before without any response from you. Please replied if you receive this message. I have something very important to discuss with you, I have a vital information to give you. Could you please get back to me on (mmichaelmccarthy4@gmail.com ) for full details.
Michael Mccarthy.
Beautiful family and plane. You are truly blessed. Glad to know you now Glenn. Hope your new engine is front of you very soon in the air again. Sunrise / Sunset picture, priceless.
Thanks Glenn. I have a jabiru 3300 which is lighter than the 0200 so it should be even better. Gordon.
Believe me, I understand the "no time" problem. I get "some" weekends to work on the plane. Still working long hours at work + they have me travelling a bit. At least I'm not on 3rd shift anymore. I did 18 weeks of that, and it was definatelyt taking the wind out of my sails.
Good luck on the engine rebuild. Let me know how it comes out.
Glen,
Are you back in the air?
Dan
How is the plane flying these days? Did you get the bugs out?
Dan
I don't feel inclined to move any significant weight aft in the plane, so for me it comes down to: (A) live with less or no flap extension which is pretty much okay with me, or (B) re-pitch the stab which sounds like a gigantic pian in the butt. The downside of limiting the flap travel to 10 - 15 degrees is that makes it harder to get into and out of the plane. It might be the best idea to simply not use the flaps at all or manually stop the extension at a lesser angle. What do you think?
Ed
Ed
Ed
You're not related to the Woods are you. They had an airstrip just a mile to 2 from here, but it's not been used for years. The story I heard was that the 1985 flood swept the hanger and the antique plane Mr Wood had down the river. It's still on the sectionals though.
If the light you're talking about is a timing light I have one I could lone you.
Dan