Ian Sowman
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  • Napier
  • New Zealand
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A photo by Ian Sowman was featured

Zenith CH 601

Haven't posted for a couple of years. Still flying and enjoying it. Relocated to new airfield with a great Aero club, Built a new home for ZOD and painted Spitfire on the doors, cool. Pic shows new (2006) toy painted same as the plane..coincidence.
Jan 19, 2021
Ian Sowman posted a photo

Zenith CH 601

Haven't posted for a couple of years. Still flying and enjoying it. Relocated to new airfield with a great Aero club, Built a new home for ZOD and painted Spitfire on the doors, cool. Pic shows new (2006) toy painted same as the plane..coincidence.
Jan 15, 2021

Profile Information

Aircraft Model
ZODIAC CH 601
Project Status
Flying
Building From
Kit
Building Experience
Have already built an airplane
Flying Experience
Sport Pilot (or Ultralight)
Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info
Semi retired. ex Aircraft Engineer (RNZAF). Purchased CH 601UL kit March 2010 part constructed. Wing panels only completed by previous owner after purchase in Oshkosh 1997 then lost interest and dry stored since. I have a Subaru EA81 ex 20hrs in a Ragwing Storch (replaced with Rotec Radial) I will be fitting a Compu-fire ign system and 2 x Bing carbs.

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Comment Wall (8 comments)

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At 8:17pm on December 25, 2011, Michael Herder said…

Incredible workmanship Ian.  I know you're proud as you should be.  GREAT LOOKING HD.  I'm still incredibly happy with mine.  Wouldn't change a thing.

At 8:01pm on May 29, 2011, Bob McDonald said…
I was at Can-Zac in Kitchener this weekend. His CH601XLB has larger tires like you did on the nose wheel. His mains are "taller" than the kit tires, but not as wide....his aircraft was designed / built for grass field operations.
At 1:24pm on February 22, 2011, Damir Horvat said…
I agree that it is a beautiful airplane.thanks!! The engine is a honda 100 cam from Firewalls forward. The radiator is located forward, behind the propeller.The vent on the top is only for better airflow allround engine! Best regards, Damir
At 5:43am on February 17, 2011, Bob McDonald said…
The main bungee might be a lot easier to change at this point in the construction. See www.macsmachine.com for tools and neat stuff. I got the tools to change the main gear bungee from him.
At 6:49am on December 7, 2010, Bob McDonald said…
Ian
I also have the baggage lockers in the wings + seperate leading edge wing tanks. Way too much fuel for the range of my bladder. I use the right hand leading edge tank for "weight" by putting fuel in it to off-set the heavy left wing feel when flying solo. The baggage locker can also be used for this purpose by storing tie downs and heavier baggage in it. During the last 10 minutes of the evening flight I will transfer the 22L fuel to the header tank. I usually only fill the right wing tank with a Jerry can...its lower and easier. Be sure to install an electric trim tab on the right aeileron, it is invaluable when triming the aircraft.
At 6:51pm on December 4, 2010, Bob McDonald said…
I installed the www.stolspeed.com VG's on the CH601HD and they improved the slow speed handling (landing flair/float) of the aircraft. But I also have a light Rotax 912 80 engine (130lb), with the heavier Subaru engine you are going to have a CofG near the forward limit.
At 7:01pm on December 3, 2010, Bob McDonald said…
I still fly the CH601HD with Rotax 912 80hp. The CH601HD & CH601UL both perform very well as a STOL type aircraft. They cruise 90 - 100 mph and not much faster...that big thick wing won't let it go any faster. Great day flyer..cheap ...fun... flying. To put CH701 tires on a CH601...must use different size wheel forks?
At 10:23pm on January 16, 2010, Chris Sinfield said…
Hi Ian
Welcome
Chris Sinfield over in Sydney.. why not join our main ANZAC zenith group? I am a FE on the C130's over here and building a zodiac XL.. where are you north or south Island?

Chris
 
 
 

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