Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
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Jerry "Sonny" Webster
- Male
- Fenton, MI
- United States
- Blog Posts
- Discussions (4)
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Jerry "Sonny" Webster's Page
Profile Information
- Aircraft Model
- Zenith CH 650
- Project Status
- Less than half
- Building From
- Plans-only
- Engine installed (or plan to install)
- Corvair
- Your website (about your aircraft...)
- http://www.kitlog.com/sunmanav8
- Building Experience
- No Experience
- Flying Experience
- Private Pilot
- Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info
- Education: BS in Mechanical Engineering - 1988, MS in Engineering Science - 1995. Worked as engineer at General motors for 10 years then 10 years at Chrysler in multiple product, service and quality roles. Left the industry to pursue an unrelated entrepreneurial opportunity in Texas. Became a private pilot in 1990 followed by an instrument rating in 1993. Expense priorities of family life made it difficult to justify the cost of flying. Have been entertaining a homebuilt for several years as a rewarding hands-on technical task then ultimately a great adventure vehicle. After extensive research and learning (mostly at Oshkosh and on the web) I finally committed to the purchase of plans for the CH650. Time will tell whether I have "the right stuff" to see this through. I'm not disillusioned about the time, effort and skills required so my goal is to fly my plane to Airventure 2020.
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Thanks Sonny,
Are you scratch building or kit building?
Meeting for breakfast sounds like a great Idea. I have a flight sceduled for this Saturday morning. I could do Sunday or next weekend. I live in the NW both 290 and BW8.
Paul
Hello Jerry, let me know if I can help with anything. I have slowed down on my build (hot). I will be getting back at it in a couple of weeks.
What part of Houston do you live?
Thanks for the friend requst.
I'm just starting a plans build 750 here in Australia. Thought I might add you as a friend as I see you're plans building as well. No doubt lots of useful experience to share.
A friend (also plans builder) and i are working on a 2.6m bending brake for the spars that can do the R3.2 radius. How are you planning to handle the long radiused bends?
Cheers
Dave
Hello Jerry,
It's great to hear from you. Yes, I purchased plans for the CH650 about a month ago and have been busy setting up the RAMF aka "RUSSELL AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURING FACILITY".......:-). This process is coming along very nicely, my wife is elated to see our two car garage getting cleaned out and organized....FINALLY! I've been studying the plans, viewing construction videos, and purchasing tools (Harbor Freight just opened a store 15 minutes and Aircraft Spruce is approx. 35 minutes away from RAMF.....SWEEEET!).
I attended Sun N Fun from March 29-April 1 (which was quite exciting in more way than one), I got an opportunity to spend time with "The Corvair Authority", William Wynn......I'm DEFINITELY going with the corvair conversion.
I have not started using MyKitLog, but I fully intend on doing so in the near future. You're 10000% correct, it is an invaluable resource, and I thoroughly enjoy viewing the progress photos of fellow builders. It's great to see your progress as well; I will continue to follow your progress as it provides encouragement and inspiration!
Stay Strong and Steady,
Irv Russell aka "Doc"
Atlanta, GA- CH650 #8314
I just noticed that Magnolia is not that far away from Hallsville (just outside Longview). I too am building a 650 but from component kits. I have completed tail section and will take delivery of fuselage after Christmas. Just wanted to let you know there are others of us out here. Oh yea, I agree with the early comment about the DVD's for building. They are 1st class and are a huge help in knowing what and how to do each of the building steps.
Good luck in your building program.
Bob
Of course they would require the upgrade work but would be a great start for you.
my email is rbarnes3@maine.rr.com
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