Online Community of Zenith Builders and Flyers
Started this discussion. Last reply by Michael radtke Mar 8, 2023. 18 Replies 1 Like
Started this discussion. Last reply by Darryl Legg Jan 1, 2016. 7 Replies 0 Likes
Started this discussion. Last reply by Kevin McCune Sep 6, 2014. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Hi All,
My CH701sp has now flown its 100th hour ! Not a new bird anymore but still not an old girl. It has been flying almost problem free since day one and it still performs right where it should - no hassle...
In the course of those 100 hours (3 years), what did I change/correct:
- Changed glycol radiator (too small);
- Added Vortex generators to elevator;
- Changed cabin rooftop to wing shape instead of flat surface;
- Added movement to aileron control (twin sticks instead of central stick)
- Installed new water pump (leaking);
- Installed Viking spring loaded nosegear bearing;
- Installed metal nosegear stop ring to prevent prop strike(flat tire/suspension problem);
- Installed new water sender (intermittent problem);
- Modified brake hoses (leaking);
- Removed SLATS and installed main wing VGs;
- Installed larger main tires;
All in all, nothing major only normal maintenance. The Subaru engine package is still performing like a star. Just change oil and filter, check/replace plugs and watch glycol level. Nothing out of ordinary maintenance.
The CH701 plane is a tough cookie : get banged and tossed by wind bursts but keeps on going like nothing is happening. Sometime, I think I PREVENT her from flying when weather is so-so. She wouldn't mind the challenging weather conditions but I do !
Would I do all of this over again ... YOU BET in a heart beat - No questions asked.
I look forward to many more 100th hour birthdays together ...
For those of you that still construct their dream ... Keep at it, don't despair.
What a JOY RIDE !
NormTheStorm
The CRAZY Canuck
CH701sp C-GFEU
CH701SP + CH750
______________________________________________
Hi all,
The 701 is finally flying. After 12 years of building (3 years hiatus) it took to the air with assurance with 2 onboard. My flight instructor and I got the CH701 up for a 45 minutes spin and found it airworthy with no surprises. Lots of people around me were relieved that it flew ! Who'd think I could build, let alone fly, my own creation ?
Well, with a lot of support from various people coming from diverse backgrounds, It finally flew...and well !
There we're minimal corrections done to the 701 to make it fly better but in general the final product stayed mostly the same as when it first got out into the sun.
I will continue to make small improvements as they become available, test them and report back my findings. The heart of any plane is its engine package and I can say that the Subaru/redrive/AeroInjector and Warpdrive propeller all came together to provide a very trusty system!
All in all, the 701 is a fun plane to fly and a sturdy friend.
I loke my SkyJeep.
Fly high, fly safe !
Norm
C-GFEU
Hi Normand:
This is Sam from ID. I'm still trying to get my Subaru from overheating. I have decided it has come down to the engine or the prop. What pitch is your prop set at? I have a 3 blade Warp Drive, the same as you I believe.
Thanks for all the help.
Just watched your video, take off from Sandy Runway. The engine sounded great. Is it the Subaru? If so, are you planning on using the Subaru in the other 701 and 750 you are building?
I building to third edition. However, I'm using a custom STOL nose rib. The nose rib I'm using droops down about 1 inch and it's length is about the same as the regular nose rib plus the slat. (~14 inches) There's 4 or 5 builders using this nose rib. There's one CH-701 that flying with it. The shape was modeled and a section of it was strapped on to the wing of this CH-701 and yarn tested. This shape yields most of the STOL and a lot less drag across most angles of attack and airspeed.
Hi Norm,
Yeah I definitely need to post some more pictures.
I'm still waiting on a handful or back-ordered parts from Zenith before I can continue with the tail. Very nice there are some closer people.
Good luck with your build!
Hi Normand : Thanks for the comment. I feel Zenair has forgotten the original 200/250/300 series that gave them their start. Good luck with your projects !! Dave Warr.
Hi Norm.
Welcome to the 701 frat, hope we meet sometime.
Carl
Hi Normand,
Agreed - I was lucky only the tail was complete. Not too much work at the end. I can just imagine having to drill the rivets on 2 wings...... ouch. Thanks for the feedback.
Alain
HI Normand, do you have a annual inspection check list to follow for a amature built 701 or do you know where I can get one THANKS
Posted on January 12, 2017 at 11:32am 4 Comments 2 Likes
January 12th,2017
Hi again,
Time to report back on my CH750 build. What has been done so far :
1) CH750 : stabilitor is finished but not closed. It is full symmetrical to match the symmetrical elevator.
2) CH750 : wing are done - not closed and inspecting them right now...
3) CH750 : ordered some control parts (aileron mixer) to finish the setup. Got the rudder pedals and brakes/reservoirs
4) CH750 : aileron + flap skeltons are being…
ContinuePosted on October 14, 2016 at 5:46pm 7 Comments 7 Likes
CH701sp Flight testing - 100.6 hours since September 28th,2012
Hi Everybody,
Thru their website, I wrote to Matco tech support about the FAILURE I had with one of their product (Split Rim MH6BD.75 rated at 660lbs/rim). I had found an article in the LightAircraft 'SafetySpot' of November 2015 where A similar incident was reported. The Murphy Rebel that suffered the failure was overweight for the rims but my CH701 was NOT.
They offered no compensation…
ContinuePosted on September 29, 2013 at 10:40pm 3 Comments 0 Likes
Friday, September 27th,
Hi again,
After a 2 hour test flight checking the performance of the 701 wing with VGs/without Slats, I got some interesting data.
First thing I checked was the takeoff run... After a few runs, I can say that the nosewheel comes off/on at 38 mph indicated. I can pull the nosewheel off as soon as the speedo gets to 38mph which is almost the same as before with the Slats. The takeoff run seems to run the same lenght but the speed…
ContinuePosted on April 3, 2013 at 10:08pm 2 Comments 3 Likes
Friday March 29th, 2013 to Monday April 1st,2013
I got the 701 out again and flew around for touch and goes... Much better elevator response at all speeds but more noticeable on landings. I also like the added headroom ... I got 3.1 hours before going back in and got the Beanie pilot window installed. Requires patience but not that difficult. Don't forget to weatherproof all rivets and joints otherwise you'll love your new installed shower !!!
On…
ContinueClassified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...
Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith:
Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.
Zenith Homecoming Tee:
Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz
Pro Builder Assistance:
Transition training:
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!
How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com
Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.
© 2024 Created by Zenith.Aero. Powered by
Exlusive online community for active builders and pilots of Zenith Aircraft kits (Chris Heintz / Zenair light airplane designs).