Below are a few simple tools I have made that others may find useful.

1. Wooden "gage" blocks- I have all sorts of bits of left over 2x4's. It has been useful to cut those into lengths such as 1",3/4", etc. If I need to elevate part above the table a little bit, I have a good selection of "calibrated" heights to work from. And as can be seen from the holes, they make good backer blocks for drilling. And for those last little bits of tweaking, door shims work quite…

Found two cracks in my aluminum flywheel.

The new parts require the reduction gearbox to move forward 1/4 inch. This causes the radiator to move forward, and interfere with the cowl.

I decided to try modifying the drive coupling by machining 1/8 inch off each side, thereby recovering the 1/4 inch.

I plan to do a few high power ground runs before flying, and will update this post with the results.…

We're sharing the following safety alert, that has been published on the Zenith Aircraft website builder and owner resources, to better circulate it with the Zenith flying community.

• Horizontal-Stabilizer-inspection-mandatory-Jan-2017.pdf

The safety alert is based on the…

I am building a 650 with a 0200 engine what prop do you guys suggest? thanks

Congratulations to Deane Philip and Chris Anderson for taking first and second place in the fifth annual "Healthy Bastards STOL competition" in New Zealand on Saturday, February 4,…

Deane Philip Winning the 2017 Healthy Bastards STOL  competition powered with Viking Engine

Deane Philip Winning the 2014 Healthy Bastards STOL  competition powered with Rotax engine

"That which does not kill us makes us stronger." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Since I started flying my 601 back in 2007 I have found it to be a fantastic machine for exploring and adventure. I have enjoyed expanding my view of the world by flying over the country side, looking out at the great sights below and taking pictures from time to time; actually thousands of them.

In the past few years I have had in mind to fly all the way to the tip of South America. I…

Following is my report on the 2017 Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, held last week in Sebring (central Florida), with photos and videos of the trip to and from Sebring from the Zenith Aircraft factory in Mexico, Missouri.  Watch the video (below), "Recap of the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2017," for a further summary of the 2017 event.…

I have another riveted assembly to check off the list for my Cruzer. :)

http://justplanechris.com/fin/

2009 ZENITH ZODIAC 601XLB • $42,500 • LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT FOR SALE! • 2009 Zenith Zodiac 601XLB less than 111 Hrs TT Airframe/Engine 2700/100HP Corvair, Weseman 5th Bearing, Sensenich wood prop, ICOM 200, Mode C KT76A Transponder,…

This is a tool that is often seen in a machine shop to measure angles. I have known about them for a while, but only recently acquired one.

Things I found useful about the protractor that will make it a regularly used tool for me.

1. The protractor can be locked down to a give angle.

2. There is a broad face on the arms to make it easier place against surfaces I am measuring..

3. It was very easy to see any gaps between the surfaces and the protractor…

I was able to leak test the installed pilot gas tank with air saving a great deal of grief.

I capped vent tube with rubber cap and clamp, pressure gauge in fuel line and air hose in fuel return line.

The gas cap was sealed with double sheet of saran wrap.

The pressure was 2-3 PSI and the tank was installed and gas tank skin was clecoed closed.

It was much easier than disassembly and bench testing with gas. 

The tank needed to be installed for this…

Here's a video link to the SpaceX rocket launch from 4000 ft just outside the launch area over Lompoc airport.

https://youtu.be/p5xRnh0CqNI

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…

The last day of 2016 saw the first completed section of my 750 Cruzer!

http://justplanechris.com/end-of-year-start-of-assembly/

Viking Aircraft Engines has once again proven itself to be a committed partner with AV84all. Viking recently donated an upgrade steel bungee for the nose wheel of the Zenith 750.

This upgrade to the standard rubber bungee will not wear out, and will make rudder operation smoother. This is crucial in an aircraft that will have a handle to control rudder deflection.

From Viking:

The Viking, steel bungee upgrade, “works in reverse of the original rubber bungee, yet the…

After 18 years, Donna Zimmerman will be retiring from Zenith Aircraft Company at the end of this year.

Donna was responsible for shipping and receiving, making sure the many parts that make up the kits were carefully packaged and crated.  Here, Donna works on one of her last shipments, helping Glen (of Hulett, Wyoming) pack his STOL CH 750 wings, slats and…