All Blog Posts (2,462)

Search Blog Posts

Part 15: Installing the "Upgrade Package" to our Zodiac CH 601 XL: Installing the Spar Wing Root Doubler (take two)

As shown previously (in Part 8), we had already installed a Wing Root Doubler (6-ZU-1-2) to the front side of the spar root, but as mentioned earlier (see my Part 13), a new Wing Root Doubler (6-ZU-1) replaces the previous doubler. This new doubler is cut… Continue

Added by Sebastien Heintz on November 25, 2009 at 5:30pm — 1 Comment

Part 14: Disassembling the Center Wing Spar Assembly and more...

As most of you know, we're now accepting orders for the Upgrade Package kit. We're not ready to ship the kits just yet, but we're getting everything organized so that we can ship as soon as the kit installation has been verified and documented, and that all the needed parts are in stock. We're prioritizing availability to first ship to those builders who are ready to install the Upgrade Package kit parts. We ask that those of you who are not ready yet to install the upgrade package to let us… Continue

Added by Sebastien Heintz on November 24, 2009 at 4:39pm — 4 Comments

Part 13: Removing the Wing Center Spar Section

Again, I want to thank Doug and Lori from Quality Sport Planes for organizing and hosting the free "Upgrade Workshop" this past weekend at their facility in Cloverdale, California (shown above). This was an excellent opportunity for Zodiac XL builders, owners, and pilots to learn about new upgrades, and how to install them. For more information, contact Quality Sport Planes at… Continue

Added by Sebastien Heintz on November 23, 2009 at 5:36pm — 3 Comments

Slider Canopy

Does anyone have knowledge of a slider canopy, with roll bar. used on a 601XL ??

Added by david a mcphee on November 21, 2009 at 9:20pm — 1 Comment

Slider Canopy

Does anyone have knowledge of a slider canopy, with roll bar. used on a 601XL ??

Added by david a mcphee on November 21, 2009 at 9:20pm — No Comments

Part 12: Installing the L-angle stiffeners to the rear bottom wing skins

Now we install L-angle stiffeners to the rear bottom wing skins:

This is an easy job with the top rear skin removed. We trim the L-angle piece to length, pre-drill it, and then drill and cleco it into the bottom rear skin:

We'll share the position measurements and exact details with the final drawings. The Upgrade drawings are nearly finalized (which will allow us to then release and… Continue

Added by Sebastien Heintz on November 20, 2009 at 4:30pm — 10 Comments

O235 experiences

I have an O235L2C in my 601XL.

It has E-Mag ignitions, an Ellison throttle body, a Warp drive three bladed prop, and a remote oil filter. There nis one electric fuel pump, and one mechanical.

I would like to hear from anyone else that has a similar set up.

I have flown the airplane, but not often. I had it inspected by the FAA for certification about the time that the NTSB sent the letter squaking about the airplane being unsafe. I flew it anyway, but was not comfortable with it.… Continue

Added by William Campbell on November 20, 2009 at 12:52pm — No Comments

O235 experiences

I have an O235L2C in my 601XL.

It has E-Mag ignitions, an Ellison throttle body, a Warp drive three bladed prop, and a remote oil filter. There nis one electric fuel pump, and one mechanical.

I would like to hear from anyone else that has a similar set up.

I have flown the airplane, but not often. I had it inspected by the FAA for certification about the time that the NTSB sent the letter squaking about the airplane being unsafe. I flew it anyway, but was not comfortable with it.… Continue

Added by William Campbell on November 20, 2009 at 12:52pm — 1 Comment

Engine Specs.

Type Engine Installed Lycoming 0235 C1B
E Mag Electonic Ignition, Warp Drive 3 Blade Ground Adjustable Prop.
2 Batteries, 2 Electric Fuel Pumps, Remote Oil Filter

Added by Roger L Vavra on November 20, 2009 at 10:06am — No Comments

Part 11: Installing 3-position LED lights (and replacing the AeroFlash / Whelan strobes)

Since we have full access to the insides of our wings we decided that this was the perfect time to upgrade to new LED (light emiting diodes) lights. Note that this is not part of the Upgrade Package prescribed in AMD's Safety Alert and the FAA's SAIB - this is just an opportune time to install them (and also allows us to save a few pounds in the process).



This is the original Aeroflash-Signal anti-collision/position light assembly (nav/strobe light) on the left wingtip:…

Continue

Added by Sebastien Heintz on November 19, 2009 at 4:30pm — 4 Comments

new canopy latch

Where can I find the plans for the new stile canopy latching system? The one that has a handle on the seat back.

Added by Robert Reinero on November 18, 2009 at 6:46pm — 3 Comments

Part 10: Installing the "Upgrade Package" to our Zodiac CH 601 XL: Replacing the Fuselage Rear Wing Attach Plates

Here we move over to the aircraft fuselage and center spar section. Roger reviews the draft drawing 6-ZU-3.

Again, remember that the posted drawings are in DRAFT form and we are currently finalizing them...

We'll be replacing the original rear wing attach plate (6B5-4) with a heavy-duty 1/8-inch 6-ZU-3-5 Attach Plate. This is the plate that sticks out the sides of the center fuselage and that bolts to the wing's rear channel. Note that the… Continue

Added by Sebastien Heintz on November 18, 2009 at 4:59pm — 6 Comments

Part 9: Installing the "Upgrade Package" to our Zodiac CH 601 XL

Picking up where we left off in our last post, here we drill and bolt the cap spacer 6-ZU-1-6 centered between the original spar web 6W3-1 and the new wing root doubler 6-ZU-1-2:

Then we start deburring and riveting some of our Upgrade Package additions permanently into place, starting with the back of the wing, riveting the Top Rear Spar Angles and… Continue

Added by Sebastien Heintz on November 17, 2009 at 5:30pm — 1 Comment

Another Day At Can-Zac

Remember the CH750 kit owned by Angus Watt from Ottawa, the one I spent 8 days working on last month? Well, at the end of 4 weeks it looks like this... by the end of this day the wings and all flying surfaces are final fitted and it is once again dis-assembled and shipped to the paint shop today.
The CH801 (Yellow/Blue?White paint)in the back ground is a 4 seat model built for an outpost camp in Alberta.

Added by Bob McDonald on November 17, 2009 at 6:59am — 2 Comments

601/650 Upgrade Mods

I am in the process of building a CH 650. I have completed the rudder, horiz stab, and flaps, with the ailerons clecoed only. I have been holding off starting the wings until these mods are released. I have tried to be optimistic and positive about the 601/650 situation, and mainly just monitoring these sites. However, I still see some individuals on this site, and others, sticking their heads in the sand, bragging about flying being dangerous, riding motorcycles without helmets, and running… Continue

Added by Jim Snyder on November 16, 2009 at 6:37pm — 3 Comments

Part 8: Installing the "Upgrade Package" to our Zodiac CH 601 XL: Installing the Spar Wing Root Doubler (beta)

Now we install the Wing Root Doubler (6-ZU-1-2) to the front side of the spar root:

The Wing Root Doubler is a flanged piece that sits in front of the spar:

We decided to drill out the existing inboard noserib and replace it so that we could drill the Wing Root Doubler flange well into the noserib flange (the replacement noserib will be supplied as part of the Upgrade Package kit):…

Continue

Added by Sebastien Heintz on November 16, 2009 at 6:00pm — 3 Comments

New CH750 Video now available: FINISHING

HomebuiltHELP has now released the final volume for the airframe assembly in the series of Building your CH750: "FINISHING" This title covers mounting the HT, Wings, cables, controls, doors, fuel/wire routing, etc.

We are now working on a Jabiru 3300 engine installation video after filming with Mark Townsend at Can-zac aviation in Canada.

Added by Jon Croke on November 16, 2009 at 12:49am — 1 Comment

Part 7: Installing the "Upgrade Package" to our Zodiac CH 601 XL: Installing the Aileron Bellcrank Support Channel

As mentioned in my last post, I invite Zodiac XL builders and owners to check out and contribute to the "Zodiac XL Upgrade Package Q&A"

This will help answer many of your questions, and we ask that you ask your questions here (so that we may share the answers with many of you).



We also announced that Quality Sport Planes (in Cloverdale, California) that they will host a free "… Continue

Added by Sebastien Heintz on November 15, 2009 at 4:30pm — 2 Comments

SLSA

For those of you who own an AMD built XL that live in Idaho and/or Oregon, I can recommend a good mechanic.
Contact me for his name.

Mack P. Kreizenbeck
208-898-1494
aprazer@cableone.net

Added by Mack P. Kreizenbeck on November 15, 2009 at 2:00pm — No Comments

Part 6: Installing the "Upgrade Package" to our Zodiac CH 601 XL: Installing the Top Rear Spar Angle doubler

Next we install the Top Rear Spar Angle 6-ZU-1-3 reinforcement doubler inside the rear (spar) channel 6W7-2.

Below is a view of the angle inside the top rear channel (inboard, over the rear channel doubler 6-ZU-1-5 previously installed):

This angle doubler sits inside the top rear spar channel.

Steve first clamps… Continue

Added by Sebastien Heintz on November 14, 2009 at 3:30pm — 3 Comments

Featured Blog Posts

View All

Latest Blog Posts

Most Popular Blog Posts

Monthly Archives

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

1999

New from Zenith:

Zenith Planes For Sale 
  

Classified 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:

Zenair Floats

Flying On Your Own Wings:
 A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz

Builder & Pilot Supplies:

Aircraft Insurance:

 
 

Transition training:

Lavion Aero

K&S Aviation Services

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.

© 2025   Created by Zenith.Aero.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service