So many ask the question of how to build an aircraft that a light sport rated pilot can fly.

Here is the answer to one typical speed question:

The speed of your completed airplane is dictated by it's overall configuration, not the engine. While it is true that Viking would like to show you how fast it could go, it is not true that you will automatically have this speed if you need to comply with a lesser speed.

The pitch of your ground adjustable propeller will give you…

As I have continued on with building my plane and having the space, I wanted to make some more benches. These pictures were made last year. What makes these a little different than other benches is that I decided to make the benches modular. The tables are 4x4 in size instead of the usual 4x12 that is often made. I made a 4x12 when I first started building, but that one has been retired in favor of the 4x4 benches. Even if someone had more limited space, using 4x4 tables could make easier to…

I've started assembling the fwd horizontal stabilizer parts. Got the spar, doublers, attach brackets, and ribs drilled. Time to debur and rivet! :)…

Hello all,

 I'm getting ready to build my 650 wings and thought maybe I'd get some steel beams as shown in the guides. 

 Are you all using them? Where did you get them?

 If you aren't using them, what are you using?

  I just used 2x4's for the rudder, stab and elevator.

Thanks!

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.…