Got the rudder kit from Allan at Zenair australia 2 weeks ago. Just finished drilling the skins. The instruction manual is spot on.

I've just ordered the plans set, so will be into major build mode soon.

Well, as much as anything is finished before final assembly.  

I drilled the 5/64" holes in the outer hinge pins, assembled the centre hinge point (bloody hard to cut a 2.5mm length of 1/4" tube for the bushing!) - got it all together and swinging freely.  

Only thing really left to do is source some sheetmetal screws and put an inspection hatch over the hole in the bottom skin where the trim servo is.

I sat the whole assembly upside-down and wiped the lower surfaces…

Anyone interested in Zenith Builders live chat, here's the address:

http://www.mykitairplane.com/chat/

The day finally came to move the airplane. Flight testing was completed in November 2010, but I had been unable to find a hangar in Astoria, OR. We moved to Bend, OR in March and I finally found a hangar in Prineville, 45 minutes from the house. It's not easy working on an airplane when it is 6-10 hours away. I was averaging 120mph ground speed running the engine about 2,650 rpm. Total mileage was right at 300 miles at 6,500' to 8,000'. I'll get better numbers now that I have easy access to…

Hello All.

I am happy to report that VH-KMI flew for the first time yesterday. The flight was conducted from Goolwa South Australia and lasted 40 minutes. There are some minor issues that are to be expected but I was generally pleased with the handling of the aircraft.

Still hasn't sunk in yet.

Regards,

John

Thank you Zenith for making the growth of light aviation possible in Ghana, West Africa and for giving so many young people new hope. The ability to produce parts from scratch build, and to have kit parts coupled with excellent manuals and plans and outstanding support from the factory and Zenith community is what has made it possible for WAASPS, Medicine on the Move and the AvTech Academy to succeed in changing lives, one flight at a time.  

The changes to these girls lives…

I decided not to write about Oshkosh - since there was a lot already.. .but the Medicine on the Move (MoM) team are just winding up their USA tour - and looking forward to getting home to the team that are still in Ghana working hard on keeping the airfield ready for our return (they chose to dig out some large stones whilst we are away... and now need to fill the holes!!)

Last week we had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Zenith Factory.  For Patricia this was her…

Today we hosted another luncheon for a group of Zenith Rudder Workshop participants.

They keep growing in size. I'm not sure if it's because Zenith is selling more kits or we are doing such a great job with lunch that people are coming just for that.

In either case we certainly enjoy having everyone join us.

If you are ever in the area please take the time to stop by and visit our Builder Assist & Assembly Center here in Mexico, Mo. not far from the Zenith…

Flight Crafters has a CH750 and a CH701 for sale.  Both are finished and have not been registered.  Go to  www.flightcrafters.com/zenithaircraft/zenithaircraftforsale.html

for all the information.

Or call me at 813-779-1156 to discuss either of these excellent opportunities. 

Hi Joe,

This is Rick Lach from Raven Aviation. You called early this morning (Thursday 8-10-11) and a second time later in the morning and left a message about Wing Strut Fairings for 701's. Well the machine didn't get all of your phone number, so I can't call you back. So would you please try again at the following numbers:

Home:  760-378-3870

Cell:     661-345-7755

Thanks

Rick 

Last night I trimmed skins to size, deburred, cut out slot in trim tab spar for control rod and filed all the edges.

I'd seen other people use a Dremel tool to do the control slot - I don't have one (used to, think I lent it to someone!!) - but found that a step drill, used carefully and with wood clamped behind the aluminium, worked fine.  Even on the 0.016 skin.

I also made a doubler (just 0.016) for where the trim servo is riveted to the top skin.  

Still need some…

We were busy throughout the AirVenture week at the Zenith booth, meeting with both existing builders and owners, and showing the demo aircraft to potential new builders. We flew in our two new factory demonstrators: The STOL CH 750 and the low-wing CH…

Wednesday will be a day to remember for many years.  It was the day for the Zenith Builders Banquet to honor Chris Heintz.  The location for the banquet was the scenic EAA Nature Center right on the AirVenture grounds under a large tent, big enough to hold all 250 attendees:

EAA's founder Paul Poberezny was the special guest for the evening, and he and Chris spent a…

With the opening day slated officially as "Chris Heintz Day" at AirVenture, Chris had many activities scheduled during the first couple of days.  My son Calvin, age 17, was tasked with escorting Chris during the…

Had a good weekend - on Sunday I cut out & bent the rear skins (made them a bit oversize in span so I can cut the ends to fit), drilled and clecoed them to the skeleton on Tuesday evening.

Yesterday I had a couple of free hours, cut out the front skins and got one taped on.

I love front skins.   A simple rectangular piece of metal, give it a bit of a bend, and all of a sudden you've got a complete airfoil shape.  Fantastic!