All Blog Posts (2,408)

Search Blog Posts

Blog - what is it, and how do I post one...

A blog (or weblog) is simply a web page for you to share information (on building and flying). Blogs are easily created and archived, which make them excellent for presenting a building log (or diary), or to report on a recent flight or trip. Blog entries are displayed in reverse-chronological order, and viewers can follow your progress by scrolling through your blog posts.



Blog posts are easily created, and can contain photos and web links (to other sites or photos, etc.) as a part… Continue

Added by Zenith.Aero on March 2, 2009 at 9:00pm — 6 Comments

Installing Micro Vortex Generators (VG) on the STOL CH 701 Elevator

Over the past year we have been testing micro vortex generators (VG's) on the bottom of the STOL elevator. We've been using them on our factory demo planes and have sent out samples to experienced STOL pilots, including CH 701 owner and pilot Bob Jones (of Alaska).

We manufactured our own micro vortex generators out of .020 6061-T6 aluminum in our hydraulic press to match the curvature of the… Continue

Added by Sebastien Heintz on March 2, 2009 at 5:30pm — 20 Comments

June/July Container

Hey everyone...

We are planning a container in June or July 2009.

Please contact me with any orders for Parts, Component Kits, Canopies, Powerplants, FWF Kits etc.

I have a few interested in Canopies, and so far have 1 parts order and 2 FWF kits shipping...Lets try fill up the container asnd save money on shipping.

Liezel
Tel: (07) 5536 3622
Mobile: 0424043462
sales@sportair.com.au

Added by Zenith Australia on March 1, 2009 at 10:16pm — No Comments

On the the next challange

It has been four months to get all built but the fuselege. after our start today it looks like at least four months to do this next stage. The wings and tail feathers seemed simple. The fuselege has so many parts and they are so different from each other!! Well it is just one foot in front of the other and we will ge there.

Added by kenneth capenter on February 28, 2009 at 8:16pm — No Comments

Cowling Pre-Fit

This is just a pre-fit of the cowling, I want to judge if I need to install a spacer or not for the prop that is on order.



I have been asked on several occasions where to plane a taxi light on the STOL series, this is… Continue

Added by Mark Townsend on February 28, 2009 at 2:30pm — No Comments

Workshop Day 2



Most of us have been here, remember the fun of the day and the nerves of that first hole.



Another Fine STOL 750 Rudder, just a reminder, Rudders for the 750 made prior to Feb 25 should change out the rudder horn for the New thicker horn. Please contact Zenith or Can-Zac if you have an older Rudder horn on your 750… Continue

Added by Mark Townsend on February 27, 2009 at 2:30pm — No Comments

Rudder Workshop

Today is a personal Rudder Workshop, This fellow was only able to attend in a couple of particular days and I am more then happy to accommodate, as long as it fits into the shop schedule.

The controls are simpilar to the 801's but have one very major difference, these ones go in fast, with no problems, while the 801 requires quite a bit of time for alignment.…

Continue

Added by Mark Townsend on February 26, 2009 at 2:00pm — No Comments

engine out..

So far I've removed the engine, rudder pedals and front suspension. Bead blasted and undercoated all these steel parts. I'll spray them with 2 pack this weekend.

The next job is to remove the main undercarriage. Getting hold of the loos nuts hidden behind the bungees inside the gear will be interesting. Once I have them out I plan to insert a threaded plate or weld in captured nuts and use star washers and locktite on the bolts to stop the loosening.

Added by Greg Wilson on February 25, 2009 at 4:31am — 1 Comment

100 th aniversary of powered flight in Canada

I went for a short flight yesterday (feb 23) which is the 100th aniversary of powered flight in Canada, just to honor it and think how far flight has come. The 701 as usual makes you forget the worlds problems as you cruise around

Added by Barney Creech on February 24, 2009 at 8:50am — No Comments

Sheet Metal Shop Practices (US Army publication TM 1-1500-204-23-10)

TM 1-1500-204-23-10 (31 Jul 1992) Change 3.pdf

I just wanted to share this document with the rest of the community. It is a must-read for anyone about to venture into the world of metal working.

Added by James Cameron on February 24, 2009 at 5:56am — 2 Comments

750 Rotax 912

Started on the firewall with the installation of the mount and the oil reservoir .

Taa Daa !! We have installation of a Rotax 912ULS on the nose of a STOL 750, I have more pictures of the early part of this install and will include them in my photo album when I have a little time at the hanger.



Installation of the engine is quite simple so far, the muffler was a bear to get in, but they all are… Continue

Added by Mark Townsend on February 22, 2009 at 10:00pm — 4 Comments

ARF pictures

I just posted several pictures from a couple of ARF flights. ARF is Animal Rescue Flights, a group that helps get animals from shelters where they'll likely be killed to new shelters or new owners that will take care of them. If you're looking for something to do with your airplane, give them a look.

Added by Jay Maynard on February 22, 2009 at 9:32am — 4 Comments

Attaching the wings

Over the past two weeks I have been getting the wings on the fuselage. That is finally finished, flaps on and wired except for the trim. For any one interested, I suggest that the flaps and ailerons not be drilled until the wings is trimmed and bolted on. It was very hard to get the flaps on past the already riveted ailerons and getting every thing adjusted. The other issue is the flap torque tube. I drilled my bolts on the tube as per the manual and it would be much better to drill the left… Continue

Added by Glenn Johnson on February 22, 2009 at 6:18am — No Comments

02-21-2009 Today's Adventure

02-21-2009



With just over 400 hours on my plane, today it was time for yet another oil change. While I was at it I installed an oil drain valve on my Jabiru 3300 engine. In the future this will allow me to change the oil without removing the bottom cowling.





After the oil change I went for a 130 mile flight. There was an overcast at 3,000 today so this was a low and slow flight over the coastal mountains and out over the… Continue

Added by Stephen R. Smith on February 21, 2009 at 11:30pm — 4 Comments

The hangar Gods.........

After two years and starting off at number 92, the planets have aligned and I just signed the lease on my T-Hangar that I take possesion of on March 1st. This is really good on alot of fronts. I am just getting ready to paint (not in the Hangar), and will begin final assembly which is pretty much impossible in my garage. My wife is finally losing patience with decor de aviation. We have wings in the living room, slat and flaps in the office,instrument panel in the dining room, and her car hasnt… Continue

Added by Thomas Richardson on February 21, 2009 at 7:49am — No Comments

750 Nose Gear

Not much visable progress in the last few days, All steel parts have primed and painted, then a trip to Zenair for the Rotax FWF package.



The Rotax cowling is one of the prettiest cowlings I have seen. It should look just fantastic on this 750.



I was able to spend a little bit of time and get the main landing gear in place, the rubbers for the… Continue

Added by Mark Townsend on February 20, 2009 at 8:30am — No Comments

Aye Captain we got wheels

Today was a late start and I must finish early to catch up on the 290 messages since Sunday, so it is simple tasks for the day, best place to start is the landing gear. Here on the table I have inverted the gear leg and used my axle drilling jig to ensure straight holes.



Perfect holes make this a simple as fast installation, though I went through 3 batteries in the cordless drills to do these 8… Continue

Added by Mark Townsend on February 17, 2009 at 11:05pm — No Comments

Heating the Cabin

Too bad this site came around when it did...I keep a blog of building activities at n820wa.blogspot.com As you can see I have been continuing to slowly work on the airplane. There are days when I want to give it to the scrap dealers and other days when it is great to tackle another problem.



The engine is pretty much complete, so now I must return to the problem of a heater box. I think I have the box figured out, but not the distribution in the cabin. Particularly to the back seats.… Continue

Added by Scott on February 17, 2009 at 6:12am — No Comments

Photo window - Flying open ?

Greetings from Scandinavia - I fly a Czhech built bird with curved side windows. I'd like to do some photography and have marked for a little photo window, I have to cut out. Only, I'm not quite sure how the double curved polycarbonate window will react tothis.



Also considered flying ophen. How easy is it to get the door on and off these looong piano hinges - And how is flying open when compared to flying with closed doors?



Hope for reactions on… Continue

Added by Claus Nybroe on February 16, 2009 at 11:35am — 3 Comments

Monday Maddness on 750

I suspect large visual progress is now over, time to get the hidden stuff installed like the controls. Some Wiring and fuel lines.





Unexpected was the installation of the windows I would rather have left them off but they are captured under peices that need to be riveted in. They look real nice but I will… Continue

Added by Mark Townsend on February 16, 2009 at 7:00am — 1 Comment

Featured Blog Posts

View All

Latest Blog Posts

Most Popular Blog Posts

Monthly Archives

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:

 
 

West Coast USA:

 
Pro Builder Assistance:

 

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.