[Paul Gabehart, of Campbellsville, Kentucky, sent us this "builder report" on the day he received his FAA airworthiness certificate, which was just 7 months, 3 weeks from the date he picked up the kit at the factory and attended the hands-on Zenith rudder workshop class. He modestly says "I really did not intend on building in what I understand is a short time. I found building was like drinking a milkshake: Taking your time can be a challenge when it tastes so so…

How a noob learns to move a heavy short block onto an engine stand when working alone:

https://corvair750.com/diary/08-09-2020-wrangle-the-short-block/

Empennage stuff largely done. Maybe not "done done", but 99.9%. I'm not connecting the stabilizer and elevator yet. I'll be off to Zenith soon to pick up the other parts of the kit. A 13 hour drive ... but I've been wanting to visit Zenith since I first discovered them 15 years (or longer) ago. Demo flight? By all means ; )

https://corvair750.com/diary/08-01-2020-empennage-riveted/

Last week we hosted our first (and hopefully only!) "Oshkosh Week" at the Zenith aircraft kit factory in Mexico, Missouri. With the annual EAA AirVenture show canceled this year because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we decided to open our factory to builders (and pilots) so that they could continue to "aviate" and work on their kit aircraft projects. We limited group sizes and activities…

Deburred, primed and began riveting elevator. Installed trim actuator, clickbond nutplates for access cover, and clickbond wire harness ties on spar.

I think it is worthwhile to share some of my experiences here on the forum about a recent project that I did.  So here goes....

The idea for this project began several years ago.  It started when I first got my 801 up and running.  Zenith/Zenair had changed the cowl at some point, and when I ordered my FWF kit, I got the new cowl.  The cowl fit well, and most importantly cooled well in flight.  But it was quite difficult to fit the air intake.  Basically, I did not fit.  The…

On July 3, 2020, I my 3100cc engine started running rough on short approach to KTTA, after a 25 minute flight from KJNX, and resulted in me having to dead stick her in against traffic.  The resulting teardown exposed a broken pushrod, and possibly a worn out rocker arm.  The resulting discussion led to a lot of education on valve train geometry.

The journey started with Mark Langsford's page at: …

Amazing flight in great weather to a back country mountain grass field. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdRnlCjDFXU

I'm almost done with the empennage, but here's how my rudder build went back before the apocalypse:

https://corvair750.com/diary/02-29-2020-empennage/

I'm moving, and the wife and I have decided that the time has come to sell the stalled project (stalled, as evidenced by the fact that I haven't posted here for years prior to today). 49% quickbuild from QSP with Viking HF-110 engine and warp prop, and basically every Dynon option they make (including 10" Skyview, radio, intercom, transponder, ADS-B in/out, 2x autopilot servos). About 98% of everything you need to get in the air, minus paint, interior, and bolts. Engine runs like a swiss…

Last Tuesday was my Final Inspection by the Transport Canada delegate. All went fine with no snags. Just waiting for the Certificate of Airworthiness now....

Fit fuel tank with cork.

Drilled holes in leading edge for vent and drain

Drilled hole for finger screen attachment in nr#3

(Note)  previously installed fuel level indicators, sealed with b2 sealant, and added ground wiring on both standard range tanks)

N601LL is 100 hours now and only remaining item was needing some up elevator trim for level flight and not enough up trim for a proper flaps down engine out glide.  The incidence of both wing and stab were good but as it does take quite some force to lift the elevator I decided to try a simple fix.  I put an eye hook on stab, drilled a hole in elevator horn and installed s-hook there.  Then connecting the two using #64 rubber bands discovered that nine was a good…

N601LL is 100 hours now and only remaining item was needing some up elevator trim for level flight and not enough up trim for a proper flaps down engine out glide.  The incidence of both wing and stab were good but as it does take quite some force to lift the elevator I decided to try a simple fix.  I put an eye hook on stab, drilled a hole in elevator horn and installed s-hook there.  Then connecting the two using #64 rubber bands discovered that seven was a good balance. 

I have not…

On a ground adjustable 60 inch two blade prop on a Jabiru 3300, what's the ideal pitch setting, I have changed mine which produced high EGT's

Hi 

I need some info / diagrams for dimensions of a Rotax 912 with a ring mount for a 650B. Made a start with using a Sling mount to the Rotax Ring... need a distance from firewall forward to Centre of Gravity. Can anyone who has done this help?? Any photos or advice welcome.…