All Blog Posts (2,409)

Centering little hole over big hole

While working on the center spar I had needed to attach the doublers. The problem is that the body of the centerspar had  1/4 inch holes already drilled into them, but the doublers only had 3/32 starter holes. It is no problem drilling out the first hole to 1/4", but how do I make sure that I am centered as closely as possible  over the other other 1/4" hole.…

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Added by Damon Brantley on September 24, 2017 at 12:30pm — 1 Comment

Deane Philip looking for Valdez 2018 sponsor

130 HP Viking CH-701 by Deane Philip
Deane used a narrowed CH-750 cowl for this Viking 130 CH-701 installation.  Beautiful workmanship.  
Some of the best Deane CH-701 Viking 130 Video's in the world…
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Added by Jan Eggenfellner on September 17, 2017 at 8:34pm — 2 Comments

SCHEDULE: Zenith Aircraft Open Hangar Days - September 22 & 23, 2017

Thanks to all who visited and participated at the Zenith Aircraft Open Hangar Days and Fly-In!

Check out the many great photos of the two full days of activities: http://bit.ly/2hr5s1c
 …

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Added by Zenith.Aero on September 14, 2017 at 10:00am — 1 Comment

Get your Engine at the 25th

Bring your truck, trailer or SUV to the Zenith 25th for this lifetime engine deal.  
  • Show your current (from this 25 year event) deposit receipt for any Zenith aircraft kit in order to bring one of 3 Viking 130 engines home for…
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Added by Jan Eggenfellner on September 13, 2017 at 9:32pm — No Comments

2007 ZENITH CH 701 - For Sale

Aircraft is near-new form. With custom eagle livery, large oversized tundra tires and bubble pilot/copilot side windows. Aircraft has sought-after Rotax 912 ULS 100hp engine. Annual was Just completed.  Privately owned, no corrosion, always hangared, well managed, smooth running aircraft with.TOTAL TIME: 154, NO DAMAGE HISTORY.

Call Jimmy Hembree 804-400-8008 or e-mail jimmyLhembree@gmail.com

Added by Jimmy on September 12, 2017 at 8:34pm — No Comments

....so what do you do while awaiting your kit?

1.  Attend workshop and build a rudder.

2.  Order Kit.

3.  Begin to assemble tools.

4.  Practice polishing aluminum.

5.  Build an assembly table.

6.  Clean out storage space for kit parts.

7.  Wait!

See you all at the Open Hanger Days 25th Anniversary Celebration.…

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Added by Byers Coleman on September 11, 2017 at 2:36pm — No Comments

CH-750 Super Duty Cruzer

Aside from the changes that come with the Super Duty (SD) design (i.e. longer wing, higher GW, larger engine options, 3rd seat, etc...) what else would you like to see in an "SD Cruzer" that the current Cruzer does not have?

Added by Scott Raynal on September 9, 2017 at 8:05pm — 4 Comments

Zenith Aircraft 25th Anniversary Quilt to be Auctioned for Charity

Sharlene Stapleton created this custom quilt in recognition of Zenith Aircraft's 25th anniversary! The colorful quilt features the official 25th anniversary t-shirt artwork in the center surrounded by the hand-embroidered first names of Zenith Aircraft…

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Added by Zenith.Aero on September 6, 2017 at 11:30am — 6 Comments

Zenith Rudder Workshop

I attended the workshop a few weekends ago and my recommendation, if you have not been, is to sign up NOW...you will have a blast! The crew at Zenith starting with Sebastian to Roger, to Steve, to Joyce, and the whole factory are just wonderful.  They will answer all your questions, show you anything you're interested in, and give you a terrific flight in one of their demo planes.  Well worth the time and highly recommended!

Added by Scott Raynal on September 1, 2017 at 2:57pm — No Comments

Buying a Used car engine for aircraft use

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Added by Jan Eggenfellner on August 28, 2017 at 7:30am — No Comments

Viking CruZer passing published speeds with STOL wheels

Jon  is now flying his Zenith CH-750 CruZer with a Viking 130 engine. Operating from a short grass field, the airplane is not configured CruZer like but rather has BIG wheels and NO wheel pants. Basically a hybrid without any electric. The great news is the performance. Over 130 mph, even with the big wheels - congratulations to a great combination.…

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Added by Jan Eggenfellner on August 24, 2017 at 7:00pm — No Comments

Viking working weekly to deliver CH-750 engines

Viking producing more engines
Viking 130 and 175 hp Gearboxes
Viking Weld-In-flange -…
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Added by Jan Eggenfellner on August 20, 2017 at 8:52pm — No Comments

Setting rivets in infrared

While setting the rivets for my spar jig I decided to take some infrared video of the rivet setting process to see

how the rivet heats up as it is compressed. Hopefully others find the results somewhat interesting.

The video can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5s0YRXXiuw…

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Added by Damon Brantley on August 19, 2017 at 4:52pm — No Comments

pre-flight error

I share this incident to express what I learned from a recent flight. I was attending a local fly-in event last week-end and  was preparing to depart for my home field. I was in too much in a hurry to demonstrate my CH701's STOL capability to a largely non-pilot crowd and strapped myself in without first retrieving my ignition key from my pocket. I found the key after first digging out my very bulky personal key ring and leaving it on the cockpit floor and proceeding to start the engine.…

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Added by Don Herbel on August 15, 2017 at 10:02am — 2 Comments

Wing Spar Jig and Video

Just a note to be clear. This jig is only needed if you are scratchbuilding. The 650 kits are predrilled and the spacing will already be set.

The wing jig is needed to ensure that there is correct spacing between the center spar and the rear channel attachment to the fuselage. This would seem to be a rather important item to have around when scratch building a 650.

For some reason the wing spar jig drawing is not included in the current 650B plans.There are a…

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Added by Damon Brantley on August 13, 2017 at 9:00pm — 2 Comments

The Viking powered Super Duty arriving at Sun N Fun 2018

Many years have gone by since the CH-701 was the "All Metal" ultralight STOL king.  With a small engine / all aluminum design, it was sure to become a hit.  
Time goes by.  We all get huge from cow hormones and draft beer, yet want to get airborne.…
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Added by Jan Eggenfellner on August 11, 2017 at 6:07pm — 4 Comments

N733YD CH801 Shakedown Cruise

I just got back from about 25 hours of flight in 2 1/2 weeks. Did some local ADS-B and avionics check flights and rigging checks after the dual stick conversion. Then a long trip.

I am very disappointed with the dual stick kit that I paid $800 for. Installed per the instructions the stick hits the dash when forward well before all travel is achieved and when back it needed to be about 2 inches into my chest with the seat way back to get full up elevator.  I had to redesign the…

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Added by Samuel McNair on August 9, 2017 at 12:49pm — No Comments

Zenith Aircraft Open Hangar Days - September 22 & 23, 2017

Thanks to all who visited and participated at the Zenith Aircraft Open Hangar Days and Fly-In!

Check out the many great photos of the two full days of activities: http://bit.ly/2hr5s1c…

Continue

Added by Zenith.Aero on August 8, 2017 at 10:30am — 3 Comments

tail dragger

Wondering if anyone else thinks Zenith should design an all new STOL that is a tail dragger???  Love the performance but I wish they had a tail dragger version.  Don't much like the looks of the conversions I've seen.....Just a thought..

Kay C

Added by Kay C Caldwell on August 2, 2017 at 6:41pm — 2 Comments

EAA Oshkosh AirVenture 2017 follow-up

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh -- Here's a follow-up report of Zenith Aircraft at EAA Oshkosh AirVenture 2017. We had another fantastic year, and had a wonderful time meeting with new and existing Zenith builders and flyers, including a full house at the Zenith / Zenair Builders Banquet on Thursday evening!  Following are photos and videos of our week at…

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Added by Zenith.Aero on August 2, 2017 at 12:30pm — 4 Comments

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