Our drop tests went 100% to plan.  We now start working on how to get our new project to reach the tougher parts of West Africa with the 750 platform (more load, more range!).  Thank you Zenith and Rotax for making it possible!

With the firewall finished I now have all the major components assembled and have to work out how, and in what order, to put these things together. Part of the problem to solve is where the non-metal parts go that aren't covered by the instructions but clearly have to be installed before panels get riveted over them.

So that got me thinking about my panel and I think I am fairly comfortable with this as my first "definite" decision; can't help feeling I will make more…

My 701 passed it's inspection on Mar 1.  I took the first flight on Friday, 4-12-2013.  All went well and I'm on my way to phase I testing.  I was simply amazed at the information I got from the Dynon Skyview.  The black box records at the rate of 16 times per second and the regular output file is programable for rate desired for information gathering.  Using the recorded information I have reviewed the flight numerous times looking at engine performance and flight…

The project has reawakened after a long winter's nap. Began reassembly of the CH 750 elevator.Skins are cleco'd and now the assembly is ready for rivets. Will start that next weekend and that should complete the elevator. After that, pull out the completed stabilizer skeleton and lay the skin on it. Sure is good to be working on the plane again!!

I watched the scratch build videos and purchased some tools from Zenith, a Ridged sander shown in the video, a Rockwell Blade Runner for cutting the form blocks. I highly recommend the videos. I would not have believed you could cut sheet metal with a Plexiglas cuter and a straight edge if I would not have seen it in the video. I purchased a few other simple tool based on the video as well.

The Corvair Engine manual and video was excellent  and I am looking for a core.

Building…

Just saw the new 750 cruiser. Anybody ever removed there leading edge slats to see how much cruise speed would increase?  Maybe you could store them in the fuse somehow when not needed:)

My 601XL-B is now signed off by FAA to begin phase I testing, however, the flight school in Prescott that I was taking instruction at decided to get out of fixed-wing training.  Does anybody recommend another flight school/instructor with an "LSA" in Arizona, that I could contact for finishing my "Sport Pilot" lic.?

Thanks in advance...

Mike

millrml@aol.com

[The following is our official "Press Release" for our new design. We plan to share more information soon about the new design and kit.] 

ZENITH INTRODUCES NEW DESIGN AT SUN’N FUN

Sun’n Fun Fly-In (Lakeland, FL) – The CH 750 Cruzer has arrived! Zenith Aircraft Company is introducing its…

Taken from my build log: http://www.stol750project.info

Today was a milestone day, the joining of the two fuselage parts and installation of the cabin frame.

But how did we get there? Well, we started off with some help and not just any old help, but my wife's Uncle Allen. He has years of experience of building all kinds of things, although never an airplane. We knew that between his experience and his toolbox…

March 2013, 675 hours, Low compression, blow by @ rings & two leaking intake valves.  Major issue is with baked carbine on pistons, stuck rings and oil starvation @ top of heads.  New pistons and new hallow rod & valve system assem.  Need control of mixture so we are going with Rotec TBI, dropping Bing.  Will…

Today we released a new DVD from HomebuiltHELP that explains and demonstrates the popular computer tablets and related aviation applications for use in homebuilt aircraft. Emphasis on:  flight planning, navigation and document management.

Here is the link: Computer Tablets for a Zenith

Friday March 29th,  2013 to Monday April 1st,2013

I got the 701 out again and flew around for touch and goes... Much better elevator response at all speeds but more noticeable on landings. I also like the added headroom ... I got 3.1 hours before going back in and got the Beanie pilot window installed. Requires patience but not that difficult. Don't forget to weatherproof all rivets and joints otherwise you'll love your new installed shower !!!

On…

I'm reposting this for those of you that don't have a canopy safety lock. There are other options, don't choose, none of the above.

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We had this discussion a year or so ago, I installed a temporary solution until I was able to come up with a simple solution. The potential problem had been the canopy opening in flight, not a good thing. Like many of you, I wanted to add a Lock/latch/pin that was engaged after closing the canopy and engaging the…

Just finished making the 4 slats and had the unpleasant task of rejecting 1 outboard slat due to dissimilar profile to the other 3. De- riveted and made up 3 new ribs to reassemble. The cause of the problem was the nose of the ribs were not fitted 100% correct so when all is done and riveted the resulting curve profile is different to the mating slat, ie you cant get the 2 slats, inboard and outboard to slide together. So tip to fellow scratch builders doing slats is make absolutely sure the…

Elevator Completed. Now I will take it apart for deburring and prime. EAA advisor came out and looked at the tail section and said everything looks good. No concerns at all. Clearly he did not look close enough. :)  I am going to put the final rivets in this week. The fuse kit will be here next week.

Those who know what we do will remember that we are authorised to drop health education materials to rural communities using our specially modified, Rotax 912iS powered, STOL CH 701 aircraft.  As part of this we made the first ever aerial supply drops into the Afram…

Did a long cross-country on Saturday. It was a 300NM flight, taking 5 hours of time (including touch and gos, ect). 19.5 gallons burned.

Landed at four airports that were new to me and to the 7-Oh-Fun.



That leaves only 11 public airports in Western Washington that I have not landed the 701 at.

 …

What have you heard and/or experienced regarding use of a variable pitch Ivo prop with a 360 Lycoming in a Zenith 801?  I will appreciate all comments, thoughts, etc.  Thanks, Ed