With two more big trips accomplished this year I compiled some simple statistics for my flights in my 601XLB.  Some numbers are approximate.

• 8 years and 5 months of operation
• 760 flights
• 161,700 statue miles
• 1,800 hours
• 6,840 gallons of fuel
• 23.6 statue miles per gallon (average)
• 90 statue miles per hour (average)
• 3 countries operated in
• 19,800 max altitude reached

Its been a great…

Phase one complete! Although my DAR assigned a large area-60nm radius- it will be nice to move long. No problems at all, no tweeking except prop pitch. Very happy with N364DC, plans built, o235, no slats.

Used a simple plumbing gasket for a trim ring on the filler neck.  Almost embarrassing to have something look this good for $2.00

IMG_20151029_151440.jpgHad my seats done locally, (Upholstery Depot, Simpsonville, SC) VERY lightweight and comfy! They are a breathable vinyl and have a pen pocket on the side of the back. The upholster now has a pattern for anyone wanting custom made seats for the same price as the factory kit. My total was $600+ materials.

Some extra products you may need for the build are available in the US from McMaster Carr.  The Loctite 567 thread sealant that is used in the Home Built help videos is available from McMaster Carr http://www.mcmaster.com/#45855k27/=zkpe8n ; part number 45855K27 and has worked well on my fuel tanks and fuel sender screws.  The cork for the fuel tanks is also available from McMaster…

Anyone ever use an Eastwood Rivet Gun? The company claims that it is about the same as a 4X gun. Since it's so cheap, I thought it could be a re-badged air hammer, but it sounds like a rivet gun in the YouTube videos.

Eastwood Rivet Gun

Finally got my DIY brake set up properly with enough clamping force to get the .032" bent! Did my rudder spar & spar doublers, and actually got the rudder skeleton riveted together with Cortec CpVI-373 on the mating surfaces. I'll be working on the skins now.

I found a great deal on a 2008 factory built AMD Zenith CH 650-LS with a factory rebuilt Continental 0-200. Previous owner bought her new, Took lessons (got wing/spar mod) got private license, probably took friends & family for a ride and parked her with about 110 hours airframe & engine up north. Decided to sell 2014,Engine failed annual from sitting and went back to Mattatuck. I'm still flying off the break in on the rebuild. I LOVE this plane, and that's coming from a guy whose…

Saw an great Kitplanes article from November 2010 discussing the safety of Zenith aircraft compared to other kit aircraft.…

I am building a CH650 and I am planning to use the engine from my old C150 (O200A) that was overhauled 3 years ago. The O200 does not have any mechanical fuel pump on it. It was feed by gravity (high Wing). Anyone has any data on this type of arrangement - converted to low wing? I was thinking of a Primary Electrical Pumps and one or two back-up pumps. Any ideas are appreciated.

Tks

Alain

For many years I wanted to fly my 601XLB to Alaska but I only had a light-sport pilot's license. After endless waiting and hoping for a rule change in Canada, I finally ran out of patience.  This last spring I "went back to school" and got my full pilot's license.  Shortly thereafter I started planning my biggest airplane adventure yet, a flight to Alaska.

Upon studying maps and doing a bit of measuring, it soon became…

???Please report your experience with the Prince propeller on a Zodiac 601XLB with the Jabiru 3300 Engine.  It would be nice to hear your Static, climb and cruise numbers.  Knowing how the CHT & EGT temps are affected would be helpful. Fuel burn and other engine info please.??? 

I been reading about the P-tip carbon fiber coning prop by Prince.  58x48 are the dimension that they recommend for my A/C.  My Current prop split on the tip and I am about to buy a new prop. 

Today hasn't been good. I've ruined several parts blanks without forming a successful part. Can't get the metal to form around the nose of the form blocks (flaperon ribs, slat ribs, elevator ribs) without kinking the metal. my measurements are all good, my parts blanks are all good, but the aluminum just wants to kink and crack, and won't work it's way around the radius. Any suggestions anyone? Part of the problem seems to be the soft plywood forming blocks, but I've literally just ruined…

Hi

Is some one who made on 601 xl a gap seals on flaps , alierons , elevator . It make sens or not ??
http://wingsandwheels.com/tapes-seals.html

BR Andrzej

Can anyone explain the bottom half of the 601 weight and balance form? The section that compares forward vs aft CG's? Or share an example? Are we to use the same takeoff wt for both examples? If not, why only one slot for takeoff wt? This one's got me stumped. Thanks, ahead of time!