Part 25: Installing the "Upgrade Package" to our Zodiac CH 601 XL: It's now all back together!

We've been finishing up the aircraft these past few days, continuing on where we last left the project.

We've re-installed the flaps and all the controls in the aircraft, as well as reconnected all the wiring and fuel lines.

Above, Steve and Roger finished riveting the last rivets back in...

The last thing we've done is put our Zodiac XL back on the scales for the weight & balance. Since it's raining (and snowing?) out today we have no plans on flying until after Christmas.

Here's our Zodiac XL demonstrator this afternoon, ready to go again.
Despite its age (nearly 10 years), its use (more than 1300 hours as a factory demo plane), and after having been taken apart to be "upgraded," it's still an attractive light airplane and I can't wait to go flying again!

Merry Christmas to all!

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Comment by Bob Pustell on December 27, 2009 at 11:44am
As far as before and after weight goes, do not forget they took out the old nav light and strobe system and put in the new LED units. Much lighter, will offset some of the weight gain from the upgrade package. Nonetheless, I am interested to hear the change in weight, myself. Happy New Year, everyone!
Comment by Jeff Webb on December 25, 2009 at 8:42am
Merry Christmas little airplane. What a great present for a great airplane. I had no idea it was almost 10 years old! Looks great!
Comment by Jake Reyna on December 24, 2009 at 7:46pm
Weight, don't tell me. I want it to be a surprise!

Did anybody weigh their airplanes before you started the upgrade? Wonder if ZAC did? If not, then we might not get an accurate upgrade weight from ZAC. Newer kits had some additional stiffeners in the wings and fuselage. Losing that extra 15 pounds I've been carrying around is starting to sound like a good idea, but I've been saying that for the better part of this Century.

Feliz Navidad!
Comment by Alex Roca on December 24, 2009 at 6:06pm
Congratulations! We can't wait to see it fly again. You all have done a wonderful job given the circumstances. Wish the best for it's second first flight.

Merry Christmas
Comment by Jeff Webb on December 24, 2009 at 6:06pm
Yeah! Don't tease us! How much more does it weigh?
Comment by Peter Ratcliffe on December 24, 2009 at 4:06pm
How much extra does it weight now with mod kit
Peter

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