Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Timm on November 24, 2009 at 12:24pm

Reply to Eric,
As an Aerospace Engineer involved in the design of airplane and missile parts, we had an often used expression, "every solution has it's problems", and it was generally true. You make the best decisions you can based on the available information using the best technology accessible and the problems will be minimized. I would like to think this is what Zenith has done and as a result, any residual problems encountered should be very minimal. We need to move forward because the existing "problem" is unacceptable. The folks at Zenith have a lot at stake and are doing their very best. The problem may simply be a slightly greater empty weight.

Permalink Reply by Eddie Seve on November 24, 2009 at 2:23pm

Hi Mathieu

When I built my XL I dimpled the wing skins and most of the fuselage.

Will it be acceptable for me to countersink the top of the L angle doubler that attachs to the top of the wing spar so that my wing skins can sit flat against this surface?

Regards,
Eddie Seve

Permalink Reply by Matt Heintz on November 24, 2009 at 3:11pm

Eddie,
Yes, there is no problem to countersink the top "L" extrusion since it is 1/8" aluminum.

Permalink Reply by Matt Heintz on November 24, 2009 at 3:08pm

Eric,
Good question. The only item that could affect the way the aircraft flies is the UK LAA aileron counter balance weight modification. We are using this modification as the LAA did flight test the aircraft with it installed. The German flutter specialist did confirm to us that there is no increase in potential flutter with the upgrade kit. As a general rule, the stiffer you make the aircraft, the less it is prone to vibrations / flutter.

Permalink Reply by Jim Snyder on November 24, 2009 at 9:56am

I am building the CH 650 from a kit. I am ready to start on the wings, so I am in a good position to incorporate the upgrades. It appears that a few items you are specifying for the 601XL are already in the original 650 kit. It also appears that the upgrades are mainly pointed toward reworking the 601XL.

(1) Will there be two upgrade kits? One for the 601 and one for the 650?

(2) Will photos, videos, and detailed instructions be supplied with the kit? It looks like I will have to mark up my original plans very carefully so that I don't put something in that has to be replaced (unless revised 650 plan sheets will be available soon.

(3) I have seen comments about adding reinforcing around servos, etc. I assume these will be added to the final drawings (maybe sheet #5 ?).

Jim Snyder
CH 650
65-7738

Permalink Reply by Terry Pender on November 24, 2009 at 6:37pm

Will the solid rivets, AN bolts, NAS bolts, A5, AS5 rivets, etc. be included with the kit?
Thanks
Terry

Permalink Reply by Robert Reinero on November 24, 2009 at 9:00pm

I need to order a partial kit, I will be fabricating many of the parts myself. Please post a parts list with cost of each item.

Thanks
Bob Reinero
San Diego CA.

Permalink Reply by Jeff Garrett on November 24, 2009 at 11:09pm

Robert

I scratch built the stuff and it isn't worth it we have about $600 in it now and that doesn't include hardware so you will be much better off just buying the stuff from Zenith. They have to be in the red on these parts and I think we all owe them a huge thank you. It isn't many companies in avation that would do what they have done. Most parts you buy that need a required upgrade in avation will get you racked over the coals.

Leaving the airport now
Jeff

Permalink Reply by Matt Heintz on November 25, 2009 at 6:39am

I am stopping the Q&A and replacing it with a new one, based on the latest upgrade drawings of Nov. 24, 2009: We've updated the draft Drawings 6-ZU-1, 6-ZU-2, 6-ZU-3 and 6-ZU-4, and LAA Aileron Balance.
http://zenithair.com/zodiac/xl/data/6-ZU-NOV24.pdf
Thank you for all your excellent comments.
Mathieu Heintz

Permalink Reply by Jeff Garrett on November 24, 2009 at 9:11pm

After talking to Roger about solid Rivets and the different ways to extract them without damaging the hole I have found a almost mistake free way to remove them. I will post the video I made of it on here tonight.

One Note: Everyone in the forum or building a airplane has a local EAA chaptor near you and if you go visit them they will guide you to someone that has a 4X rivet gun so don't be scared of the driven rivets. In 10 mins with the proper teacher you will be a pro at it. To rivet the wing spar back together takes about 30 mins and you will see after watching the video I will upload that you can do it.

Jeff

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