Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by R Michael Moore on July 2, 2018 at 7:44pm

Hello David...

I suggest you contact the Zenith factory for this inquiry.   Roger or Sebastian are best qualified in terms of both flight experience, structural knowledge and flight characteristics in this case.   

Readers, like me, would be interested in more details like air speed and relevant wind conditions that precipitated this event.  

The factory may want this information as well.  Certainly gives one pause.  Questions may arise as to build quality as well.   

If you get more details please advise, including Zenith’s response.  

RMM

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Permalink Reply by David Banahan on July 2, 2018 at 7:59pm

Thanks, good idea, I'll get the PIC to get in touch with them tomorrow.  Even if Zenith sells them a door is there a repair station to do the installation at Mexico?

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Permalink Reply by R Michael Moore on July 2, 2018 at 8:19pm

Another link with better hits for this problem...

http://www.zenith.aero/main/search/search?q=bubble+door

RMM

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Permalink Reply by Del Clowes on July 2, 2018 at 8:53pm

Roger has a video  flying the 750 w.o. doorS. Worked well.

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Permalink Reply by R Michael Moore on July 2, 2018 at 8:17pm

Hello David..

Zenith is known for its outstanding support. If a door replacement is called for, then the requisite builder plans and instructions should be requested along with the replacement parts. Shipping to your location should not be too time consuming. This site is closely followed by experienced builders who can guide the crew or an A&P as needed.

You may find some builders or owners of the CH750 STOL aircraft nearby. People here are amazingly friendly and supportive.

A general search of this forum will likely provide additional repair guidance from actual builders if the decision to replace the door is made.
Try this link... http://www.zenith.aero/main/search/search?q=replace+door

If you see a related post, send a PM to the member.

Let us know how this progresses.

RMM

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Permalink Reply by R Michael Moore on July 2, 2018 at 8:30pm

And See This Discussion...

Of course, may not apply if doors off flight is approved.

RMM

http://www.zenith.aero/group/stolch750/forum/topics/bubble-door-bes...

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Permalink Reply by Carl Orton on July 2, 2018 at 8:37pm

You can call the main number at Zenith pretty early. I believe Roger gets in a 6:30 or so (CDT), and starts answering phones around then as well.

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Permalink Reply by R Michael Moore on July 2, 2018 at 9:04pm

Per reply from... Del Clowes

One video shown with Air Deflectors for comfort from the air flow.

RMM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfQM3jz1kh4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WfFDQf1ZrM

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Permalink Reply by Joe Spencer on July 3, 2018 at 7:37am

the PIC flew it to an uneventful landing...he should be able from that to evaluate whether it's airworthy to his satisfaction. He's the man with that recent specific experience; that's an unusual configuration and I doubt anybody here will be able to give him any info better than what he already has firsthand.

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Permalink Reply by John Austin on July 3, 2018 at 9:04am

I heartily agree that I would seek the guidance of someone like Roger at Zenith.  Out of curiosity, however, did the doors have any sort of latch system on the forward/leading edge of the door?  Was this one of the original fiberglass doors?  The bubble definitely produces lift, pulling on the door.  If the leading edge bows out enough to catch the slipstream, then the positive pressure yanks the door open and the door is usually destroyed.  A very simple latch to ensure the door doesn't catch air is all that's required to totally prevent this problem.  This simple latch, tensioned by slipping a piece of fuel hose over the pivot bolt, has worked great for me for 6 years/550 hrs:

Again, I defer to Roger, but I would be concerned flying with one door off/open that if the plane is yawed much at all, the cabin might suddenly pressurize and blow out the opposite/closed door.  It definitely would be better if the remaining door is secured on the leading edge but probably the most effective thing short of installing a new door and 2 latches would be to fly doors-off (flying both doors-off is a Zenith-approved configuration) until the broken door can be replaced.

John

N750A

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Permalink Reply by Joe Spencer on July 3, 2018 at 9:43am

Believe you said they got most of the plastic. If so maybe they can gorilla tape all that in addition to the leading edge of the door and make it on home.

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Permalink Reply by David Banahan on July 3, 2018 at 8:34pm

Thanks everyone for their advice.  Roger says the plane will fly just fine at full gross without doors.  In 701's losing a door is a rare phenomena.  Anyway the ferry pilots got picked up and flown home.  The new owner is coming later this week to replace the door and fly it to Idaho.  Problem solved.

Thanks again

David

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