Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 04:34 AM - Re: Re: Fiberglass cowling (Michel Therrien)
2. 05:26 AM - engine mount ()
3. 05:40 AM - Flying Lessons ()
4. 08:46 AM - Re: Re: Fiberglass cowling (mike sinclair)
5. 08:49 AM - Re: Re: Fiberglass cowling (Greg Ferris)
6. 09:20 AM - 601XL With Lyc 0235 (victor verdev)
7. 09:25 AM - THANKS to FrankH. (royt.or)
8. 10:47 AM - Re: 601XL With Lyc 0235 (Bryan Martin)
9. 02:32 PM - Re: Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing (Robert Rehmel)
10. 02:32 PM - Re: Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing (Robert Rehmel)
11. 04:47 PM - Re: Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing (Don Honabach)
12. 05:07 PM - Is it a toy airplane???? (Bill Morelli)
13. 07:50 PM - Re: Re: Fiberglass cowling (Scott Laughlin)
14. 08:21 PM - Re: Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing (Robert Hillebrand)
Message 1
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| Subject: | Re: Fiberglass cowling |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: Michel Therrien <mtherr@yahoo.com>
This is really a great post!
Some questions:
. How did you set the contour of the cowling.
Bingelis suggests cutting plywood guides and
installing them on top, on bottom and on each sides.
You did not mention that. Did you just create the
plug visually? Or did you install or made guides? If
you made guides, were they fixed on the engine or are
they female template that you use to check where you
are?
. Considering the 3 degree trust line and that the hub
may be off-center, how did you take that into account.
Where do you correct the shape of the cowling? Did
you keep the cowling alignment with the fuselage equal
on both sides? Did you make the face of the cowling 3
degree to the right? Or did you made just the back of
the spinner like that? Where is it most critical to
remain symmetrical?
. How do you make the cowling to fit under the
fuselage skins? I planned on making the whole cowling
30 mm more forward so that when I re-install it it's
gonna be at the right place. Did you use a different
approach?
. Do you make the plug flush with the skins? Or do
you make it recessed to compensate for the thickness
of the fiberglass?
Thanks a lot for your help and details!
Michel
--- mike sinclair <mike.sinclair@att.net> wrote:
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: mike sinclair
> <mike.sinclair@att.net>
>
> I am currently in the process of building a plug
> around my engine, so that I
> can pull a mold, and then lay up a cowl....
=====
----------------------------
Michel Therrien CH601-HD
http://mthobby.pcperfect.com/ch601
http://www.zenithair.com/bldrlist/profiles/mthobby
http://pages.infinit.net/mthobby
__________________________________
http://search.yahoo.com
Message 2
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: <jbirgiolas@smiletoronto.com>
HI Jari, I sent email to Chip regarding his engine mount which he claims gets
better performance for the 701. He was not any more specific than that. I have
the Zenith engine mount installled and am awaiting purchase of a rotax 912s.
I believe the Czech engine cowel may be slightly different also and somewhat
more aesthetic. Does anyone have any details they wish to share. Both Zenith
and Chip are tightlipped. If performance is indeed better with the Czech mount,
than that may help you in your quest. John Birgiolas
Message 3
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: <jbirgiolas@smiletoronto.com>
There is an instructor flying out of Waterloo airport using a 701. Email me offlist
for phone number.John Birgiolas
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| Subject: | Re: Fiberglass cowling |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: mike sinclair <mike.sinclair@att.net>
Michel
Will try to answer your questions. As far as contour goes it has been all
visual, a considerable amount of time has been spent eyeballing the plug
from all angles, with some straight edge help. Actually you can get quite
close to symetrical this way. My plug does follow the 3 degree thrust line
of the engine. I did discuss this somewhat with a couple of other aircraft
afficianados at work and there was a general concensus that with the
streamlining of the cowl design and taking into the account the P factor &
the low speed characteristics of the 701, the slight offset should have
minimal effect on handling. There was even an unsolicited opinion that it
might help offset my 200 lbs in the left seat. If there should be a
significant pull, then as they say, it will be "back to the drawing board".
As far as installation, I'm looking at attaching the cowl over the skins
with about a 1.5 inch overlap with foam stiffener glassed to the inside of
the cowl just forward of the skin for rigidity. So therefore I am building
the plug to the outside thickness over the skin. I believe that if did
decide to install the cowl inside the skin though, I could trim at the split
line to remove some of the circumferential length and it would fit quite
well. As far as upper to lower cowl attach points, once I am satisfied with
my cowl fitting the aircraft, I will then tape the two pieces together, lay
tape inside the upper cowl and cover with mold wax, then glass in the
recessed flange to the lower cowl for the attach fittings. In the Zenith
cowl the recess is built into their mold so it pretty much restricts you to
only being able to trim on the upper cowl for fit. Hope this helps, but will
probably only raise more questions.
Mike Sinclair
Michel Therrien wrote:
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: Michel Therrien <mtherr@yahoo.com>
>
> This is really a great post!
>
> Some questions:
>
> . How did you set the contour of the cowling.
> Bingelis suggests cutting plywood guides and
> installing them on top, on bottom and on each sides.
> You did not mention that. Did you just create the
> plug visually? Or did you install or made guides? If
> you made guides, were they fixed on the engine or are
> they female template that you use to check where you
> are?
>
> . Considering the 3 degree trust line and that the hub
> may be off-center, how did you take that into account.
> Where do you correct the shape of the cowling? Did
> you keep the cowling alignment with the fuselage equal
> on both sides? Did you make the face of the cowling 3
> degree to the right? Or did you made just the back of
> the spinner like that? Where is it most critical to
> remain symmetrical?
>
> . How do you make the cowling to fit under the
> fuselage skins? I planned on making the whole cowling
> 30 mm more forward so that when I re-install it it's
> gonna be at the right place. Did you use a different
> approach?
>
> . Do you make the plug flush with the skins? Or do
> you make it recessed to compensate for the thickness
> of the fiberglass?
>
> Thanks a lot for your help and details!
>
> Michel
>
> --- mike sinclair <mike.sinclair@att.net> wrote:
> > --> Zenith-List message posted by: mike sinclair
> > <mike.sinclair@att.net>
> >
> > I am currently in the process of building a plug
> > around my engine, so that I
> > can pull a mold, and then lay up a cowl....
>
> =====
> ----------------------------
> Michel Therrien CH601-HD
> http://mthobby.pcperfect.com/ch601
> http://www.zenithair.com/bldrlist/profiles/mthobby
> http://pages.infinit.net/mthobby
>
> __________________________________
> http://search.yahoo.com
>
Message 5
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| Subject: | Re: Fiberglass cowling |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Greg Ferris" <ferret@wmtel.net>
I am flying with the cowling the Skyshop is selling. I agree that Zenith's
cowling is not optimum for aesthetic and performance reasons. Skyshop's
cowling is quite different however; it allows the Rotax radiator to be
mounted right in front and sufficient space to mount the oil cooler on the
right side with a scoop. I bought just the basic plug from them, and put
the required scoops into it for cooling my 912ul (2 small ones on top and
one on the right side to the oil cooler). Just making the NACA scoops was
enough work for me! On Skyshop's prototype they has 2 extra scoops, and fed
air to the oil cooler by connecting SCAT tubing to the NACA scoops and
feeding the air back to the oil cooler. With mine, I mounted the oil cooler
almost adjacent to the side of the cowling, and have the opening directly in
front of the airflow. I have had good cooling performance in all of the
conditions I'vs flown in.
Greg Ferris
N1095J 42 hours and finally free to go wherever!
----- Original Message -----
From: "mike sinclair" <mike.sinclair@att.net>
Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Re: Fiberglass cowling
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: mike sinclair <mike.sinclair@att.net>
>
> I am currently in the process of building a plug around my engine, so that
I
> can pull a mold, and then lay up a cowl. I picked up the zenith cowl with
my
> kit (currently for sale, please reply off line if interested. zenith
quoted
> $375 plus shipping) and was not impressed with the design. Skyshop has a
cowl
> from Czeck aircraft that they want 385 for, but the design is the same as
> zeniths (substandard in my opinion, although Danny at Skyshop says their
> workmanship is better), though their shipping is cheaper. Mine will be
> considerably cleaner and is built around a mounted 912ul engine on the
nose of
> a 701. My process is:
> 1) Wrap the engine up tight with plastic and duct tape (those that ran out
> after the last scare and bought up a bunch to seal their houses should
have a
> ready supply, for the others, the stores have restocked). All round the
engine,
> exhaust, and tape to the firewall. The front of the radiator and oil
cooler
> will just need duct tape to cover.
> 2) Form the basic shape using poster board and duct tape.
> 3) Continue forming the basic shape with chicken wire.
> 4) Expansion foam over the chicken wire. 2 part foam is preferable, but
> sometimes hard to acquire due to shelf life. Gap sealer foam from your
local
> hardware store of the type used to seal around pipes will work (and is
what I
> am using). Use the minimum expansion type and do not try to spread with a
> trowel. That's sort of like trying to shape a soap bubble, with the same
> results.
> 5) With a body file or similar, form the foam undersize from the final
contour
> desired. Note, if the foam comes real close to the final contour, it will
> continue minor expansion somewhat for some time. Just dig out the bubble
of
> foam with a knife and reseal and recontour with plaster. Want to know how
I
> know this?
> 6) Build up with plaster to final contour (the step I'm on and should be
> finished with this weekend). I'm using Ultracal 30 made by United States
> Gypsum. It's a minimum shrinkage plaster. Build in thin wet coats (goes on
well
> by hand, just coat your hands well with vaseline to protect yourself from
the
> cement and silica in the plaster), after the initial heavy coats. While
still
> wet but fairly well set up, it can be shaped with a body file. For the
> underside where the plaster wants to fall off, mix with hemp fibers
> (non-smokeable, completely legal, probably can be gotten at the same place
as
> the Ultracal, and about $135 a bale). Final contour can be achieved by
> bodyfile, vixen file, drywall sanding equipment, or whatever you are
> comfortable with. One note, you will probably want to use some water with
the
> sanding.
> 7) Scribe the split lines for your cowl sections. On mine I will have a
split
> line for the upper cowl, and a split line down the center from the prop
shaft
> all the way under to the rear (to allow me to pull the lower cowl mold due
to
> mold lines without breakage). After the two piece lower sections have
been
> pulled from the plug, they will be rejoined with glass.
> 8) Shellac the surface. May take a wet sand and a 2nd coat to get a good
seal
> of the surface, and to remove imperfections. Make sure the scribe lines in
the
> plug are still there.
> 9) Mold wax, parting film, whatever it takes but do a thorough job, do not
skip
> this step if you want to be able to get the mold loose.
> 10) Gelcoat, brush or spray on. This will be the finish surface for your
mold.
> 11) Lay up the individual mold sections with excess. The scribe line will
mark
> where it needs to be trimmed back to.
> 12) After breaking the mold loose from the plug, put it back in place and
> reinforce. I intend to used 3/8" aluminum tubing with a liberal coat of
plaster
> and hemp. Should be about bullet proof, and legs can be added also to get
the
> mold up to a working level or at least stabilize so that it don't rock and
roll
> while trying to lay up the actual cowl.
> By this point you should be far enough along, and have a good enough
> understanding of the process, that further comments from me about the
layup of
> the actual cowl would be rather pointless.
> Good Luck! By the way this plaster and hemp portion of the process is
what our
> plaster pattern makers and tooling people here at Boeing Wichita use. When
I am
> done I will have a mold that should be suitable for building multiple
cowls if
> there should be a requirement. Or I may just have a mold for sale.
>
> Mike Sinclair
> 701 Taildragger
> The cowl is my last major assembly, all others are done. Then all I have
left
> are the details. 90% done & 60% to go.
>
> nhulin wrote:
>
> > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "nhulin" <nhulin@hotmail.com>
> >
> > Listers,
> >
> > Please reply to the list on this one. I'm contemplating a custom cowl
for a
> > Corvair installation and all ideas and input will be appreciated.
> >
> > ...neil
> > Neil Hulin
> > Cincinnati, Ohio
> > 601XL
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > > Time: 08:30:46 PM PST US
> > > From: Michel Therrien <mtherr@yahoo.com>
> > > Subject: Zenith-List: Fiberglass cowling
> > >
> > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Michel Therrien <mtherr@yahoo.com>
> > >
> > > If anyone made or plan to make (and figured out how to
> > > do it) a fiberglass cowling, please contact me. I
> > > would like to check a few things with you.
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > Michel
> >
>
>
Message 6
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| Subject: | 601XL With Lyc 0235 |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: victor verdev <vjvus@yahoo.com>
I'm A recent subscriber to Zenith list. I'm building
the 601XL from ZAC kits. Currently half done with
fueslage. Just purchased A 0235-L2C for It.I have many
questions. Any response will be appreciated.
1)Is ZAC best source for 0235 cowl & mount?
2)Will A stock exhaust from Cessna 152 fit?
3)With ZAC engine mt. Is there room for an oil filter
between mt. and firewall or only room for oil screen?
4)On 0235 I purchased I'm replacing the accessory
housing to incorporate mechanical fuel pump. Any info
about about re-timing mags. etc. or best place to get
manuals?
5)With heavier 0235 should I be beefing up any areas
on firewall etc.?
6)Best place to get air filter & intake, carb heat
box?
7)What gage wire from tail (battery) to firewall for
starter? What type and size battery?
8)Any ideas for engine baffles?
Again thanks for responce
Vic Verdev Conover wisconsin
__________________________________
http://search.yahoo.com
Message 7
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| Subject: | THANKS to FrankH. |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "royt.or" <royt.or@netzero.net>
N601RT, CH601HDS with Rotax 912S is ready for its first flight. To help
prepare me as the test pilot, I met Frank Hinde at CVO (Corvallis Oregon)
and we spent about an hour flying his Subaru powered CH601HDS. I was in the
right seat and got to practice doing manuvers which would be expected for a
checkout to rent a plane from an FBO, including about a half a dozen
landings.
My impressions compared to the C150 I flew to Corvallis, Frank's CH601HDS
has lighter controls. The CH601HDS is much more pitch sensitive than the
C150. Little to no rudder needed to fly the CH601, but right rudder is
definately needed to adjust for P factor on takeoff etc. The 601 with two of
us climbs MUCH better than the C150 does solo. The 601 looses speed quickly,
so for landings, Frank suggested flying the plane onto the runway at ~80mph.
The landings were not as smooth as I do with a full flare in the C150 at ~
40kts.
It was great to meet someone on this list.
Thanks again to Frank for helping me prepare for the first flight in N601RT.
Regards,
Roy
Message 8
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| Subject: | Re: 601XL With Lyc 0235 |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: Bryan Martin <bryanmmartin@comcast.net>
The prototype CH601XL Chris Heintz flies has an O-235 in it. You should be
able to get much information from him on this installation. I don't think
any beefing up will be required since the XL was designed for these larger,
heavier engines.
--
Bryan Martin
N61BM, CH 601 XL, Stratus Subaru.
Airframe construction complete.
Working on instrument panel, electrical and interior.
do not archive.
on 5/11/03 12:19 PM, victor verdev at vjvus@yahoo.com wrote:
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: victor verdev <vjvus@yahoo.com>
>
> I'm A recent subscriber to Zenith list. I'm building
> the 601XL from ZAC kits. Currently half done with
> fueslage. Just purchased A 0235-L2C for It.I have many
> questions. Any response will be appreciated.
Message 9
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| Subject: | Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Robert Rehmel" <traveler601@earthlink.net>
I had not heard about Sebastian being ill. Hope everything works out for
him.
As to difficulties with the ZAC drawings I must admit I have been
frustrated with the manual layout. I am building a 601HDS from a kit. I
usually find that if I stop and read further ahead and layout the pieces it
all makes since. Also when I have had questions the factory has been very
responsive to my questions. One other point join the EAA or your local
equivalent. They are great source of information. I have progress
regularly inspected by our local advisor.
My father and I have been building for two years and are now into the
forward fuselage.
> [Original Message]
> From: Gary Liming <gary@liming.org>
> To: <zenith-list@matronics.com>
> Date: 12/24/2002 11:42:50 AM
> Subject: Zenith-List: Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing
>
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: Gary Liming <gary@liming.org>
>
>
> I spoke with Nick today, and he told me that although Sebastian had
> suffered a brain aneurysm, which can be very serious, his wasn't too
severe
> and is back today, just taking it easy.
>
> As for ZAC criticism, I can empathize with both sides. I know how hard
it
> is to do technical support well, especially to groups that have some
> members with strong personalities (egos) like doctors and pilots. (How
> would you like to be Nick day after day, given where their manuals and
> drawings used to be?) Living about 1 hour drive away, I've visited the
> plant many times, and they have always been as friendly and accommodating
> folks as you could ask for. They are also very busy every time I've been
> there, but not too busy to talk to me.
>
> On engine mounts, I had a problem with mine - the holes didn't match the
> pre-drilled holes on the firewall, and although the manual tells you to
be
> very careful to keep those centered when you install the engine mount
> brackets, you really need to wait to install those brackets until you can
> line them up with the mount you have. When I reported the problem, they
> had Zenair in Canada make me one that matched my holes. To be sure, a
guy
> from Zenair called me to verify the hole placement, and he was quite
> nice. The new one fit fine, and is a little better than the old one.
>
> On the other hand, it is very frustrating when things do go wrong in a
> project. There are many gaps in the manuals and drawings which could
have
> made things better, but nothing that hasn't come out ok in the end.
There
> have been times when I've questioned my choice, but heck, there have been
> times when I've questioned my sanity as well. It really helps to get
> plugged into some other builders for moral support during those times.
You
> don't have to live in a super active homebuilding area, either. I am
> equally in contact with builders across town as well as Alaska, Wyoming,
> Wisconsin, etc thanks to this medium. (Thanks guys!)
>
> Like any business, ZAC has to strike a balance between making a certain
> level of profit, hiring enough staff to provide a certain level of
support
> and quality, and having some competitive pricing. Would you go for price
> increases on your kits to cover a $60,000 plus benefits manual writer to
be
> brought on board? Perhaps some of us would, but that probably cuts out
> some potential trying to keep down costs. Always tradeoffs.
>
> Anyway, I hope everyone on this list and at ZAC have a great holiday!
>
> Gary Liming
> 801
>
>
>
>
>
--- Robert Rehmel
--- traveler601@earthlink.net
Message 10
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| Subject: | Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Robert Rehmel" <traveler601@earthlink.net>
I had not heard about Sebastian being ill. Hope everything works out for
him.
As to difficulties with the ZAC drawings I must admit I have been
frustrated with the manual layout. I am building a 601HDS from a kit. I
usually find that if I stop and read further ahead and layout the pieces it
all makes since. Also when I have had questions the factory has been very
responsive to my questions.
My father and I have been building for two years and are now into the
forward fuselage.
> [Original Message]
> From: Gary Liming <gary@liming.org>
> To: <zenith-list@matronics.com>
> Date: 12/24/2002 11:42:50 AM
> Subject: Zenith-List: Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing
>
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: Gary Liming <gary@liming.org>
>
>
> I spoke with Nick today, and he told me that although Sebastian had
> suffered a brain aneurysm, which can be very serious, his wasn't too
severe
> and is back today, just taking it easy.
>
> As for ZAC criticism, I can empathize with both sides. I know how hard
it
> is to do technical support well, especially to groups that have some
> members with strong personalities (egos) like doctors and pilots. (How
> would you like to be Nick day after day, given where their manuals and
> drawings used to be?) Living about 1 hour drive away, I've visited the
> plant many times, and they have always been as friendly and accommodating
> folks as you could ask for. They are also very busy every time I've been
> there, but not too busy to talk to me.
>
> On engine mounts, I had a problem with mine - the holes didn't match the
> pre-drilled holes on the firewall, and although the manual tells you to
be
> very careful to keep those centered when you install the engine mount
> brackets, you really need to wait to install those brackets until you can
> line them up with the mount you have. When I reported the problem, they
> had Zenair in Canada make me one that matched my holes. To be sure, a
guy
> from Zenair called me to verify the hole placement, and he was quite
> nice. The new one fit fine, and is a little better than the old one.
>
> On the other hand, it is very frustrating when things do go wrong in a
> project. There are many gaps in the manuals and drawings which could
have
> made things better, but nothing that hasn't come out ok in the end.
There
> have been times when I've questioned my choice, but heck, there have been
> times when I've questioned my sanity as well. It really helps to get
> plugged into some other builders for moral support during those times.
You
> don't have to live in a super active homebuilding area, either. I am
> equally in contact with builders across town as well as Alaska, Wyoming,
> Wisconsin, etc thanks to this medium. (Thanks guys!)
>
> Like any business, ZAC has to strike a balance between making a certain
> level of profit, hiring enough staff to provide a certain level of
support
> and quality, and having some competitive pricing. Would you go for price
> increases on your kits to cover a $60,000 plus benefits manual writer to
be
> brought on board? Perhaps some of us would, but that probably cuts out
> some potential trying to keep down costs. Always tradeoffs.
>
> Anyway, I hope everyone on this list and at ZAC have a great holiday!
>
> Gary Liming
> 801
>
>
>
>
>
--- Robert Rehmel
--- traveler601@earthlink.net
Message 11
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| Subject: | Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Don Honabach" <don@pcperfect.com>
Like everything else, nothing in life is perfect (including ZAC's docs,
plans, and sometimes their phone support). With that said though, they
keep improving them and what builder's are given today seem to be far
better than what I started with and I hear other builder's that started
a couple years before me say that I got much better docs and the like
than they did.
I personally would not won't to be in ZAC's shoes. They have to deal
with folks like me that have never used a saw or anything before I
started the project and I've asked some pretty stupid questions.
Regards,
Don Honabach
-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Rehmel [mailto:traveler601@earthlink.net]
Subject: RE: Zenith-List: Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Robert Rehmel"
--> <traveler601@earthlink.net>
I had not heard about Sebastian being ill. Hope everything works out
for him.
As to difficulties with the ZAC drawings I must admit I have been
frustrated with the manual layout. I am building a 601HDS from a kit.
I usually find that if I stop and read further ahead and layout the
pieces it all makes since. Also when I have had questions the factory
has been very responsive to my questions.
My father and I have been building for two years and are now into the
forward fuselage.
> [Original Message]
> From: Gary Liming <gary@liming.org>
> To: <zenith-list@matronics.com>
> Date: 12/24/2002 11:42:50 AM
> Subject: Zenith-List: Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing
>
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: Gary Liming <gary@liming.org>
>
>
> I spoke with Nick today, and he told me that although Sebastian had
> suffered a brain aneurysm, which can be very serious, his wasn't too
severe
> and is back today, just taking it easy.
>
> As for ZAC criticism, I can empathize with both sides. I know how
> hard
it
> is to do technical support well, especially to groups that have some
> members with strong personalities (egos) like doctors and pilots.
(How
> would you like to be Nick day after day, given where their manuals and
> drawings used to be?) Living about 1 hour drive away, I've visited
the
> plant many times, and they have always been as friendly and
accommodating
> folks as you could ask for. They are also very busy every time I've
been
> there, but not too busy to talk to me.
>
> On engine mounts, I had a problem with mine - the holes didn't match
> the
> pre-drilled holes on the firewall, and although the manual tells you
to
be
> very careful to keep those centered when you install the engine mount
> brackets, you really need to wait to install those brackets until you
can
> line them up with the mount you have. When I reported the problem,
they
> had Zenair in Canada make me one that matched my holes. To be sure, a
guy
> from Zenair called me to verify the hole placement, and he was quite
> nice. The new one fit fine, and is a little better than the old one.
>
> On the other hand, it is very frustrating when things do go wrong in a
> project. There are many gaps in the manuals and drawings which could
have
> made things better, but nothing that hasn't come out ok in the end.
There
> have been times when I've questioned my choice, but heck, there have
> been
> times when I've questioned my sanity as well. It really helps to get
> plugged into some other builders for moral support during those times.
You
> don't have to live in a super active homebuilding area, either. I am
> equally in contact with builders across town as well as Alaska,
Wyoming,
> Wisconsin, etc thanks to this medium. (Thanks guys!)
>
> Like any business, ZAC has to strike a balance between making a
> certain
> level of profit, hiring enough staff to provide a certain level of
support
> and quality, and having some competitive pricing. Would you go for
> price
> increases on your kits to cover a $60,000 plus benefits manual writer
to
be
> brought on board? Perhaps some of us would, but that probably cuts
> out
> some potential trying to keep down costs. Always tradeoffs.
>
> Anyway, I hope everyone on this list and at ZAC have a great holiday!
>
> Gary Liming
> 801
>
>
>
>
>
--- Robert Rehmel
--- traveler601@earthlink.net
direct advertising on the Matronics Forums.
Message 12
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| Subject: | Is it a toy airplane???? |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: Bill Morelli <billvt@together.net>
Yesterday Carol and I flew to Ct. in the HDS to visit with our son and at
the airport the FBO parked me next to a rather large (by Zodiac standards)
jet.
It made for an interesting photo.
If your interested, you can see it on the first page of my web site
(address below)
Do Not Archive
Regards,
Bill (N812BM - HDS - Tri - Stratus - Vermont - 240.0 flight hrs. - 342
landings, 1 ON ICE!!)
web site -> http://homepages.together.net/~billvt/
Message 13
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| Subject: | Re: Fiberglass cowling |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Scott Laughlin" <cookwithgas@hotmail.com>
Mitchel and others:
I've posted Mike's photos on my web site. He's doing a great job and the
photos go a long way in explaining what he has done.
Mike, keep the photos coming. I'd like to try to duplicate your efforts when
I get to that point (If only I could be so lucky!)
See the link at the bottom of the main page. See Mike's text below also.
Scott Laughlin
http://www.cooknwithgas.com/test.html
----Original Message Follows----
From: mike sinclair <mike.sinclair@att.net>
Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Re: Fiberglass cowling
--> Zenith-List message posted by: mike sinclair <mike.sinclair@att.net>
Michel
Will try to answer your questions. As far as contour goes it has been all
visual, a considerable amount of time has been spent eyeballing the plug
from all angles, with some straight edge help. Actually you can get quite
close to symetrical this way. My plug does follow the 3 degree thrust line
of the engine. I did discuss this somewhat with a couple of other aircraft
afficianados at work and there was a general concensus that with the
streamlining of the cowl design and taking into the account the P factor &
the low speed characteristics of the 701, the slight offset should have
minimal effect on handling. There was even an unsolicited opinion that it
might help offset my 200 lbs in the left seat. If there should be a
significant pull, then as they say, it will be "back to the drawing board".
As far as installation, I'm looking at attaching the cowl over the skins
with about a 1.5 inch overlap with foam stiffener glassed to the inside of
the cowl just forward of the skin for rigidity. So therefore I am building
the plug to the outside thickness over the skin. I believe that if did
decide to install the cowl inside the skin though, I could trim at the split
line to remove some of the circumferential length and it would fit quite
well. As far as upper to lower cowl attach points, once I am satisfied with
my cowl fitting the aircraft, I will then tape the two pieces together, lay
tape inside the upper cowl and cover with mold wax, then glass in the
recessed flange to the lower cowl for the attach fittings. In the Zenith
cowl the recess is built into their mold so it pretty much restricts you to
only being able to trim on the upper cowl for fit. Hope this helps, but will
probably only raise more questions.
Mike Sinclair
Message 14
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| Subject: | Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: Robert Hillebrand <masterbogun@yahoo.com>
Hello DonI have been building my 701 from plans since 1993. I can say that there
is a huge improvement over what it used to be
Don Honabach <don@pcperfect.com> wrote:--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Don
Honabach"
Like everything else, nothing in life is perfect (including ZAC's docs,
plans, and sometimes their phone support). With that said though, they
keep improving them and what builder's are given today seem to be far
better than what I started with and I hear other builder's that started
a couple years before me say that I got much better docs and the like
than they did.
I personally would not won't to be in ZAC's shoes. They have to deal
with folks like me that have never used a saw or anything before I
started the project and I've asked some pretty stupid questions.
Regards,
Don Honabach
-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Rehmel [mailto:traveler601@earthlink.net]
Subject: RE: Zenith-List: Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Robert Rehmel"
-->
I had not heard about Sebastian being ill. Hope everything works out
for him.
As to difficulties with the ZAC drawings I must admit I have been
frustrated with the manual layout. I am building a 601HDS from a kit.
I usually find that if I stop and read further ahead and layout the
pieces it all makes since. Also when I have had questions the factory
has been very responsive to my questions.
My father and I have been building for two years and are now into the
forward fuselage.
> [Original Message]
> From: Gary Liming
> To:
> Date: 12/24/2002 11:42:50 AM
> Subject: Zenith-List: Sebastian Heintz & ZAC bashing
>
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: Gary Liming
>
>
> I spoke with Nick today, and he told me that although Sebastian had
> suffered a brain aneurysm, which can be very serious, his wasn't too
severe
> and is back today, just taking it easy.
>
> As for ZAC criticism, I can empathize with both sides. I know how
> hard
it
> is to do technical support well, especially to groups that have some
> members with strong personalities (egos) like doctors and pilots.
(How
> would you like to be Nick day after day, given where their manuals and
> drawings used to be?) Living about 1 hour drive away, I've visited
the
> plant many times, and they have always been as friendly and
accommodating
> folks as you could ask for. They are also very busy every time I've
been
> there, but not too busy to talk to me.
>
> On engine mounts, I had a problem with mine - the holes didn't match
> the
> pre-drilled holes on the firewall, and although the manual tells you
to
be
> very careful to keep those centered when you install the engine mount
> brackets, you really need to wait to install those brackets until you
can
> line them up with the mount you have. When I reported the problem,
they
> had Zenair in Canada make me one that matched my holes. To be sure, a
guy
> from Zenair called me to verify the hole placement, and he was quite
> nice. The new one fit fine, and is a little better than the old one.
>
> On the other hand, it is very frustrating when things do go wrong in a
> project. There are many gaps in the manuals and drawings which could
have
> made things better, but nothing that hasn't come out ok in the end.
There
> have been times when I've questioned my choice, but heck, there have
> been
> times when I've questioned my sanity as well. It really helps to get
> plugged into some other builders for moral support during those times.
You
> don't have to live in a super active homebuilding area, either. I am
> equally in contact with builders across town as well as Alaska,
Wyoming,
> Wisconsin, etc thanks to this medium. (Thanks guys!)
>
> Like any business, ZAC has to strike a balance between making a
> certain
> level of profit, hiring enough staff to provide a certain level of
support
> and quality, and having some competitive pricing. Would you go for
> price
> increases on your kits to cover a $60,000 plus benefits manual writer
to
be
> brought on board? Perhaps some of us would, but that probably cuts
> out
> some potential trying to keep down costs. Always tradeoffs.
>
> Anyway, I hope everyone on this list and at ZAC have a great holiday!
>
> Gary Liming
> 801
>
>
>
>
>
--- Robert Rehmel
--- traveler601@earthlink.net
direct advertising on the Matronics Forums.
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