---------------------------------------------------------- Zenith-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Fri 10/10/03: 18 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 06:30 AM - Re: 601 Early Flight Update (Weston, Jim) 2. 08:11 AM - Re: Composite mian gear (David Barth) 3. 08:27 AM - Re: 912S (Dave Pepper) 4. 08:59 AM - Re: 601 Early Flight Update (Dave Pepper) 5. 09:51 AM - Re: 601 Early Flight Update (Steve Dixon) 6. 09:58 AM - Edge clearance, hole size - was 601 Early Flight Update (Carlos Sa) 7. 12:48 PM - Solid Rivet Installation (Kafka, Jeff) 8. 01:20 PM - Re: Solid Rivet Installation (David Barth) 9. 01:41 PM - Re: Edge clearance, hole size - was 601 Early Flight Update (Frank Jones) 10. 02:44 PM - Re: Solid Rivet Installation (Monty Graves) 11. 02:47 PM - Re: Solid Rivet Installation (Larry McFarland) 12. 05:19 PM - Re: 601 Early Flight Update (Gary Gower) 13. 06:39 PM - Re: Edge clearance, hole size - was 601 Early Flight Update (Gary Gower) 14. 07:05 PM - Re: Edge clearance, hole size - was 601 Early Flight Update (Gary Gower) 15. 07:13 PM - N701US first flight (Jon Croke) 16. 07:57 PM - N701US first flight (Fred or Sandy Hulen) 17. 11:10 PM - Re: N701US first flight (fuel to the tanks) (Gary Gower) 18. 11:44 PM - My inspection (Brett Ray) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 06:30:09 AM PST US Subject: RE: Zenith-List: 601 Early Flight Update From: "Weston, Jim" --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Weston, Jim" Dave, I'm not disagreeing with the fact that it will make the adjustment easier to do it the way that you and Frank suggest. I'm just saying that I would be concerned about flying an airplane, short hop or not, that has changed a basic design of primary flight control attachment. The bolts and brackets in this application are designed to take up the forces in shear. With what you are both proposing you are making a basic design change, re-engineering the design to now take up the forces through a friction fit, and admittedly some amount of shear with the bent washer. As I said in my previous note, it's your experimental airplane so do as you like, but be careful. Have fun, Jim Weston 601HDS w/Stratus McDonough, Ga. -----Original Message----- From: Dave Austin [mailto:daveaustin2@sprint.ca] Subject: Re: Zenith-List: 601 Early Flight Update --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dave Austin" Trouble with your suggestion Jim, is what happens if you don't get the position right on the second try? The amount of hole elongation as suggested is really quite small. I know. I've done it. As long as the 3/16 bolts are fully torqued up, I believe it safe. Once the correct position is found so that the elevator trim tab is neutral in level, cruise speed flight, (minimum drag), by all means put on a doubler to get rid of the elongated hole. Dave Austin 601HDS - 912 == direct advertising on the Matronics Forums. == http://www.matronics.com/trouble-report == == ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 08:11:24 AM PST US From: David Barth Subject: RE: Zenith-List: Composite mian gear --> Zenith-List message posted by: David Barth Scott I have seen a beautifully made Czech 601XL that was brought into Canada by Art at Flypass Aviation (Local Zenith Distributor). It has the composite main gear instead of the aluminum spring gear. They are two parts that are cantilevered. It would require some design changes to mount these. They are lighter but also slightly longer - I believe - and would require changes to the length of the nose gear. I liked the weight savings but I'm not really all that interested in the design change progagation. I am sure you can get more information from Chip Erwin at: CZECH AIRCRAFT WORKS, S.R.O. Manufacturer of Sport Aircraft & Aircraft Floats Lucn 1824, 686 02 Star Mesto, Czech Republic Tel: +420 572 543 456 Fax: +420 572 543 692 USA Fax: (772) 264 0936 Mobile Tel: (420) 602 342 717 E-mail: aircraft@czaw.cz www.airplane.cz > " And our XL is lighter as we use composite gear. " > > > Where does one find more information on Composite > Gear? > > "Do Not Archive" ===== David Barth 601 XL Plansbuilder Still making parts. Nose Ribs Done and about half the rear ribs for the wings. Stab and elevator waiting for skins. Flaps, ailerons and Rudder ready for inspection. __________________________________ ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 08:27:24 AM PST US From: "Dave Pepper" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: 912S --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dave Pepper" I think most people are using an airbox for better performance. Otherwise, the carbs receive warm air from inside the cowling and performance is reduced. It would be a lot easier to forget about the airbox, and simply install two air filers on the carb intakes. The manual I downloaded was for all versions of the 912S. That's where I got the info on the airbox. Regards....Dave ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 08:59:49 AM PST US From: "Dave Pepper" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: 601 Early Flight Update --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dave Pepper" I read somewere that the bolt holes on the rear stabilizer attach brackets must be at least 1/2 inch from the nearest edge of the bracket. How important is this minimum distance? The bolt holes on my brackets seem to have less than this minimum.....maybe 3/8" instead of 1/2". Is this a problem? With the horizontal stabilizer installed and bolted down tightly, there is a small amount of lateral movement of the entire stabilizer . Is this a concern? Or should the stabilizer be totally and completely immobile on the fuselage? Thanks...Dave 601HD/912ULS ----- Original Message ----- From: "Weston, Jim" Subject: RE: Zenith-List: 601 Early Flight Update > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Weston, Jim" > > Frank, > > Be extremely careful about what you are planning to do. The forces on > control surfaces can get pretty high, particularly in turbulence or when > maneuvering the plane hard (either for fun or collision avoidance). As > I picture your description, it doesn't sound like there will be nearly > as much material supporting the loads on the stabilizer as the original > design would do (i.e. a washer with a bent tab). Also, if things start > to bend and get sloppy fitting while in flight, you could get flutter of > the stabilizer and elevator. This can be devastating. It's your > experimental airplane, do as you like, but I'd be very careful. It > really isn't that hard to drill out the rivets and fabricate new > brackets, then re-drill. > > Good Luck, > Jim Weston > McDonough, Ga. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Frank Jones [mailto:fjones@sympatico.ca] > To: zenith-list@matronics.com > Subject: RE: Zenith-List: 601 Early Flight Update > > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Frank Jones" > > > The change to the attach point is pretty easy really, just need to move > the rear holes up 3.7mm. This will involve elongating the holes. I'll > then use a stainless washer with a bent tab (kindof like on a bicycle > wheel) to keep the bolt in position. Should be no need for a doubler. > > > == > direct advertising on the Matronics Forums. > == > http://www.matronics.com/trouble-report > == > == > > ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 09:51:01 AM PST US From: "Steve Dixon" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: 601 Early Flight Update --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Steve Dixon" Hi, Just a thought FWIW, but maybe ZAC would have a suggestion concerning the proposed action and possible consequences? They're a good bunch, and they've always answered any questions I had real fast. Best of luck with whatever you choose to do. Steve Dixon (701/0-200----someday) DO NOT ARCHIVE ----- Original Message ----- From: "Weston, Jim" Subject: RE: Zenith-List: 601 Early Flight Update > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Weston, Jim" > > Dave, > > I'm not disagreeing with the fact that it will make the adjustment > easier to do it the way that you and Frank suggest. I'm just saying > that I would be concerned about flying an airplane, short hop or not, > that has changed a basic design of primary flight control attachment. > The bolts and brackets in this application are designed to take up the > forces in shear. With what you are both proposing you are making a > basic design change, re-engineering the design to now take up the forces > through a friction fit, and admittedly some amount of shear with the > bent washer. As I said in my previous note, it's your experimental > airplane so do as you like, but be careful. > > Have fun, > Jim Weston > 601HDS w/Stratus > McDonough, Ga. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Dave Austin [mailto:daveaustin2@sprint.ca] > To: zenith-list@matronics.com > Subject: Re: Zenith-List: 601 Early Flight Update > > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dave Austin" > > Trouble with your suggestion Jim, is what happens if you don't get the > position right on the second try? The amount of hole elongation as > suggested is really quite small. I know. I've done it. As long as the > 3/16 bolts are fully torqued up, I believe it safe. Once the correct > position is found so that the elevator trim tab is neutral in level, > cruise speed flight, (minimum drag), by all means put on a doubler to > get rid of the elongated hole. Dave Austin 601HDS - 912 > > > == > direct advertising on the Matronics Forums. > == > http://www.matronics.com/trouble-report > == > == > > ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 09:58:20 AM PST US From: Carlos Sa Subject: Zenith-List: Edge clearance, hole size - was 601 Early Flight Update --> Zenith-List message posted by: Carlos Sa I have run into a few situations where the edge distance was marginal, or holes larger than the specs. I wrote and/or called ZAC and and got either clearance or a (usually very simple) fix. A few minutes on the phone, 24-48 h by email, it's all it takes. I urge you to do the same, for peace of mind and safety sake. Carlos Wings' skeletons coming together CH601 HD, plans > I read somewere that the bolt holes on the rear stabilizer attach brackets > must be at least 1/2 inch from the nearest edge of the bracket. How > important is this minimum distance? The bolt holes on my brackets seem to > have less than this minimum.....maybe 3/8" instead of 1/2". Is this a > problem? With the horizontal stabilizer installed and bolted down tightly, > there is a small amount of lateral movement of the entire stabilizer . Is > this a concern? Or should the stabilizer be totally and completely immobile > on the fuselage? > > Thanks...Dave > 601HD/912ULS ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 12:48:21 PM PST US Subject: Zenith-List: Solid Rivet Installation From: "Kafka, Jeff" --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Kafka, Jeff" List, I am approaching the construction of my wing spars and thus dealing with the matter of solid rivets. I do not have any pneumatic equipment, so am looking into an acceptable hand operated installation method. So does anyone know, regarding the 601XL, if all the solid rivets can be installed with a hand squeezer? If so what size yoke is needed? Has anyone seen or used the hand rivet/dimpling tools at ACS and elsewhere (looks like it holds the rivet set and die while you bash it with a hammer)? Other than befriending an RV builder, any other thoughts? Definitely a rivet newbie here. Jeff Kafka 601XL Plans: Tail, Flaps and Ailerons ready for inspection. Working on parts for Wings. Do Not Archive ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 01:20:35 PM PST US From: David Barth Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Solid Rivet Installation --> Zenith-List message posted by: David Barth Hi Jeff. If you get the RAA magazine, they had some plans two issues ago to make one of those ACS rivet tools for about $25. I can probably fax you the article if you like. A friend and I have made a rivet squeezer from plans but it is a little more involved. David > > Has anyone seen or used the hand rivet/dimpling > tools at ACS and elsewhere (looks like it holds the > rivet set and die while you bash it with a hammer)? > > Other than befriending an RV builder, any other > thoughts? > ===== David Barth 601 XL Plansbuilder Still making parts. Nose Ribs Done and about half the rear ribs for the wings. Stab and elevator waiting for skins. Flaps, ailerons and Rudder ready for inspection. __________________________________ ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 01:41:12 PM PST US From: "Frank Jones" Subject: RE: Zenith-List: Edge clearance, hole size - was 601 Early Flight Update --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Frank Jones" FYI, I've sent 3 emails over the past week on the subject to Zenith requesting advice but still haven't heard back. Maybe Nick is at an airshow or something. Frank > I have run into a few situations where the edge distance was marginal, or holes > larger than the specs. I wrote and/or called ZAC and and got either clearance or a (usually very simple) fix. A few minutes on the phone, 24-48 h by email, it's all it takes. I urge you to do the same, for peace of mind and safety sake. ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 02:44:24 PM PST US From: Monty Graves Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Solid Rivet Installation --> Zenith-List message posted by: Monty Graves One can also use a cheap arbor press. drill the base and bar( or just polish the bar and don't use the smooth set) for the $8.00 squeeze sets. Press down and bang the top with a hammer. Works good. Use a feeler gauge to get the correct thickness of smash ness on the first few.. Tony Bingilies wrote about it in an article. And it goes pretty fast on a 701 spar, don't know about the 601. Also they can also be set with a hydraulic floor press. If you have one. Set up with the squeeze sets, and feeler gauge. All three methods need some type of support for the spars of course, while setting the rivets. But it is VERY important that no matter how they are set, that both surfaces that set the rivet be mirror smooth. Other wise small ridges or grooves in the tool will be transfered to the rivet, as stress risers. A bad thing anytime, but these are spars!!!! Zenith builds the spars in a simalar fashion as the hydraulic floor press method. It is just that they have a hydraulic rivet squeezer mounted to a table, instead of 12 ton jack. Monty At 01:20 PM 10/10/03 -0700, you wrote: >--> Zenith-List message posted by: David Barth > >Hi Jeff. If you get the RAA magazine, they had some >plans two issues ago to make one of those ACS rivet >tools for about $25. I can probably fax you the >article if you like. A friend and I have made a rivet >squeezer from plans but it is a little more involved. >David > >> >> Has anyone seen or used the hand rivet/dimpling >> tools at ACS and elsewhere (looks like it holds the >> rivet set and die while you bash it with a hammer)? >> >> Other than befriending an RV builder, any other >> thoughts? >> > >===== >David Barth >601 XL Plansbuilder >Still making parts. Nose Ribs Done and about half the rear ribs for the wings. >Stab and elevator waiting for skins. Flaps, ailerons and Rudder ready for inspection. > >__________________________________ > > > ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 02:47:14 PM PST US From: "Larry McFarland" Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Solid Rivet Installation --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Larry McFarland" From: "Kafka, Jeff" 601XL solid rivets installed with a hand squeezer? > > If so what size yoke is needed? > > Has anyone seen or used the hand rivet and die while you bash it with a hammer? Jeff, I used the hammer and die process on a steel block for a while and found the process tiring but easy to accomplish. As described in the construction manual, the rivets are very controllable. I doubt that you'd like using a squeezer for anything larger than 3/32". How bout trying Avery Tools. For about $200 you'd get a really good gun and the rest would be much easier. and you'll use it again and again. Whatever you decide, make a sample section 12" long and practice until you're comfortable with the process and get a dial indicator to measure what your doing at first. Larry McFarland - 601hds @ www.macsmachine.com ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 05:19:56 PM PST US From: Gary Gower Subject: Re: Zenith-List: 601 Early Flight Update --> Zenith-List message posted by: Gary Gower Now that you mention this, I want to comment about what we did with the stab suports: Tey attach to the uper longeron and the skin (701) and the longeron goes outside the skin, so there is a "step" when the suport is riveted... we shimmed the suports with a piece of scrap aluminum from the edge of the longeron, this way they got riveted straight and were more rigid, with out the shims the suports are slightly open from the top and they had a little movement. Hope I get understood, and this helps to builders that are going to isntall the suports... Saludos Gary Gower 701 912S The trim is working and the Navaid is in wiring process... The instruments lights work... is beguining to have life! --- Dave Pepper wrote: > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dave Pepper" > > > I read somewere that the bolt holes on the rear stabilizer attach > brackets > must be at least 1/2 inch from the nearest edge of the bracket. How > important is this minimum distance? The bolt holes on my brackets > seem to > have less than this minimum.....maybe 3/8" instead of 1/2". Is this a > problem? With the horizontal stabilizer installed and bolted down > tightly, > there is a small amount of lateral movement of the entire stabilizer > . Is > this a concern? Or should the stabilizer be totally and completely > immobile > on the fuselage? > > Thanks...Dave > 601HD/912ULS > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Weston, Jim" > To: > Subject: RE: Zenith-List: 601 Early Flight Update > > > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Weston, Jim" > > > > > Frank, > > > > Be extremely careful about what you are planning to do. The forces > on > > control surfaces can get pretty high, particularly in turbulence or > when > > maneuvering the plane hard (either for fun or collision avoidance). > As > > I picture your description, it doesn't sound like there will be > nearly > > as much material supporting the loads on the stabilizer as the > original > > design would do (i.e. a washer with a bent tab). Also, if things > start > > to bend and get sloppy fitting while in flight, you could get > flutter of > > the stabilizer and elevator. This can be devastating. It's your > > experimental airplane, do as you like, but I'd be very careful. It > > really isn't that hard to drill out the rivets and fabricate new > > brackets, then re-drill. > > > > Good Luck, > > Jim Weston > > McDonough, Ga. > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Frank Jones [mailto:fjones@sympatico.ca] > > To: zenith-list@matronics.com > > Subject: RE: Zenith-List: 601 Early Flight Update > > > > > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Frank Jones" > > > > > > > The change to the attach point is pretty easy really, just need to > move > > the rear holes up 3.7mm. This will involve elongating the holes. > I'll > > then use a stainless washer with a bent tab (kindof like on a > bicycle > > wheel) to keep the bolt in position. Should be no need for a > doubler. > > > > > > == > > direct advertising on the Matronics Forums. > > == > > http://www.matronics.com/trouble-report > > == > > == > > > > > > > > > http://www.matronics.com/trouble-report > > > > > > __________________________________ ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 06:39:45 PM PST US From: Gary Gower Subject: RE: Zenith-List: Edge clearance, hole size - was 601 Early Flight Update --> Zenith-List message posted by: Gary Gower Yes, Copperstone (sp?) is in this days, You will recieve the answer as soon as they get back. Saludos Gary Gower Do not archive --- Frank Jones wrote: > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Frank Jones" > > > FYI, I've sent 3 emails over the past week on the subject to Zenith > requesting advice but still haven't heard back. Maybe Nick is at an > airshow or something. > > Frank > > > I have run into a few situations where the edge distance was > marginal, > or holes > larger than the specs. I wrote and/or called ZAC and and > got > either clearance or a (usually very simple) fix. A few minutes on the > phone, 24-48 h by email, it's all it takes. I urge you to do the > same, > for peace of mind and safety sake. > > > > > http://www.matronics.com/trouble-report > > > > > > __________________________________ ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 07:05:43 PM PST US From: Gary Gower Subject: RE: Zenith-List: Edge clearance, hole size - was 601 Early Flight Update --> Zenith-List message posted by: Gary Gower SORRY is Copperstate Regional ! LOL We foreigners kill english language sometimes :-) or maybe I need to take some sun in Puerto Vallarta, with a skin UV blocker :-)... Saludos Gary Gower DO NOT ARCHIVE PLEASE! --- Gary Gower wrote: > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Gary Gower > > Yes, Copperstone (sp?) is in this days, You will recieve the answer > as > soon as they get back. > > Saludos > Gary Gower > Do not archive > > --- Frank Jones wrote: > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Frank Jones" > > > > > > FYI, I've sent 3 emails over the past week on the subject to Zenith > > requesting advice but still haven't heard back. Maybe Nick is at an > > airshow or something. > > > > Frank > > > > > I have run into a few situations where the edge distance was > > marginal, > > or holes > larger than the specs. I wrote and/or called ZAC and and > > got > > either clearance or a (usually very simple) fix. A few minutes on > the > > phone, 24-48 h by email, it's all it takes. I urge you to do the > > same, > > for peace of mind and safety sake. > > > > > > > > > > http://www.matronics.com/trouble-report > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > > > > > http://www.matronics.com/trouble-report > > > > > > __________________________________ ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 07:13:28 PM PST US From: "Jon Croke" Subject: Zenith-List: N701US first flight --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Jon Croke" Hooray! Yesterday was the maiden voyage of N701US after about a 2 year build! I have only a 950' runway at my home, so I do not have the luxury of an aborted takeoff, or crow hops, etc, so I was wondering if this thing would really FLY on the first attempt! One chance only!! (with bad things at the end of the runway). I have a couple hundred hours in a Kolb Firestar from my property so it wasnt like I was attempting something crazy.... but this was an all or nothing effort. Well, hats off to Chris Heintz, for in spite of my 10 thumb building ability, I was able to construct a craft that flew as advertised the first time! That really IS saying something about his talents. For me, it was more an exercise in perseverance more than anything. How many times I thought about not fninshing.... or becoming frustrated at one point or another. My advice to all... keep going because it'll eventually come together. And when I think of the fact that I tried to get a tech counselor here to inspect and review my work...and never succeeded -- it turned out that if you just follow the plans and ask questions, you'll probably get a great review during final inspection from the FAA... there is no mystery here. The greatest surprise is that I used to cringe when I heard other builders fret over their building tolerances -- being 'off ' by a few miilmeters here or there when constructing a part. I have probably the most liberal of measuring accuracy... never spent too much time making alignment decisions... and I often wondered if this would show up in flight. Surprise! It flies great... maybe it would fly better if I did a 'better' job but I wouldnt be able to discern it. Boy, this thing lands EASY.... I have yet to have a 'bad' landing... tho Im sure it'll happen soon enough (I probably jinxed myself now) But my point is that with no experience in this craft, no demo rides, I am able to land gently with little effort. The one 'strange' thing (for me anyway) is the extreme nose high attitude when you land and take off. NOW I know why that fuselage and tail angle way up at the back... take a look... you really rotate to a great extreme at low speeds and use that ground clearance! I have had 2 rides in a 601 and the attitude at landing and take off is completely different. Do not LIKE that nose blocking the view of the runway at landing (I am use to the Firestar with a pusher config and unobstructed view in front). Also, the engine is quiet but the lexan and aluminum panels are NOISY! (no ear protection, I dont talk to people on the radio) Again, this is in comparison to a rag and tube construction of the Firestar. You also gotta have a ladder and strong arms to fuel those wing tanks... sounds like a pedestal mounted fuel drum would be nice..... So these are my 1st impressions, I have a lot of learning and some bad landings ahead of me and 40 hrs of solo. But if you wonder what your 1st flight will be like some day... keep building cuz its only a matter of time. Thanks to all on the list who helped directly and indirectly with support and encouragement. Jon 701/912 near Green Bay www.joncroke.com ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 07:57:29 PM PST US From: "Fred or Sandy Hulen" Subject: Zenith-List: N701US first flight --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Fred or Sandy Hulen" Congrats Jon !!!!!!!! Enjoyed reading the "excitement" in your posting. Many happy flights to ya! Fred Hulen do not archive ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 11:10:57 PM PST US From: Gary Gower Subject: Re: Zenith-List: N701US first flight (fuel to the tanks) --> Zenith-List message posted by: Gary Gower Jon, Congratulations!!! I hope we follow you shortly with our first flight, take care and enjoy like a little boy in Christmas... Learn all about the airplane, one step at a time... practice as much as you can, doing spot landings is a great exercise with a NEW airplane, when there is no planned place to go. Instead of just going around in a local flight... About the heavy refueling of the wing tanks... I will tell you what I have done (in my Ultralight) with the gasoline refuel... Is very easy and worked great for me: Dont use big containers (five gallons capacity or more). Our first reaction is to think in a big container when we need to transport several gallons of fuel, to fill a gas tank away from a gas station, is normal. Well, I bought instead, SIX 2.5 gallons containers (the red plastic ones with yellow filler neck). I will explain why: When walking from the gas station is easyer to carry two 2.5, one in each hand, that only one with 5 gal in one hand, is less effort to your back. Easy to lift to the 701 wing tank one at a time (4 if one tank is completly empty), but most of the time 6 of 2.5 will refill the plane, because some gasoline is left from the previous flight. I also bought 3 plastic letter size archive boxes from Office Depot (the cheap ones for keeping old office files that we "assemble" by bending the sides to make the bottom) and put two 2.5 gal containers inside each box, this way they dont move or rol all over the pick up bed. I hold them passing motorcycle holding straps though the bottle handles, the 3 boxes side by side, to both sides of the P Up. Once emptied you can pile the boxes with the empty containers inside in the garage (or hanger) corner and use very little space, or take only a box of two at a time if less fuel is needed. I discovered this because I am thin and to carry heavy loads has been a problem for me since young... Hope it helps. Saludos Gary Gower 701 912S Still wiring the instruments... --- Jon Croke wrote: > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Jon Croke" > > Hooray! > > Yesterday was the maiden voyage of N701US after about a 2 year > build! > > I have only a 950' runway at my home, so I do not have the luxury of > an > aborted takeoff, or crow hops, etc, so I was wondering if this thing > would > really FLY on the first attempt! One chance only!! (with bad things > at the > end of the runway). I have a couple hundred hours in a Kolb Firestar > from > my property so it wasnt like I was attempting something crazy.... but > this > was an all or nothing effort. > > Well, hats off to Chris Heintz, for in spite of my 10 thumb building > ability, I was able to construct a craft that flew as advertised the > first > time! That really IS saying something about his talents. For me, it > was > more an exercise in perseverance more than anything. How many times I > thought about not fninshing.... or becoming frustrated at one point > or > another. My advice to all... keep going because it'll eventually > come > together. And when I think of the fact that I tried to get a tech > counselor > here to inspect and review my work...and never succeeded -- it turned > out > that if you just follow the plans and ask questions, you'll probably > get a > great review during final inspection from the FAA... there is no > mystery > here. > > The greatest surprise is that I used to cringe when I heard other > builders > fret over their building tolerances -- being 'off ' by a few > miilmeters here > or there when constructing a part. I have probably the most liberal > of > measuring accuracy... never spent too much time making alignment > decisions... and I often wondered if this would show up in flight. > Surprise! It flies great... maybe it would fly better if I did a > 'better' > job but I wouldnt be able to discern it. > > Boy, this thing lands EASY.... I have yet to have a 'bad' landing... > tho Im > sure it'll happen soon enough (I probably jinxed myself now) But my > point > is that with no experience in this craft, no demo rides, I am able to > land > gently with little effort. The one 'strange' thing (for me anyway) > is the > extreme nose high attitude when you land and take off. NOW I know > why that > fuselage and tail angle way up at the back... take a look... you > really > rotate to a great extreme at low speeds and use that ground > clearance! I > have had 2 rides in a 601 and the attitude at landing and take off is > completely different. Do not LIKE that nose blocking the view of the > runway > at landing (I am use to the Firestar with a pusher config and > unobstructed > view in front). Also, the engine is quiet but the lexan and aluminum > panels > are NOISY! (no ear protection, I dont talk to people on the radio) > Again, > this is in comparison to a rag and tube construction of the Firestar. > You > also gotta have a ladder and strong arms to fuel those wing tanks... > sounds > like a pedestal mounted fuel drum would be nice..... > > So these are my 1st impressions, I have a lot of learning and some > bad > landings ahead of me and 40 hrs of solo. But if you wonder what > your 1st > flight will be like some day... keep building cuz its only a matter > of time. > Thanks to all on the list who helped directly and indirectly with > support > and encouragement. > > Jon 701/912 > near Green Bay > > www.joncroke.com __________________________________ ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 11:44:38 PM PST US From: "Brett Ray" Subject: Zenith-List: My inspection --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Brett Ray" The plane is done. It was set for inspection on Sat. the 11th. But the D.A.R. called today Fri. and canceled. Son of @#&%$%& and ^% $@#@... anyway now I have to find another guy to do it. Any body know someone in the southern IL area? Thanks Brett Ray Hog-Air.com