---------------------------------------------------------- Zenith601-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Tue 10/28/08: 23 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 03:02 AM - Re: Re: XL wing fold in flight (Brian Wood) 2. 06:02 AM - Re: Re: Ch650 anti oil canning on 601 (Jay Maynard) 3. 07:20 AM - First Flight (jaybannist@cs.com) 4. 07:48 AM - Re: First Flight (Jim Belcher) 5. 08:11 AM - Re: XL wing fold in flight (willemdelange) 6. 08:40 AM - Re: First Flight (David Downey) 7. 09:17 AM - Re: XL wing fold in flight (willemdelange) 8. 09:38 AM - Re: XL wing fold in flight (willemdelange) 9. 10:22 AM - Re: Ch650 anti oil canning on 601 (skyridersbn) 10. 12:17 PM - Re: Re: XL wing fold in flight (Craig Payne) 11. 12:48 PM - Re: Re: XL wing fold in flight (z 601) 12. 12:51 PM - Re: Re: XL wing fold in flight (Rick Lindstrom) 13. 12:53 PM - Crash in Brazil (Brian Wood) 14. 01:02 PM - Crash in Brazil (Brian Wood) 15. 01:12 PM - Re: First Flight (PatrickW) 16. 01:19 PM - Re: Re: XL wing fold in flight (Keith Ashcraft) 17. 01:40 PM - Re: Re: First Flight (jaybannist@cs.com) 18. 01:48 PM - Re: Re: XL wing fold in flight (Jim Belcher) 19. 05:52 PM - Re: [Probable Spam] Re: Re: XL wing fold in flight (LarryMcFarland) 20. 06:48 PM - 601XL Aileron Skin Rivet Pattern Question (Dave VanLanen) 21. 06:59 PM - [Probable Spam] Re: XL wing fold in flight (swater6) 22. 10:36 PM - Re: [Probable Spam] Re: XL wing fold in flight (LHusky@aol.com) 23. 11:36 PM - European ULM ( Ulralight ) 601xl (K Dilks) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 03:02:07 AM PST US Subject: Re: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight From: "Brian Wood" Here is a link to a you-tube video of a Zodiac XL 601 in Brazil that has aileron balance weights installed. I am not endorsing nor condemning the installation, I am not qualified to pass judgement, just for your information. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_D4bt0guvM&feature=related Brian in Brazil Em Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:15:40 -0200, austria escreveu: > > Hello, > have a look on this page: http://www.geocities.com/mgd3/flying/flutter > The damage is like the same on the attached photo from a 601XL accident. > > austria > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=210488#210488 > > > Attachments: > > http://forums.matronics.com//files/zodiac_file_030_399.jpg > > -- Usando o revolucionrio cliente de e-mail do Opera: http://www.opera.com/mail/ ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 06:02:32 AM PST US From: Jay Maynard Subject: Re: Zenith601-List: Re: Ch650 anti oil canning on 601 On Mon, Oct 27, 2008 at 03:40:28PM -0600, Craig Payne wrote: > It isn't too hard to make your own standard L's in 4 foot lengths with a > simple wooden press break. Pictures attached. A request: Please don't attach several hundred K of pictures to your emails. Email is not the way to send pictures around. You can post to the Matronics forum and attach them there, without flooding people's email inboxes with them. Thanks. -- Jay Maynard, K5ZC http://www.conmicro.com http://jmaynard.livejournal.com http://www.tronguy.net Fairmont, MN (FRM) (Yes, that's me!) AMD Zodiac CH601XLi N55ZC http://www.tronguy.net/N55ZC.shtml ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 07:20:42 AM PST US Subject: Zenith601-List: First Flight From: jaybannist@cs.com Friends, Yesterday N2630J =9CLil Bruiser=9D took to the air for the first time! Scott Severen, test pilot for IndUS Aviation, flew her for about an hour. =C2- Scott told me that he was thoroughly prepared for an unsavory experie nce. Once in the air, though, he was pleasantly surprised and said he really had fun doing the flight.=C2- He was highly complimentary about the fligh t characteristics of the airplane; it was very easy to fly and everything wa s as it should be.=C2- The Corvair engine performed strongly and flawlessl y. I don=99t have all the numbers, but Scott reported that all tempera tures and pressures stayed in the green, with RPMs up to 3200 and speeds up to 120 mph. The not-so-great photos were taken by me from the chase plane, an IndUS Thor pedo flown by Ed Bandy.=C2- We flew out of Eagles Nest Estates (2TS6) and Scott did several touch and goes at Mid-Way Regional (JWY).=C2-=C2- Over all, a Great Day for me and =9CLil Bruiser=9D. Jay in Dallas ________________________________________________________________________ Email message sent from CompuServe - visit us today at http://www.cs.com ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 07:48:58 AM PST US From: Jim Belcher Subject: Re: Zenith601-List: First Flight In reading the recent list of tragic events, I find myself wondering if the European version of the 601XL should not be given some other designation. It appears there are significant differences between it and the US version. Calling them both 601XL may be giving a false impression. -- ============================================= Those who can, do. Those who can't, sue. ================================================ Jim B. Belcher BS, MS Physics, math, Computer Science A&P/IA Instrument Rated Pilot General Radio Telephone Certificate ================================================ ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 08:11:23 AM PST US Subject: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight From: "willemdelange" Supersedure: Not applicable Subject: ZODIAC CH 601 XL (MICROLIGHTS OR HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT) - GROUNDING Applicability: All Zodiac CH 601 XL (Micro Light or Homebuilt Aircraft) Reason: On the 14th of September 2008 a fatal accident occurred with a Micro Light Aircraft, Type Zodiac CH 601 XL. There are indications that break-up of the wing structure was the cause of the accident. Based on the preliminary findings of the accident investigation of the Dutch Safety Board, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Netherlands declares the aircraft not airworthy until further notice. Effective date: 24 October 2008 Mandatory Actions and Compliance Times: >From the effective date of this AD, the aircraft is grounded and shall not be flown until appropriate action has been agreed in order to return the aircraft to airworthiness. Reference Publication(s): None Remarks -------- Willem de Lange CH601XL owner Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=210782#210782 ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 08:40:25 AM PST US From: David Downey Subject: Re: Zenith601-List: First Flight Congrats Jay! Godspeed. David L. Downey Harleysville-(SE) PA, USA --- On Tue, 10/28/08, jaybannist@cs.com wrote: From: jaybannist@cs.com Subject: Zenith601-List: First Flight et, ber0101@swbell.net, mstephan@shr.net Friends, Yesterday N2630J =93Lil Bruiser=94 took to the air for the first time! Scott Severen, test pilot for IndUS Aviation, flew her for about an hour. - Scott told me that he was thoroughly prepared for an unsavory experienc e. Once in the air, though, he was pleasantly surprised and said he really had fun doing the flight.- He was highly complimentary about the flight c haracteristics of the airplane; it was very easy to fly and everything was as it should be.- The Corvair engine performed strongly and flawlessly. I don=92t have all the numbers, but Scott reported that all temperatures and pressures stayed in the green, with RPMs up to 3200 and speeds up to 120 m ph. The not-so-great photos were taken by me from the chase plane, an IndUS Tho rpedo flown by Ed Bandy.- We flew out of Eagles Nest Estates (2TS6) and S cott did several touch and goes at Mid-Way Regional (JWY).-- Overall, a Great Day for me and =93Lil Bruiser=94. Jay in Dallas Email message sent from CompuServe - visit us today at http://www.cs.com =0A=0A=0A ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 09:17:25 AM PST US Subject: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight From: "willemdelange" Nederlands Engels translate FACTUAL INFORMATION Proceedings of the flight The PH-4B6, a micro-light plane aero (MLA) of the brand and type Zenair Zodiac CH601 XL, take off from the airport Midden Meer (North-Holland).September 14, 2008 around 12:30 On board were two people: the owner / pilot and a passenger. After the take-off from run-way -05 the aircraft flew in a northeasterly direction north-east. At the height of the village Kreileroord a left turn of around 270 degrees was made which made the plane flew south to Medemblik. Above Medemblik a 360 turn was made. The height during this stage of the flight ranged between 1100 and 1300 ft. From the Medemblik the PH-4B6 flew to Hoorn. The plane then flew on to the Lake of Hoorn. The plane flew at an altitude of about 1000 ft. There were witnesses on the ground seeing that the right wing folded up and that the plane crashed in the water of the Marker Lake around 12:47. The two occupants did not survive the crash. RESEARCH A researcher of the research board has been on the spot and after the saving of the wreck did an initial investigation. At a later time an extensive technical research was conducted with the help of a ground engineer. Later a part of the main spar of the right wing and the rear spar has been removed. Also the GPS unit and the speedometer where removed for further examination. The flight data mentioned in this report are drawn from the GPS unit. Through the Aviation Police witness statements were obtained. The PH-4B6 is a Zenair Zodiac CH601 XL. In 2000 this aircraft has been developed in the United States (U.S.) from earlier versions of the Zodiac CH601. The CH601 XL can be delivered as a "kit" in which the owner assembles the prefabricated parts or as "ready to fly" where the aircraft has been fully assembled and delivered by the manufacturer. In the U.S., this type of aircraft is accepted under the category "Light Sport Aircraft". One of the consequences is that the aircraft is not certified according to international airworthiness requirements. The manufacturer declares that the design meets the requirements for this category of aircraft and that the device is manufactured in accordance with an approved method. The maximum take-off mass of this aircraft in the U.S. is 595 kg. The same type of plane is built under license from the beginning of 2005 until the end of 2006 in the Czech Republic, in particular for the European market. To meet the criteria for European "Micro Light Airplane" (MLA) in the Czech Republic a number of modifications where made to the model to the meet the requirement of a maximum take-off mass of 450 kg. The accidents PH-4B6 is a Czech Republic model. The model fabricated in the Czech Republic is tested by the "Deutsche Aeroclub" which resulted in a so-called "Gertekennblatt" was issued which stated that the German plane meets the airworthiness requirements for MLA's . In the Netherlands, among others this "Gertekennblatt" is used by the Traffic and Water Management Inspectorate (IVW) to issue a "special airworthiness certificate" . The same type of aircraft can also be registered as a "home built" aircraft in the Dutch aircraft register. In that case, the aircraft meets the requirements of amateur aircraft construction standards. The statutory requirement of a maximum take-off mass of 450 kg it expires. The preliminary investigation shows the following: In the Dutch aircraft registry offers 12 aircraft of the type which registered CH601 XL 8 as MLA and 4 are home built. In addition, we have 15 registered aircraft of the type CH601 HD, HDS and UL. These are other versions of the type CH601. The PH-4B6 aircraft had a valid "special certificate of airworthiness." A calculation shows that the mass of the airplane at the start probably at or slightly above the maximum allowable off mass of 450 kg. After reading from the GPS unit showed that the aircraft has made no extreme movements and just before the time of the accident a straight flight at about 1000 ft exported. The right wing moved up during the flight and folded back with the top of the wing folded on the top of the fuselage behind the canopy. The right wing is not broken. The upper reinforcement of the main spar of the right wing is kinked and twisted, just before the wing-fuselage attachment. The bottom reinforcement of the main beam of the right wing is twisted, just before the wing-fuselage confirmation. The acting load factor of the wings was far below the permissible load factor. Data from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute show that the wind at 1000 ft from the direction of 070 blew with a force of 11 knots. The visibility was more than 10 kilometers and there was no turbulence. >From 2006 until today there have been at least seven accidents worldwide with Zenair Zodiac CH601 where one or both wings have collapsed due to overloading. These accidents have occurred in the United States, Britain and Spain. The investigation into this accident has not (yet) pointed to a single cause for the collapse of the wings. A comprehensive examination design drawings of the U.S. draft has shown that the outcome of the strength calculations by the designer was probably too optimistic. PRELIMINARY CONCLUSION The study by the Research Council for Security to the cause of this accident is not yet completed. Nevertheless, the Council decided, in view of the seven similar incidents elsewhere in the world and pending the final results of his research, in this interim report all directly and indirectly involved must seriously warn against the obvious risks in the use of this type plane. -------- Willem de Lange CH601XL owner Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=210796#210796 ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 09:38:04 AM PST US Subject: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight From: "willemdelange" Here is a quick and dirty translation opf the initial report FACTUAL INFORMATION Proceedings of the flight The PH-4B6, a micro-light plane aero (MLA) of the brand and type Zenair Zodiac CH601 XL, take off from the airport Midden Meer (North-Holland).September 14, 2008 around 12:30 On board were two people: the owner / pilot and a passenger. After the take-off from run-way -05 the aircraft flew in a northeasterly direction north-east. At the height of the village Kreileroord a left turn of around 270 degrees was made which made the plane flew south to Medemblik. Above Medemblik a 360 turn was made. The height during this stage of the flight ranged between 1100 and 1300 ft. From the Medemblik the PH-4B6 flew to Hoorn. The plane then flew on to the Lake of Hoorn. The plane flew at an altitude of about 1000 ft. There were witnesses on the ground seeing that the right wing folded up and that the plane crashed in the water of the Marker Lake around 12:47. The two occupants did not survive the crash. RESEARCH A researcher of the research board has been on the spot and after the saving of the wreck did an initial investigation. At a later time an extensive technical research was conducted with the help of a ground engineer. Later a part of the main spar of the right wing and the rear spar has been removed. Also the GPS unit and the speedometer where removed for further examination. The flight data mentioned in this report are drawn from the GPS unit. Through the Aviation Police witness statements were obtained. The PH-4B6 is a Zenair Zodiac CH601 XL. In 2000 this aircraft has been developed in the United States (U.S.) from earlier versions of the Zodiac CH601. The CH601 XL can be delivered as a "kit" in which the owner assembles the prefabricated parts or as "ready to fly" where the aircraft has been fully assembled and delivered by the manufacturer. In the U.S., this type of aircraft is accepted under the category "Light Sport Aircraft". One of the consequences is that the aircraft is not certified according to international airworthiness requirements. The manufacturer declares that the design meets the requirements for this category of aircraft and that the device is manufactured in accordance with an approved method. The maximum take-off mass of this aircraft in the U.S. is 595 kg. The same type of plane is built under license from the beginning of 2005 until the end of 2006 in the Czech Republic, in particular for the European market. To meet the criteria for European "Micro Light Airplane" (MLA) in the Czech Republic a number of modifications where made to the model to the meet the requirement of a maximum take-off mass of 450 kg. The accidents PH-4B6 is a Czech Republic model. The model fabricated in the Czech Republic is tested by the "Deutsche Aeroclub" which resulted in a so-called "Gertekennblatt" was issued which stated that the German plane meets the airworthiness requirements for MLA's . In the Netherlands, among others this "Gertekennblatt" is used by the Traffic and Water Management Inspectorate (IVW) to issue a "special airworthiness certificate" . The same type of aircraft can also be registered as a "home built" aircraft in the Dutch aircraft register. In that case, the aircraft meets the requirements of amateur aircraft construction standards. The statutory requirement of a maximum take-off mass of 450 kg it expires. The preliminary investigation shows the following: In the Dutch aircraft registry offers 12 aircraft of the type which registered CH601 XL 8 as MLA and 4 are home built. In addition, we have 15 registered aircraft of the type CH601 HD, HDS and UL. These are other versions of the type CH601. The PH-4B6 aircraft had a valid "special certificate of airworthiness." A calculation shows that the mass of the airplane at the start probably at or slightly above the maximum allowable off mass of 450 kg. After reading from the GPS unit showed that the aircraft has made no extreme movements and just before the time of the accident a straight flight at about 1000 ft exported. The right wing moved up during the flight and folded back with the top of the wing folded on the top of the fuselage behind the canopy. The right wing is not broken. The upper reinforcement of the main spar of the right wing is kinked and twisted, just before the wing-fuselage attachment. The bottom reinforcement of the main beam of the right wing is twisted, just before the wing-fuselage confirmation. The acting load factor of the wings was far below the permissible load factor. Data from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute show that the wind at 1000 ft from the direction of 070 blew with a force of 11 knots. The visibility was more than 10 kilometers and there was no turbulence. >From 2006 until today there have been at least seven accidents worldwide with Zenair Zodiac CH601 where one or both wings have collapsed due to overloading. These accidents have occurred in the United States, Britain and Spain. The investigation into this accident has not (yet) pointed to a single cause for the collapse of the wings. A comprehensive examination design drawings of the U.S. draft has shown that the outcome of the strength calculations by the designer was probably too optimistic. PRELIMINARY CONCLUSION The study by the Research Council for Security to the cause of this accident is not yet completed. Nevertheless, the Council decided, in view of the seven similar incidents elsewhere in the world and pending the final results of his research, in this interim report all directly and indirectly involved must seriously warn against the obvious risks in the use of this type plane. Nederlands Engels translate -------- Willem de Lange CH601XL owner Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=210801#210801 ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 10:22:50 AM PST US Subject: Zenith601-List: Re: Ch650 anti oil canning on 601 From: "skyridersbn" I have received the information from Travis at Zenith. (There isn't a photo - just info). According to Travis, here is what he said: "Good morning Larry. I did a bit of checking and the 4' std. L can be cut in half for use between the ribs. They will run parallel with the main spar 425 center of rivet line to center of rivet line and are on the top skin only. So I figure you will need 6 4' L angles." I will have two wing lockers so none is required in that bay, buy plan according if you don't have the lockers. I hope this helps everyone out. Tailwinds and blue skies always, -------- Larry Hursh (N650LM Reserved) CH601XL (Conversion to CH650) will be Corvair Powered Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=210810#210810 ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 12:17:27 PM PST US From: "Craig Payne" Subject: RE: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight Key point is this: "A comprehensive examination design drawings of the U.S. draft has shown that the outcome of the strength calculations by the designer was probably too optimistic." How do we reconcile this with the actual load testing (which was said to have been conducted by an independent outside engineer)? http://www.zenithair.com/zodiac/6-photo-testing.html -- Craig -----Original Message----- From: owner-zenith601-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-zenith601-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of willemdelange Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 10:17 AM Subject: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight Nederlands Engels translate FACTUAL INFORMATION Proceedings of the flight The PH-4B6, a micro-light plane aero (MLA) of the brand and type Zenair Zodiac CH601 XL, take off from the airport Midden Meer (North-Holland).September 14, 2008 around 12:30 On board were two people: the owner / pilot and a passenger. After the take-off from run-way -05 the aircraft flew in a northeasterly direction north-east. At the height of the village Kreileroord a left turn of around 270 degrees was made which made the plane flew south to Medemblik. Above Medemblik a 360 turn was made. The height during this stage of the flight ranged between 1100 and 1300 ft. From the Medemblik the PH-4B6 flew to Hoorn. The plane then flew on to the Lake of Hoorn. The plane flew at an altitude of about 1000 ft. There were witnesses on the ground seeing that the right wing folded up and that the plane crashed in the water of the Marker Lake around 12:47. The two occupants did not survive the crash. RESEARCH A researcher of the research board has been on the spot and after the saving of the wreck did an initial investigation. At a later time an extensive technical research was conducted with the help of a ground engineer. Later a part of the main spar of the right wing and the rear spar has been removed. Also the GPS unit and the speedometer where removed for further examination. The flight data mentioned in this report are drawn from the GPS unit. Through the Aviation Police witness statements were obtained. The PH-4B6 is a Zenair Zodiac CH601 XL. In 2000 this aircraft has been developed in the United States (U.S.) from earlier versions of the Zodiac CH601. The CH601 XL can be delivered as a "kit" in which the owner assembles the prefabricated parts or as "ready to fly" where the aircraft has been fully assembled and delivered by the manufacturer. In the U.S., this type of aircraft is accepted under the category "Light Sport Aircraft". One of the consequences is that the aircraft is not certified according to international airworthiness requirements. The manufacturer declares that the design meets the requirements for this category of aircraft and that the device is manufactured in accordance with an approved method. The maximum take-off mass of this aircraft in the U.S. is 595 kg. The same type of plane is built under license from the beginning of 2005 until the end of 2006 in the Czech Republic, in particular for the European market. To meet the criteria for European "Micro Light Airplane" (MLA) in the Czech Republic a number of modifications where made to the model to the meet the requirement of a maximum take-off mass of 450 kg. The accidents PH-4B6 is a Czech Republic model. The model fabricated in the Czech Republic is tested by the "Deutsche Aeroclub" which resulted in a so-called "Gertekennblatt" was issued which stated that the German plane meets the airworthiness requirements for MLA's . In the Netherlands, among others this "Gertekennblatt" is used by the Traffic and Water Management Inspectorate (IVW) to issue a "special airworthiness certificate" . The same type of aircraft can also be registered as a "home built" aircraft in the Dutch aircraft register. In that case, the aircraft meets the requirements of amateur aircraft construction standards. The statutory requirement of a maximum take-off mass of 450 kg it expires. The preliminary investigation shows the following: In the Dutch aircraft registry offers 12 aircraft of the type which registered CH601 XL 8 as MLA and 4 are home built. In addition, we have 15 registered aircraft of the type CH601 HD, HDS and UL. These are other versions of the type CH601. The PH-4B6 aircraft had a valid "special certificate of airworthiness." A calculation shows that the mass of the airplane at the start probably at or slightly above the maximum allowable off mass of 450 kg. After reading from the GPS unit showed that the aircraft has made no extreme movements and just before the time of the accident a straight flight at about 1000 ft exported. The right wing moved up during the flight and folded back with the top of the wing folded on the top of the fuselage behind the canopy. The right wing is not broken. The upper reinforcement of the main spar of the right wing is kinked and twisted, just before the wing-fuselage attachment. The bottom reinforcement of the main beam of the right wing is twisted, just before the wing-fuselage confirmation. The acting load factor of the wings was far below the permissible load factor. Data from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute show that the wind at 1000 ft from the direction of 070 blew with a force of 11 knots. The visibility was more than 10 kilometers and there was no turbulence. >From 2006 until today there have been at least seven accidents worldwide with Zenair Zodiac CH601 where one or both wings have collapsed due to overloading. These accidents have occurred in the United States, Britain and Spain. The investigation into this accident has not (yet) pointed to a single cause for the collapse of the wings. A comprehensive examination design drawings of the U.S. draft has shown that the outcome of the strength calculations by the designer was probably too optimistic. PRELIMINARY CONCLUSION The study by the Research Council for Security to the cause of this accident is not yet completed. Nevertheless, the Council decided, in view of the seven similar incidents elsewhere in the world and pending the final results of his research, in this interim report all directly and indirectly involved must seriously warn against the obvious risks in the use of this type plane. -------- Willem de Lange CH601XL owner Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=210796#210796 ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 12:48:42 PM PST US From: Jim Belcher <"z 601"@anemicaardvark.com> Subject: Re: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight On Tuesday 28 October 2008 14:17, Craig Payne wrote: > > > Key point is this: > > "A comprehensive examination design drawings of the U.S. draft has shown > that the outcome of the strength calculations by the designer was probably > too optimistic." > > How do we reconcile this with the actual load testing (which was said to > have been conducted by an independent outside engineer)? Assuming there is a problem, the difference may lie in how the testing was done. The load testing I saw posted on the Zenith site appears to have been static, rather than dynamic, testing. -- ============================================= Those who can, do. Those who can't, sue. ================================================ Jim B. Belcher BS, MS Physics, math, Computer Science A&P/IA Instrument Rated Pilot General Radio Telephone Certificate ================================================ ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 12:51:47 PM PST US From: Rick Lindstrom Subject: RE: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight If I didn't misread the translated accident report, it states that the accident aircraft "is a Czech Republic model." I'm wondering how the construction differed to allow adequate useful load with the 450 kg weight limitation, especially in the area of the rear spar fuselage attachment. Rick -----Original Message----- >From: Craig Payne >Sent: Oct 28, 2008 12:17 PM >To: zenith601-list@matronics.com >Subject: RE: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight > > >Key point is this: > >"A comprehensive examination design drawings of the U.S. draft has shown that the outcome of the strength calculations by the designer was probably too optimistic." > >How do we reconcile this with the actual load testing (which was said to have been conducted by an independent outside engineer)? > >http://www.zenithair.com/zodiac/6-photo-testing.html > >-- Craig > >-----Original Message----- >From: owner-zenith601-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-zenith601-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of willemdelange >Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 10:17 AM >To: zenith601-list@matronics.com >Subject: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight > > >Nederlands Engels translate >FACTUAL INFORMATION >Proceedings of the flight >The PH-4B6, a micro-light plane aero (MLA) of the brand and type Zenair Zodiac CH601 XL, take off from the airport Midden Meer (North-Holland).September 14, 2008 around 12:30 On board were two people: the owner / pilot and a passenger. >After the take-off from run-way -05 the aircraft flew in a northeasterly direction north-east. At the height of the village Kreileroord a left turn of around 270 degrees was made which made the plane flew south to Medemblik. Above Medemblik a 360 turn was made. The height during this stage of the flight ranged between 1100 and 1300 ft. From the Medemblik the PH-4B6 flew to Hoorn. The plane then flew on to the Lake of Hoorn. The plane flew at an altitude of about 1000 ft. There were witnesses on the ground seeing that the right wing folded up and that the plane crashed in the water of the Marker Lake around 12:47. The two occupants did not survive the crash. >RESEARCH >A researcher of the research board has been on the spot and after the saving of the wreck did an initial investigation. At a later time an extensive technical research was conducted with the help of a ground engineer. Later a part of the main spar of the right wing and the rear spar has been removed. Also the GPS unit and the speedometer where removed for further examination. The flight data mentioned in this report are drawn from the GPS unit. Through the Aviation Police witness statements were obtained. >The PH-4B6 is a Zenair Zodiac CH601 XL. In 2000 this aircraft has been developed in the United States (U.S.) from earlier versions of the Zodiac CH601. The CH601 XL can be delivered as a "kit" in which the owner assembles the prefabricated parts or as "ready to fly" where the aircraft has been fully assembled and delivered by the manufacturer. In the U.S., this type of aircraft is accepted under the category "Light Sport Aircraft". One of the consequences is that the aircraft is not certified according to international airworthiness requirements. The manufacturer declares that the design meets the requirements for this category of aircraft and that the device is manufactured in accordance with an approved method. The maximum take-off mass of this aircraft in the U.S. is 595 kg. >The same type of plane is built under license from the beginning of 2005 until the end of 2006 in the Czech Republic, in particular for the European market. To meet the criteria for European "Micro Light Airplane" (MLA) in the Czech Republic a number of modifications where made to the model to the meet the requirement of a maximum take-off mass of 450 kg. The accidents PH-4B6 is a Czech Republic model. >The model fabricated in the Czech Republic is tested by the "Deutsche Aeroclub" which resulted in a so-called "Gertekennblatt" was issued which stated that the German plane meets the airworthiness requirements for MLA's . In the Netherlands, among others this "Gertekennblatt" is used by the Traffic and Water Management Inspectorate (IVW) to issue a "special airworthiness certificate" . >The same type of aircraft can also be registered as a "home built" aircraft in the Dutch aircraft register. In that case, the aircraft meets the requirements of amateur aircraft construction standards. The statutory requirement of a maximum take-off mass of 450 kg it expires. >The preliminary investigation shows the following: > >In the Dutch aircraft registry offers 12 aircraft of the type which registered CH601 XL 8 as MLA and 4 are home built. In addition, we have 15 registered aircraft of the type CH601 HD, HDS and UL. These are other versions of the type CH601. > >The PH-4B6 aircraft had a valid "special certificate of airworthiness." > >A calculation shows that the mass of the airplane at the start probably at or slightly above the maximum allowable off mass of 450 kg. > >After reading from the GPS unit showed that the aircraft has made no extreme movements and just before the time of the accident a straight flight at about 1000 ft exported. > >The right wing moved up during the flight and folded back with the top of the wing folded on the top of the fuselage behind the canopy. > >The right wing is not broken. > >The upper reinforcement of the main spar of the right wing is kinked and twisted, just before the wing-fuselage attachment. > >The bottom reinforcement of the main beam of the right wing is twisted, just before the wing-fuselage confirmation. > >The acting load factor of the wings was far below the permissible load factor. > >Data from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute show that the wind at 1000 ft from the direction of 070 blew with a force of 11 knots. The visibility was more than 10 kilometers and there was no turbulence. > >>From 2006 until today there have been at least seven accidents worldwide with Zenair Zodiac CH601 where one or both wings have collapsed due to overloading. These accidents have occurred in the United States, Britain and Spain. The investigation into this accident has not (yet) pointed to a single cause for the collapse of the wings. > >A comprehensive examination design drawings of the U.S. draft has shown that the outcome of the strength calculations by the designer was probably too optimistic. >PRELIMINARY CONCLUSION >The study by the Research Council for Security to the cause of this accident is not yet completed. Nevertheless, the Council decided, in view of the seven similar incidents elsewhere in the world and pending the final results of his research, in this interim report all directly and indirectly involved must seriously warn against the obvious risks in the use of this type plane. > >-------- >Willem de Lange >CH601XL owner > > >Read this topic online here: > >http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=210796#210796 > > ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 12:53:34 PM PST US Subject: Zenith601-List: Crash in Brazil From: "Brian Wood" Was this crash in Brazil ever covered on this list? Here is a rough translation (courtesy of Yahoo Babel Fish) with my clarificatons in parenthesis. You can see the original here http://aerodicas.blogspot.com/2008/05/acidentes.html Scroll down to where you see the picture of PU-VHQ The fall (crash) of an experimental single-engine aeroplane yesterday caused the death of two people in the locality of Pavo, interior of Capon of the Lion, in the South of the State. The aircraft model Zodiac CH 601 XL/RB TD, prefix PU-VHQ, was piloted for (by) agricultural aviator Ricardo Volkweis Lopes, 51, that it (Who) had as accompanying mechanic Valdir Silveira Lopes Son, 25. The two had been found died inside of the airplane, disappeared in the afternoon of monday, 15 minutes after to take off of the track of the Mirim Agricultural Aviation, in Capon of the Leo.Conforme (According to) information of the direction (head, boss, leadership) of the company, Lopes took off for return of 16h30min for a leisure flight. As until 18h he had not returned nor made any contact, the colleagues had started to look (for) it. At night, the searches had followed without success until 3h with the aid of laborers of next ranches to the place where if it esteem to have happened the accident. Yesterday, since 5h, pilots of the Mirim carried through sobrevos (overflights) in the area. To 9h30min, a group of search that followed for (by) land found the airplane in a farm of the Brazilian Company of Farming Research (Embrapa). The difficult access delayed the arrival of the teams of the Firemen, the Policy and Institute-Generality de Percias (IGP). The rescue of the bodies alone was concluded to (by) 15h. A team of the Infraero made preliminary survey in the place and the result will be sent to the Aeronautics. Commission agent Daltro Ulguim, person in charge of the inquiry, said that the lack of skill specialized in the place will make it difficult the verification. The destroos (wreckage) had been collected by a team of the Mirim and led for the hangar of the company in Capon of the Lion. Information confirmed for the Policy do not give account of that one of the wings of the aircraft could have if freed and caused the fall of the single-engine aeroplane, that was mounted artisan by Ricardo Lopes. In a page in the Internet, the pilot, permitted has 32 years, published a daily one on the assembly of the airplane. In the registers, he disclosed to have started to execute the idea in 2006, after to visit a fair of aviation in the United States. Lopes acquired a kit of parts as landing gear, wing, commands and fuselage of a So Paulo company and started to mount the aircraft in January of 2007. Still as the registers, in 14 of March of 2008 the Zodiac was inspected by the responsible aeronautical engineer for the project and its register in the National Agency of Civil Aviation (Anac). Friends of work of Lopes count that the aircraft already had 20 flight hours and were approved and set free. He took off for the first time in last April. Private pilot since 1974 and agricultural one since 1977, Lopes also was radioamador (amateur radio operator, HAM) and gained notoriety when dialoguing, in 2006, with the astronaut Landmarks Bridges, that mission in orbital station international ISS fulfilled. -- Usando o revolucionrio cliente de e-mail do Opera: http://www.opera.com/mail/ ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 01:02:50 PM PST US Subject: Zenith601-List: Crash in Brazil From: "Brian Wood" Here is the pertinent phrase from the report I just posted, with my translation; "Informaes no confirmadas pela Polcia do conta de que uma das asas da aeronave poderia ter se soltado e causado a queda do monomotor," "Information that was not confirmed by the police, reported that one of the wings of the aircraft could have come loose and caused the crash of the single engine plane." Brian -- Usando o revolucionrio cliente de e-mail do Opera: http://www.opera.com/mail/ ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 01:12:32 PM PST US Subject: Zenith601-List: Re: First Flight From: "PatrickW" jaybannist(at)cs.com wrote: > Yesterday N2630J Lil Bruiser took to the air for the first time! Outstanding! Seeing all the recent First Flights is a real strong motivator for those of us who are still building. :-) What was your test pilot worried about? He couldn't have been too concerned, otherwise he wouldn't have taken it up in the first place, right...? Well done, Jay! - Pat -------- Patrick 601XL/Corvair N63PZ (reserved) Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=210840#210840 ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 01:19:31 PM PST US From: Keith Ashcraft Subject: Re: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight Also, the link show not only static testing, but, for negative G's and not positive. Also, wasn't there a mention about having to do design change to meet the European "Micro Light Airplane" MLA 450kg (992lbs) weight limit. Keith CH701 - scratch do not archive ************************************************************************ ________________________________ From: Jim Belcher Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 1:49:27 PM Subject: Re: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight On Tuesday 28 October 2008 14:17, Craig Payne wrote: > > > Key point is this: > > "A comprehensive examination design drawings of the U.S. draft has shown > that the outcome of the strength calculations by the designer was probably > too optimistic." > > How do we reconcile this with the actual load testing (which was said to > have been conducted by an independent outside engineer)? Assuming there is a problem, the difference may lie in how the testing was done. The load testing I saw posted on the Zenith site appears to have been static, rather than dynamic, testing. -- ============================================= Those who can, do. Those who can't, sue. ================================================ Jim B. Belcher BS, MS Physics, math, Computer Science A&P/IA Instrument Rated Pilot General Radio Telephone Certificate ================================================ ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 01:40:57 PM PST US Subject: Re: Zenith601-List: Re: First Flight From: jaybannist@cs.com The test pilot is accustomed to test flying factory built airplanes.=C2- He occasionally has found problems early enough in a flight to abort the fli ght. Now, here comes a home built job with a converted car engine.=C2- He spent over two hours inspecting every aspect of the construction before he f lew it. He was apparently convinced he could take off and get it back on the ground quickly if he didn't like the way it flew. Jay -----Original Message----- From: PatrickW Sent: Tue, 28 Oct 2008 3:12 pm Subject: Zenith601-List: Re: First Flight jaybannist(at)cs.com wrote: > Yesterday N2630J =C3=A2=82=AC=C5=93Lil Bruiser=C3=A2=82=AC=C2=9D too k to the air for the first time! Outstanding! Seeing all the recent First Flights is a real strong motivator for those of us who are still building. :-) What was your test pilot worried about? He couldn't have been too concerned , otherwise he wouldn't have taken it up in the first place, right...? Well done, Jay! - Pat -------- Patrick 601XL/Corvair N63PZ (reserved) Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=210840#210840 ________________________________________________________________________ Email message sent from CompuServe - visit us today at http://www.cs.com ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 01:48:53 PM PST US From: Jim Belcher Subject: Re: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight On Tuesday 28 October 2008 15:19, Keith Ashcraft wrote: > Also, the link show not only static testing, but, for negative G's and not > positive. Also, wasn't there a mention about having to do design change to > meet the European "Micro Light Airplane" MLA 450kg (992lbs) weight limit. If I correctly understand, the weight limit in Europe is a part of their rules, and does not necessarily indicate a structural problem with the aircraft as it was designed for the U.S. I believe the aircraft structure was changed somewhat to meet those standards. Thus, I am of the belief that we may need to sort the crashes into two piles: those of aircraft built to US standards, and those built to European standards. In his July, 2007 letter, Chris Heintz stated: "To 'certify' the CH601XL in the LSA category, a complete stress analysis was performed and confirmed for the positive loads be (sic) static tests. No permanent deformations were found at limit loads (i.e. +4 'g') and no failures at ultimate loads (i.e. +6 'g'). The bending deformations were in accordance with the analysis and the torsional deformations were barely measurable, removing the possibility wing or tail flutter." While I find myself wondering how this proves the aircraft is not subject to flutter, since it is a static test, he does say the tests were performed at positive loads. In March of this year, Heintz further stated: "Among the aircraft that have experienced an in-flight break-up, all appear to have been subjected to severe structural loads that are consistend with "over-controlling" the aircraft. More specifically, and based on the (limited) information I have, most accidents linked with a break-up suggest excessive negative G forces caused, in whole or in part, by extreme elevator input from the pilot and/or occupant of the aircraft..." Obviously, this doesn't include the most recent accidents. I suspect his mod to limit rudder travel was intended to make it more difficult to overcontrol the aircraft. It does suggest that the aircraft may not like negative G loads. There are videos of pilots performing acrobatics in the aircraft, making me wonder how widespread this practice may be. -- ============================================= Those who can, do. Those who can't, sue. ================================================ Jim B. Belcher BS, MS Physics, math, Computer Science A&P/IA Instrument Rated Pilot General Radio Telephone Certificate ================================================ ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 05:52:54 PM PST US From: LarryMcFarland Subject: Re: [Probable Spam] RE: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight Rick, It seems likely that changes to satisfy the lesser design loads included the center spar and caps, material and dimensions nearest the wing attachment. That's a 25-percent reduction in carrying capacity. Likely, the differences were cost factors, otherwise the changes would not have been made. If this is a pessimistic view so be it, but there shouldn't be a difference in the way the 601XL is built in the US or overseas by contractor or one person. (The maximum take-off mass of this aircraft in the U.S. is 595 kg. To meet the criteria for European "Micro Light Airplane" (MLA) in the Czech Republic a number of modifications where made to the model to the meet the requirement of a maximum take-off mass of 450 kg.) Larry McFarland 601HDS at www.macsmachine.com Rick Lindstrom wrote: > > If I didn't misread the translated accident report, it states that the accident aircraft "is a Czech Republic model." > > I'm wondering how the construction differed to allow adequate useful load with the 450 kg weight limitation, especially in the area of the rear spar fuselage attachment. > > Rick > > -----Original Message----- > >> From: Craig Payne >> Sent: Oct 28, 2008 12:17 PM >> To: zenith601-list@matronics.com >> Subject: RE: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight >> >> >> Key point is this: >> >> "A comprehensive examination design drawings of the U.S. draft has shown that the outcome of the strength calculations by the designer was probably too optimistic." >> >> How do we reconcile this with the actual load testing (which was said to have been conducted by an independent outside engineer)? >> >> http://www.zenithair.com/zodiac/6-photo-testing.html >> >> -- Craig >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: owner-zenith601-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-zenith601-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of willemdelange >> Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 10:17 AM >> To: zenith601-list@matronics.com >> Subject: Zenith601-List: Re: XL wing fold in flight >> >> >> Nederlands Engels translate >> FACTUAL INFORMATION >> Proceedings of the flight >> The PH-4B6, a micro-light plane aero (MLA) of the brand and type Zenair Zodiac CH601 XL, take off from the airport Midden Meer (North-Holland).September 14, 2008 around 12:30 On board were two people: the owner / pilot and a passenger. >> After the take-off from run-way -05 the aircraft flew in a northeasterly direction north-east. At the height of the village Kreileroord a left turn of around 270 degrees was made which made the plane flew south to Medemblik. Above Medemblik a 360 turn was made. The height during this stage of the flight ranged between 1100 and 1300 ft. From the Medemblik the PH-4B6 flew to Hoorn. The plane then flew on to the Lake of Hoorn. The plane flew at an altitude of about 1000 ft. There were witnesses on the ground seeing that the right wing folded up and that the plane crashed in the water of the Marker Lake around 12:47. The two occupants did not survive the crash. >> RESEARCH >> A researcher of the research board has been on the spot and after the saving of the wreck did an initial investigation. At a later time an extensive technical research was conducted with the help of a ground engineer. Later a part of the main spar of the right wing and the rear spar has been removed. Also the GPS unit and the speedometer where removed for further examination. The flight data mentioned in this report are drawn from the GPS unit. Through the Aviation Police witness statements were obtained. >> The PH-4B6 is a Zenair Zodiac CH601 XL. In 2000 this aircraft has been developed in the United States (U.S.) from earlier versions of the Zodiac CH601. The CH601 XL can be delivered as a "kit" in which the owner assembles the prefabricated parts or as "ready to fly" where the aircraft has been fully assembled and delivered by the manufacturer. In the U.S., this type of aircraft is accepted under the category "Light Sport Aircraft". One of the consequences is that the aircraft is not certified according to international airworthiness requirements. The manufacturer declares that the design meets the requirements for this category of aircraft and that the device is manufactured in accordance with an approved method. The maximum take-off mass of this aircraft in the U.S. is 595 kg. >> The same type of plane is built under license from the beginning of 2005 until the end of 2006 in the Czech Republic, in particular for the European market. To meet the criteria for European "Micro Light Airplane" (MLA) in the Czech Republic a number of modifications where made to the model to the meet the requirement of a maximum take-off mass of 450 kg. The accidents PH-4B6 is a Czech Republic model. >> The model fabricated in the Czech Republic is tested by the "Deutsche Aeroclub" which resulted in a so-called "Gertekennblatt" was issued which stated that the German plane meets the airworthiness requirements for MLA's . In the Netherlands, among others this "Gertekennblatt" is used by the Traffic and Water Management Inspectorate (IVW) to issue a "special airworthiness certificate" . >> The same type of aircraft can also be registered as a "home built" aircraft in the Dutch aircraft register. In that case, the aircraft meets the requirements of amateur aircraft construction standards. The statutory requirement of a maximum take-off mass of 450 kg it expires. >> The preliminary investigation shows the following: >> >> In the Dutch aircraft registry offers 12 aircraft of the type which registered CH601 XL 8 as MLA and 4 are home built. In addition, we have 15 registered aircraft of the type CH601 HD, HDS and UL. These are other versions of the type CH601. >> >> The PH-4B6 aircraft had a valid "special certificate of airworthiness." >> >> A calculation shows that the mass of the airplane at the start probably at or slightly above the maximum allowable off mass of 450 kg. >> >> After reading from the GPS unit showed that the aircraft has made no extreme movements and just before the time of the accident a straight flight at about 1000 ft exported. >> >> The right wing moved up during the flight and folded back with the top of the wing folded on the top of the fuselage behind the canopy. >> >> The right wing is not broken. >> >> The upper reinforcement of the main spar of the right wing is kinked and twisted, just before the wing-fuselage attachment. >> >> The bottom reinforcement of the main beam of the right wing is twisted, just before the wing-fuselage confirmation. >> >> The acting load factor of the wings was far below the permissible load factor. >> >> Data from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute show that the wind at 1000 ft from the direction of 070 blew with a force of 11 knots. The visibility was more than 10 kilometers and there was no turbulence. >> >> >From 2006 until today there have been at least seven accidents worldwide with Zenair Zodiac CH601 where one or both wings have collapsed due to overloading. These accidents have occurred in the United States, Britain and Spain. The investigation into this accident has not (yet) pointed to a single cause for the collapse of the wings. >> >> A comprehensive examination design drawings of the U.S. draft has shown that the outcome of the strength calculations by the designer was probably too optimistic. >> PRELIMINARY CONCLUSION >> The study by the Research Council for Security to the cause of this accident is not yet completed. Nevertheless, the Council decided, in view of the seven similar incidents elsewhere in the world and pending the final results of his research, in this interim report all directly and indirectly involved must seriously warn against the obvious risks in the use of this type plane. >> >> -------- >> Willem de Lange >> CH601XL owner >> >> >> >> >> Read this topic online here: >> >> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=210796#210796 >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > > ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 06:48:00 PM PST US From: "Dave VanLanen" Subject: Zenith601-List: 601XL Aileron Skin Rivet Pattern Question The diagram at the left-center of plans page 6-W-2 specifies the rivet pattern for the front of the aileron skin to the front flanges of the ribs: 3 rivets A4, pitch 25mm from the top, then 22mm to each of the next 2 rivets. However, this does not look like the correct rivet pattern for the aileron tip (6W2-4) because it has a longer front flange. I do not see any notes in the plans specific to the rivet pattern for this flange, and I have an older kit without the pre-drilled holes. Could someone who has the pre-drilled holes please check the pitch and number of rivets and send me this information? Thanks, Dave Van Lanen 601XL - tail done, working on wings Do not archive ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 06:59:25 PM PST US Subject: Zenith601-List: [Probable Spam] Re: XL wing fold in flight From: "swater6" You don't need to modify an aircraft at all to lower the maximum gross weight. You just lower the max weight on the certificate. It's done all the time with LSA or with experimentals that the builder wants to fly using the LSA rules. Do you think the all of these LSA's on the market just happen to have a max gross of exactly 1320 lbs, the maximum allowable? They lower it when they need to to meet the rules. Don't assume that the lower gross weight airframe necessarily has less structure. (Although it could since it's all about G's.) >From what I understand and have read is that the European XL uses the much lighter composite landing gear to reduce airframe weight to achieve a reasonable useful load under the lower gross weight limit. Others from Europe have posted that the aircraft is identical other than that. (Britain has an elevator trim spring connected to the flaps as a required mod too) Also, I believe, the Netherlands allows registration under the Microlight rules or the homebuilt rules. Not sure if they have the same weight limit. -------- 601 XL kit N596SW reserved Tail, control surfaces and both wings complete. Now working on fuselage www.scottwaters.com Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=210897#210897 ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 10:36:03 PM PST US From: LHusky@aol.com Subject: Re: Zenith601-List: [Probable Spam] Re: XL wing fold in flight I had the chance to completely tear apart a CZAW aircraft. I am a scratch builder and I know the parts really well. I looked over every inch of the CZAW plane and it was identical. It even still had stickers with the same part numbers ZAC parts come with. The only differences that I know about is gea r channel, 6B5-7 is taller than the US version. There are also 6 stiffeners on the gear channel to support the gear. I have the composite gear and the taller channel. The front spar looked identical to mine and everything els e measured out the same. I did not measure the skins though. There also was an extra rib in the leading edge of the wing. As for the quality of the plane . Exceptional Quality! I was very impressed with the quality of the plane, a s well as the little details. I have seen and worked on a few QBK here in th e states and I have seen them when they come out of the crate. The plane tha t I disassembled would put any of them to shame when it comes to the quality of construction. The owner became concerned with his safety after an incident and parted it out and then ran over it with a bull dozer. I understand tha t he offered it to ZAC for testing and they declined. I did not see any difference in the CZAW plane and the one I am building from plans. I was r eally looking for the smoking gun in the difference and found very little. My ge ar channel is so much stiffer than the stock ones, it is unreal. Those stiffeners really do the trick. I keep looking at my rear spar attachment and wonder. I looked at the CZAW one really close and it was identical in ever y way. The plane had 360 hrs on it and there was no sign of damage. I did not tak e the wings apart, other than to remove the tanks, which I must say were a wo rk of art themselves. They have top mounted senders that were recessed in the tank, so that they will fit under the skins. Very nice work. So, the only difference I did not check on was the skin thickness used. Other than that , I found no real difference. Larry Husky Madras, Oregon In a message dated 10/28/2008 7:00:20 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, waters.scott@comcast.net writes: --> Zenith601-List message posted by: "swater6" You don't need to modify an aircraft at all to lower the maximum gross weight. You just lower the max weight on the certificate. It's done all th e time with LSA or with experimentals that the builder wants to fly using the LSA rules. Do you think the all of these LSA's on the market just happen to ha ve a max gross of exactly 1320 lbs, the maximum allowable? They lower it when they need to to meet the rules. Don't assume that the lower gross weight airframe necessarily has less structure. (Although it could since it's all about G's.) >From what I understand and have read is that the European XL uses the much lighter composite landing gear to reduce airframe weight to achieve a reasonable useful load under the lower gross weight limit. Others from Eur ope have posted that the aircraft is identical other than that. (Britain has an elevator trim spring connected to the flaps as a required mod too) Also, I believe, the Netherlands allows registration under the Microlight rules or the homebuilt rules. Not sure if they have the same weight limit. -------- 601 XL kit N596SW reserved Tail, control surfaces and both wings complete. Now working on fuselage www.scottwaters.com Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=210897#210897 **************Play online games for FREE at Games.com! All of your favorites , no registration required and great graphics =93 check it out! http://www.games.com?ncid=emlcntusgame00000001) ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 11:36:53 PM PST US Subject: Zenith601-List: European ULM ( Ulralight ) 601xl From: "K Dilks" Until earlier this year worked in France. At that time I did not know I was going to build a 601. A few things to point out. 1. ULM planes in Europe have a max EMPTY weight of 275KG and max TO of 475kg. The licence to fly these is less demanding . 2. What I have learnt before buying my kit ...arrives soon I hope is that the Euro plane has .16" wing skins not .25" like the US planes, lighter landing gear, the CH650 wing incedence, no anti oil canning stuff in the fuzz or wings. Now it would be nice for Nic Heniz to tell everyone about this and to confirm the CZAW planes were built this way as I have no concrete evidence.. 3. While in France I notice the zodiac skins to be very loose and suffering badly from oil canning, I also remember the rivet spacing on those thin skins was very wide , it just did not look right. So to summerise I think maybe there are two planes here and two differing potential aeres of concern. If the Euro plane has such thin skins to get the empty weight down I cant see why they say it can be +4 -2 g limit, the same as the more beefy US planes. This area has to be explain by Zenair. Second is that of flying aerobatics and flying well over gross in the US spec planes planes is a major cause for over stressing that design. I think that the Euro planes should be called different to distance that plane from the US version as suggest elswere on this list. I ordered the US kit because of these factors. Kit in Mid Atlantic......... Regards Kevin -------- Austria ...guess where I work! 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