...with one minor correction....the FAA warning is for the 601XL model,
which is a long wing with no center section. Both the 601HD & HDS models are
performing just fine, with no concerns. They both have an 8' center section.
Still...as you say...too bad for the Zenith guys...
Gary Boothe
Cool, Ca.
Pietenpol
WW Corvair Conversion, mounted
Tail done, Fuselage on gear
(15 ribs down.)
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pietenpol-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-pietenpol-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Ryan Mueller
Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 7:24 AM
To: pietenpol-list@matronics.com
Subject: Re: built up spars
Well, I don't see how procuring the UK plans is against the law in any
way; Jim Wills just doesn't want to sell them to anyone here. If you
were to acquire a set it would be against his wishes, but I highly
doubt you would be breaking any laws.
As far as holding Zenith spars up as an example of a strong, high
quality design....you may want to reconsider that:
http://www.eaa.org/news/2009/2009-11-12_safety_alert.asp
They've developed such a tendency to shed their wings/break up in
flight that the FAA has seemingly done all they can to require or
strongly recommend no further flight until an extensive package of
mods are completed on existing aircraft, and will not issue
airworthiness certificates for any new aircraft that do not have the
mods. Too bad for the Zenith guys...
Ryan
Sent from my mobile device
On Nov 17, 2009, at 5:32 AM, baileys <baileys@ktis.net> wrote:
>
> I'm joining in on this one a bit. Years ago I too tried to get plans
> for the built up spar the Brits have. As far as I as able to find out
> there is simply no legal way of doing it and that is the end of that.
> <snip>
> Zenith Aircraft Company uses built up aluminum spars that are
> (IMHO) probably cheaper that aircraft quality Sitka Spruce, stronger
> and
> weigh less too.
>
>
