spar and wing mods


Subject:    spar and wing mods
From:    LarryMcFarland (larry@macsmachine.com)
Date:    Mon Nov 16 - 1:29 PM
Hi guys,

I believe the issues we see being blamed on piloting and maintenance are 
a soft argument as most of us who build and fly are regarded as very 
responsible. But, the previous class of 601s had nearly none of the 
history of failures exhibited by the latest XL model.

The logical conclusion must be made that the margin of strength, from 
fatigue to failure was brought nearer by a changes to a shorter 
center-spar, reduced height wing spars, a main spar slightly angled off 
from the direction of loading. These are significant changes that can go 
without complication for many hours, but might possibly be overcome by 
time, max loading, convective air and or minor mishandling of the 
aircraft. There may even be a problem with minor variability of 
construction affecting this narrower safety margin, but it too would be 
very hard to find. Its still too early to get into a fault finding game.

The RVs had a similar problem with wings occasionally breaking off and 
they made a fix that allowed them to survive and continue, painful as it 
was.

If I owned an XL, Id be very happy to make the modifications and accept 
the improved strength and original intent of loading. The reported cost 
seems very reasonable.

Because the design is the intellectual property of Zenith, I really hope 
they are able to survive the legal implications.

Do fly safe guys,

Larry McFarland 601HDS at www.macsmachine.com <http://www.macsmachine.com/>




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