After receiving an air worthiness certificate for my 601XLb this last month I was told buy the insurance company that I could fly it as soon as I got 5 hours in another 601XL.  They would not accept any other type aircraft for training.  I called Paul Hamilton at Sport Aviation Center in Carson City NV.  He has an AMD 601XLi SLSA that he uses for training.  It was and 1100 mile trip, but it was some of the most enjoyable training I have had.  The aircraft is a delight to fly and Paul made the time go by so quickly I was a little sad to be done so quickly.

With Paul's sign off in my log the insurance was happy so Thursday evening I took N601BK out for its first flight over Bountiful UT.  The only surprise I got was how similar the two aircraft fly.  I have now made three flights and the smile will not wash off.

Thanks to each of you on the website.  You have helped in many ways that you may not realize.

-Bruce-
Zodiac 601XLb
Jabiru 3300a
N601BK

Views: 717

Attachments:

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Bruce,

Glad to see you got transition training before your first flight. I traveled about the same distance for mine and it was also well worth it. You have a sharp looking airplane and it looks like you paid a lot of attention to the details. Good luck and enjoy your creation.

Dave
Bruce,
Congrats from Idaho!
Are you the same person that I visited several years ago while the bird was under construction in your basement?
You do have a nice looking 601 and I'll bet that if flys as well as it looks! Flys a lot different than a Cessna?
Don't feel bad, my insurance company did the same thing to me, so I went to Draggon Fly in Santa Rosa for my instruction.
Many happy hours and keep the great salt lake on your underside,
Mack
Hi Mack,

Yes, this is the very same one. It took eight years and ten days, but we finally got to the finish line.

Thanks again, Bruce
Stories like yours keep me going to the shop each evening so I can keep working. As time goes by, I am enjoying the challenges and know that every day, I am one day closer to the completion of my dream.
Would you be willing to share what insurance company you are with? I will be a new pilot with 0 time except training and am concerned about insurance since the issues of the last several years. Prior to this, as I was choosing the Zodiac to build, all the companies I talked to said no problem. Now, I sense considerable hesitancy on their part.
Jerry
Zodiac 650
N650SJ
Jerry, I think you're best bet is Falcon Insurance if you are an EAA member. The big obstacle is getting that first 5 hours. If you are a low time pilot, they usually charge more money, in my experience. So, the more time you have, the less insurance will cost your, theoretically.

Jake
Congratulations Bruce!
Bruce - Congrats from South Louisiana "cajun country". - Chris
Bruce,
I was able to get full coverage thru SkySmith with 0 Time Dual and 0 Time in make and model had never even been off the ground in a 601XL before my first flight. I was checked out in a RemosGX before hand flys very close to the 601XL. Don't know if they would have payed off if I had an accident but I didn't have to find out thank goodness! 65hrs+ Going on 2 years all's Good! David Coberly
Beautiful plane! Congratulations.

What's the coiled-up thingus in the corner by the right seat?
Patrick -- The orange coiled tube looking thing? I think you are referring to the SCAT tube that brings air from the NACA duct to the "eyeball" vent for the right seat occupant.

RSS

New from Zenith:

Zenith Planes For Sale 
 

Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...


Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith
:

Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.


Zenith Homecoming Tee:


Zenair Floats


Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz


Builder & Pilot Supplies:

Aircraft Insurance:

 
 

West Coast USA:

 
Pro Builder Assistance:

 

Transition training:

Lavion Aero

K&S Aviation Services

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!

How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com

Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.

© 2024   Created by Zenith.Aero.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service