On august 14th 2010 I made my first flight with my Zenith 601 xl-b. The flight lasted 45 minutes, remaining over the Winsted, Mn airport the entire time. After verifing the temps I continued a slow climb to 4300 feet, where I tested the slow flight abilities of the plane, (I found out the 601 xl can fly much slower than my chase planes). I was indicating 42 mph on the Enigma EFIS with no stall buffet being felt. the flight speeds were kept under 90 mph the entire time. The controls felt light with no tendancy to need any corrections, I thought it could fly hands off. The landing went perfectly stopping in about 800 feet and taxiing back to the hangar. I had no idea until I taxied by a friends hangar that I had an audience of 30 plus people who all said they wanted to be there for the first flight. Many wanted to see another flight, but I explained I was sticking to my plan which was one flight and into the hangar, let the excitement wear off, then check the plane the next day.

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Comment by Tim Garrett on September 13, 2010 at 4:12pm
Now all those hours drilling, deburring and everything else pay off! Congrats and fly safe!
Comment by Sebastien Heintz on September 10, 2010 at 11:47am
Garlan - congratulations! I look forward to seeing photos.
Comment by Mack P. Kreizenbeck on September 10, 2010 at 10:07am
Congrats from Idaho!
Another XL takes to the air.
Mack
Comment by Zenith.Aero on September 10, 2010 at 9:40am
Congratulations!
Comment by Chris Aysen on September 10, 2010 at 7:03am
Congratulations. Excellent decision about the one flight and then taking it to the hanger for a check-up.....

many more safe flights

Chris
Comment by David Gallagher on September 10, 2010 at 5:43am
Great news Garlen! Another 601XL joins the skies. Good decision in sticking to your plan.

Dave
Comment by Bryan Ekholm on September 10, 2010 at 12:06am
Congratulations on your first flight. Very exciting, I'm sure. I have my Beech Musketeer hangared at Winsted and am in the process of building a CH 701 at home in my basement shop in Annandale. What hangar are you in? I'll stop by for a chat and check out your plane if you are around while I'm out there.
Bryan Ekholm

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