I apologize for not replying to your question about the Dynon autopilot. I broke my back a few years ago and haven't been back here in a very long time. The answer is unfortunately no, I didn't the autopilot installed. I'm hoping to be able to resume activity in the next year or so. Progress has been slow going. But we just bought land in an airpark in Tennessee, so I'll have a new hangar to occupy in the next couple of years. Assuming my healing progress continues in a positive direction that'll get my build going again. Truth be told though, there was a whole lot of procrastinating going on even before I broke my back. But my wife has threatened to kill me if I don't do something when the new house and hangar get built, so there's no better incentive. Thank God for her!
The centre rod preloads the spring. You can use it to take all of the pressure off the v-block. Without the centre rod, you can still adjust the preload with the outside rods, but by adding preload here, you are loading the v-block and making the rudder stiffer. (With less preload, the nose gear will compress more under the load of the aircraft) In our case, there is less load on the block now than when we had the bungee cord, so the rudder is lighter than it was, but not a free as it is when you can take all the load off.
You still have the option of using flat blocks to lighten the rudder, but I don't think it is necessary.
I think that the headers of the 912 give off a lot of heat, which shortens the life of the elastic bungee. We replaced two this year.
Thanks for the welcome and for the offer to see your aircraft! I work near Tipton and saw the news coverage about the accident. I hope your friend Tom recovers quickly and gets back in the air. Time to get changed out of my suit, drive to my brother's home and get to work on finishing the slats!
The two positions I picked were fully back and fully forward. I used lightweight closed cell foam so my seats are relatively thin and even so my buddy is 5'7" and he found the position quite comfortable. I cut the rudder control rods shorter to accommodate my legs.
Hi James. I liked the seat rails, well built and would fit quite well.
I actually found during fitting the seats that the semi-recumbant position of the seat design fits different height people quite well. Im all legs and found that I needed to position the seat all the way back to give me a comfortable fit and this position also fit most people. Ended up just going with the design attachment and put a second set of nut plates forward about 4" for really short folks.
Easy enough to install seat rails later if the stock system is found wanting.
I am trying to "force" the Airfox people to do the kit. Unfortunately is not the first priority for them so I had to wait. Soon I get news I will post it.
I put some rubber edging along the edge that is against the glass. I fit mine before the glass and then refit after glass was installed. I painted the skins seperate and then installed very last thing....touched up rivets with brush.
If you visit I can show you all the things we did to install the 912s. We also used the Rotax air inlet manifold which they say gives you the full 100 hp.( I guess because the engine is pulling cool air from outside the cowling instead of the hot air under the cowling.) Plus using the manifold gives you a way to have carb heat if needed.
Feel free to visit any time, my airport Edgefield County ( 6J6 ) is located about 20 miles from Augusta Ga, and about 10 miles from Aiken,SC in the small town of Trenton,SC. I live in North Augusta,SC, about 20 mi from the airport.
Thanks for the comment. I can't remember all the adjustments that was on the DVD, but we did not heat the water inlet connections with a torch and rotate as shown. I believe I did rotate the water pump inlet to suite my installation.The main thing is to take your time and sink up the carbs- they need to be pretty precise for the engine to run smooth.
Ask any questions you may have- don't know if I will have the answer but I will share what I know.
James the fuel pump used on the Rotax 912 engines is an electric facet pump. Aircraft Spruce #40105 21/2 - 41/2 psi max. Any more psi and you run the risk of over powering carb floats and flooding engine.
I have not started my wings yet, I was waiting to start them till I can get the folding wing attachment kit.
At 12:36pm on November 18, 2010, Mike Ethridge said…
James I'm over in Doha Qatar so don't have any paint numbers handy but used PPG shelf etching primer made for the "two part clear coat" process. This is good paint and works well just be careful when working in extreme cold or hot weather. You will definitely like the final product I know I did and the pictures do not do the 701 justice. Best regards, Mike
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.
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.
James R Depfer Sr.'s Comments
Comment Wall (18 comments)
You need to be a member of Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers to add comments!
Join Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
I apologize for not replying to your question about the Dynon autopilot. I broke my back a few years ago and haven't been back here in a very long time. The answer is unfortunately no, I didn't the autopilot installed. I'm hoping to be able to resume activity in the next year or so. Progress has been slow going. But we just bought land in an airpark in Tennessee, so I'll have a new hangar to occupy in the next couple of years. Assuming my healing progress continues in a positive direction that'll get my build going again. Truth be told though, there was a whole lot of procrastinating going on even before I broke my back. But my wife has threatened to kill me if I don't do something when the new house and hangar get built, so there's no better incentive. Thank God for her!
Hi Jim,
The centre rod preloads the spring. You can use it to take all of the pressure off the v-block. Without the centre rod, you can still adjust the preload with the outside rods, but by adding preload here, you are loading the v-block and making the rudder stiffer. (With less preload, the nose gear will compress more under the load of the aircraft) In our case, there is less load on the block now than when we had the bungee cord, so the rudder is lighter than it was, but not a free as it is when you can take all the load off.
You still have the option of using flat blocks to lighten the rudder, but I don't think it is necessary.
I think that the headers of the 912 give off a lot of heat, which shortens the life of the elastic bungee. We replaced two this year.
Thanks for the welcome and for the offer to see your aircraft! I work near Tipton and saw the news coverage about the accident. I hope your friend Tom recovers quickly and gets back in the air. Time to get changed out of my suit, drive to my brother's home and get to work on finishing the slats!
- Bill
Dear James, /// the wheel pants are maked in S Miguel Arcanjo/S Paulo/Brazil by Pedro Mello (pedrinho-mello@uol.com.br).
thanks
The two positions I picked were fully back and fully forward. I used lightweight closed cell foam so my seats are relatively thin and even so my buddy is 5'7" and he found the position quite comfortable. I cut the rudder control rods shorter to accommodate my legs.
Hi James. I liked the seat rails, well built and would fit quite well.
I actually found during fitting the seats that the semi-recumbant position of the seat design fits different height people quite well. Im all legs and found that I needed to position the seat all the way back to give me a comfortable fit and this position also fit most people. Ended up just going with the design attachment and put a second set of nut plates forward about 4" for really short folks.
Easy enough to install seat rails later if the stock system is found wanting.
Cheers
Dear James good evening!
I am trying to "force" the Airfox people to do the kit. Unfortunately is not the first priority for them so I had to wait. Soon I get news I will post it.
Thx!
Hello James
no i didnt wire in the alternator But i think im going to change that
ill send you some info
did you have any trouble fitting the garmin into the airdock?
I see you have a few extra switches in the center ?
an do you buy the landing light wig wag?
Jim,
I put some rubber edging along the edge that is against the glass. I fit mine before the glass and then refit after glass was installed. I painted the skins seperate and then installed very last thing....touched up rivets with brush.
Jim,
The covering on the top skin is part of the Zenith interior kit.
Bii
Jim,
If you visit I can show you all the things we did to install the 912s. We also used the Rotax air inlet manifold which they say gives you the full 100 hp.( I guess because the engine is pulling cool air from outside the cowling instead of the hot air under the cowling.) Plus using the manifold gives you a way to have carb heat if needed.
Bill
Jim,
Feel free to visit any time, my airport Edgefield County ( 6J6 ) is located about 20 miles from Augusta Ga, and about 10 miles from Aiken,SC in the small town of Trenton,SC. I live in North Augusta,SC, about 20 mi from the airport.
Bill
Jim,
Thanks for the comment. I can't remember all the adjustments that was on the DVD, but we did not heat the water inlet connections with a torch and rotate as shown. I believe I did rotate the water pump inlet to suite my installation.The main thing is to take your time and sink up the carbs- they need to be pretty precise for the engine to run smooth.
Ask any questions you may have- don't know if I will have the answer but I will share what I know.
Bill
James the fuel pump used on the Rotax 912 engines is an electric facet pump. Aircraft Spruce #40105 21/2 - 41/2 psi max. Any more psi and you run the risk of over powering carb floats and flooding engine.
Bob
Hi James
I have not started my wings yet, I was waiting to start them till I can get the folding wing attachment kit.
Welcome to
Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
Sign Up
or Sign In
Or sign in with:
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.