Q&A - Zodiac 601XL -650 for the latest upgrade drawings of November 24 2009

This Q&A is for the upgrade kit of the Zodiac 601XL & 650 based on drawings of Nov. 24, 2009 and AMD Safety Alert of November 7. 2009
http://www.newplane.com/amd_downloads/SAFETY%20ALERT%20November%207...

New drawings:
Nov. 24, 2009: We've updated the draft Drawings 6-ZU-1, 6-ZU-2, 6-ZU-3 and 6-ZU-4, and LAA Aileron Balance.

For very detailed questions (or if you must complain or vent), email me at newplane@gmail.com

Please post all your questions on the last page.

Views: 6309

Replies are closed for this discussion.

Replies to This Discussion

I just finished the right alieron upgrade with the mass balance and the strengthened rear spar. I also changed the flex hinge to a standard piano hinge. The plans, along with the photo blogs were very helpful. I can't believe how nice the alieron moves now and how easy it is to get a perfect balance. I just have to finish the alieron bellcrank and skin strengtheners and I can close out the wing. It's amazing how just a small amout of additional hardware can increase the wing strength dramaticly. I had 19 hrs of flight on the original design and had not problems at all, in fact I grumbled too about fixing a perfectly good aircraft, but I am impressed with how much stronger the wings will be.
Louis,

I'm at the stage in the upgrade where I have to decide if I want my old aileron skin hinge or make the cuts and add a piano hinge. What made you decide to use the piano hinge? Which do you see as a safer and stronger option in flight and why?

Mathieu, would you also please give me your opinion?
I've gone around and around on this and have never heard anything really definitive on the whys of one or another. Yes, please, Mathieu and others, before we all finish rebuilding the wings, lets have a real in-depth discussion here. What is THE answer?
Ted,
I really do not have a preference on the aileron hinge type, especially now that we have added the counter weights. The mass majority of the accidents had the piano hinge ailerons but there are also a lot more Zodiacs flying with the piano hinges. Structurally, both are good and the flutter report was done with the hinged ailerons. So I think that its personal preference. Its as simple as that.
Cripes.
The only reason I decided to change to the piano hinge was it would make it that much easier to ensure a perfectly weighted counter balance for the alerion. Plus it does look pretty cool, and moves very smooth.

Just my two cents
I've decided to keep the skin hinge. I'm not an engineer, but I feel the resistance of the skin hinge would further damper any future flutter.
To all,
I am now closing this discussion. If anyone has additional questions, concerns, comments, suggestions etc, please email me direct at newplane@gmail.com or call me at Zenair at 705-526-2871.

I want to thank all of you for your input, questions and suggestions.

Mathieu Heintz

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