Bob McDonald's Posts - Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers2024-03-28T19:42:16ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonaldhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2089144222?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://zenith.aero/profiles/blog/feed?user=1gwsrvau9xa9t&xn_auth=noBob Is Back Flyingtag:zenith.aero,2022-05-24:2606393:BlogPost:8698832022-05-24T12:17:31.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>After a "heart incident" Dec. 2019 I received two stents and in Feb. 2020 my Aortic valve was replaced (to correct a birth defect) at the Ottawa Heart Institute. My Private Pilot Medical was suspended. I resigned myself to not being able to fly again. Feb. 2021 I felt so good I that I passed my pilot medical which Transport Canada placed "Under Review" because of the replacement surgery. Yesterday I received my medical "Unrestricted Class 3" from Transport Canada. It was a long tedious trip…</p>
<p>After a "heart incident" Dec. 2019 I received two stents and in Feb. 2020 my Aortic valve was replaced (to correct a birth defect) at the Ottawa Heart Institute. My Private Pilot Medical was suspended. I resigned myself to not being able to fly again. Feb. 2021 I felt so good I that I passed my pilot medical which Transport Canada placed "Under Review" because of the replacement surgery. Yesterday I received my medical "Unrestricted Class 3" from Transport Canada. It was a long tedious trip back, but for those out there struggling with medical issues I offer my story as encouragement.</p>Bungee "Installation Tool"tag:zenith.aero,2022-05-03:2606393:BlogPost:8685612022-05-03T14:23:54.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>To change the front bungee CH601HD, CH701, CH750 or and Zenith with bungee cord front suspension. Simply hook bungee around the rear mount tube, slide up the nose strut, then slide loose end of bungee over the end of a 1/2 inch drive ratchet handle which has the 1/2 inch drive inserted in the open end of the front bungee mount tube. Lifting up on the ratchet handle will stretch the bungee easy. Once over center the bungee slides down the ratchet handle onto the front bungee mount tube. KISS…</p>
<p>To change the front bungee CH601HD, CH701, CH750 or and Zenith with bungee cord front suspension. Simply hook bungee around the rear mount tube, slide up the nose strut, then slide loose end of bungee over the end of a 1/2 inch drive ratchet handle which has the 1/2 inch drive inserted in the open end of the front bungee mount tube. Lifting up on the ratchet handle will stretch the bungee easy. Once over center the bungee slides down the ratchet handle onto the front bungee mount tube. KISS principal at work.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10456736054?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10456736054?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></p>Bob's Cherokee 1972 PA28-140tag:zenith.aero,2021-10-24:2606393:BlogPost:8508912021-10-24T23:08:50.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>I'm not ready to give up flying.... and I found an aircraft abandoned 16+ years in a hangar. In February with the snow waist deep the new owners of the hangar were considering calling the salvage yard to dispose of "The Cherokee". The new owners of the hangar had a Aeronca Chief and Luscombe and no need of the Cherokee. I agreed to buy the Cherokee and hire the AME Chief owner to completely go through the aircraft and recertify it. A new zero time engine and prop after all the spar…</p>
<p>I'm not ready to give up flying.... and I found an aircraft abandoned 16+ years in a hangar. In February with the snow waist deep the new owners of the hangar were considering calling the salvage yard to dispose of "The Cherokee". The new owners of the hangar had a Aeronca Chief and Luscombe and no need of the Cherokee. I agreed to buy the Cherokee and hire the AME Chief owner to completely go through the aircraft and recertify it. A new zero time engine and prop after all the spar inspection AD's were completed. A 406 ELT, rewiring of the wings when the fuel tanks were removed, Hoerner wingtips, Art Mattson VG's, LED lighting and strobes, brakes and seals and lots of labor to complete the project. In a way the Cherokee & I are a lot alike, we both have rebuilt "zero timed" hearts and neither of us are ready to quit flying yet.</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>She Flew Out Of My Life - The Zentag:zenith.aero,2021-03-21:2606393:BlogPost:8296862021-03-21T10:57:14.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>This is "The Zen".</p>
<p>It is a 2005 kit built CH601HD that was built by Trevor Page, and sold to me & Ray Nash in 2007. At the time Ray & I had been flying Quad City Challengers on wheels / skis / amphibian floats. We wanted a faster go further adventure aircraft that was still in the Advanced Ultra Light Aircraft (AULA) category here in Canada. It was also the aircraft that introduced me to Zenair / Zenith kit planes, the Rotax 912 series of engines, and the hopeless addiction of…</p>
<p>This is "The Zen".</p>
<p>It is a 2005 kit built CH601HD that was built by Trevor Page, and sold to me & Ray Nash in 2007. At the time Ray & I had been flying Quad City Challengers on wheels / skis / amphibian floats. We wanted a faster go further adventure aircraft that was still in the Advanced Ultra Light Aircraft (AULA) category here in Canada. It was also the aircraft that introduced me to Zenair / Zenith kit planes, the Rotax 912 series of engines, and the hopeless addiction of aircraft building. This aircraft started my journey in the kit building world. It was also a hell of a lot of fun to fly. We flew to fly-in breakfasts, we flew to visit friends, we flew to watch the sunsets. We flew out of grass airports, paved airports, farmers corn fields.</p>
<p>But life changes. I was seduced by a CH750 build / flying, and then a 1450 float build, followed by a Citabria GCBC. My partner Ray went through a divorce, two kids in College, increasing business demands on his free time. The Zen as we affectionately called the CH601HD was placed in storage state in November 2018. She stopped flying. I lost the 2020 year to a heart attack and open heart surgery. Ray interests have changed, and demands on his free time have increased. We made the tough decision to sell The Zen rather than see her languish in a lonely hangar for another year.</p>
<p>After a close inspection, The Zen's Rotax 912A 80 HP (originally a 600 hr. TBO engine - with 1236 hrs) fired up without hesitation for the new owner Harry Walia. A few test circuits and all was in the green for launch. I could not stop grinning as I listened to the Rotax 912 humming contently on the taxiway, the Zen's wings shining in the sun, her fuselage rocking in the prop wash. The Zen was doing what she was built for "Going Flying".</p>
<p>The Zen made an uneventful flight from Pembroke, Ontario to her new home in Baldwin, Ontario.<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8689658479?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8689658479?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a> </p>
<p> </p>Youtube Channel with CH601HD & CH701 + others "Grass Roots" flying.tag:zenith.aero,2021-03-13:2606393:BlogPost:8284542021-03-13T12:30:00.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrHQtpfmO42hCDPpJJUU1Hw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check this YouTube channel</a> out if you enjoy "Grass Roots" flying videos. Mix of GA aircraft and the CH601HD / CH701 aircraft. CH601HD (both taildragger & tricycle gear) flying skis. They fly in Ontario, Canada.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrHQtpfmO42hCDPpJJUU1Hw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check this YouTube channel</a> out if you enjoy "Grass Roots" flying videos. Mix of GA aircraft and the CH601HD / CH701 aircraft. CH601HD (both taildragger & tricycle gear) flying skis. They fly in Ontario, Canada.</p>
<p></p>Because I'm A Pilot - "Bob's Okay"tag:zenith.aero,2020-02-05:2606393:BlogPost:7086362020-02-05T19:27:19.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>I have not posted much in the last few years, preferring to lurk in the internet shadows and follow the adventures of others. I still answer questions quickly in PM sent through the web site. The 2005 CH601HD rests quietly in the hangar its systems "mothballed"..... ignored the past 2 years. Like an unfaithful boy friend my fancy had turned to another aircraft. A 1976 Citabria GCBC a friend with too many aircraft was generous enough to loan me. I learned to handle the evil "tail wheel" gear,…</p>
<p>I have not posted much in the last few years, preferring to lurk in the internet shadows and follow the adventures of others. I still answer questions quickly in PM sent through the web site. The 2005 CH601HD rests quietly in the hangar its systems "mothballed"..... ignored the past 2 years. Like an unfaithful boy friend my fancy had turned to another aircraft. A 1976 Citabria GCBC a friend with too many aircraft was generous enough to loan me. I learned to handle the evil "tail wheel" gear, the challenge was fun....and different.</p>
<p>"Because I am a Pilot" my medical health is monitored closer than the average person. Three years ago Transport Canada became "concerned" about my heart, and a in particular my heart murmur caused by a birth defect of the Aortic valve. Having never had an issue resembling a heart attack I was offended and challenged every test placed in front of me by Transport Canada and got my medical restored. The best part of this is I established an out patient relationship with Ottawa Heart Institute. The OHI would check me over annually (like you do your aircraft) and let me know if I was okay to fly. </p>
<p>On Dec. 07, 2019 I flew the Citabria on wheels, in the 1st snow of the winter season. On Dec. 11, 2019 my annual visit to the OHI I was told I need the valve changed out ASAP or I would suffer a heart attack. On Dec. 14, 2019 I had a very mild heart attack, the sort of thing you would pass off as just getting winded because of advancing years.... being aware in advance of the event I paid attention. I was rushed to the hospital and proper care stabilized me prevent damage to the heart. Dec. 18, 2019 the OHI Cardiac Intervention Team placed 2 stents in an artery on my heart that was blocked 70%. I feel GREAT I can walk the distances I did prior to my heart attack and feel better doing it. On Feb. 27, 2020 I go to the Ottawa Heart Institute for open heart Aortic valve transplant surgery. (had to wait for stents to heal)</p>
<p>Because I'm a pilot and my health is closely monitored. This is a good thing. The future of my pilot medical looks bright, its not due until June and by then the condition that so concerned Transport Canada will no longer exist. (0-timed Fuel Pump installed on Annual of Pilot).</p>
<p>Fly safe</p>
<p>Bob<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3717535665?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3717535665?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>How To Lift CH601HD To Change Main Gear Bungeetag:zenith.aero,2019-11-12:2606393:BlogPost:7001102019-11-12T03:34:32.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>Bungee have a 5 years replacement life cycle based on the color code on the bungee. The CH601HD has a nose gear bungee, and 2 bungee / main gear. All bungee 1080HD. Other builders have asked me how I replace main gear bungee. Pictures are worth a thousand words... and I hate typing.…<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2089173676?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2089173676?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a></p>
<p>Bungee have a 5 years replacement life cycle based on the color code on the bungee. The CH601HD has a nose gear bungee, and 2 bungee / main gear. All bungee 1080HD. Other builders have asked me how I replace main gear bungee. Pictures are worth a thousand words... and I hate typing.<a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2089173676?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2089173676?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2089174745?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2089174745?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></p>Old Style Trigear Amphib Floatstag:zenith.aero,2016-03-04:2606393:BlogPost:4939982016-03-04T16:23:24.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p><img class="CToWUd a6T" src="https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/e6ifZgbFmWBHlDdpIyPvlKWi3dwtD5gM1TKEwrt49c2C6eWYdVXnKcPCq_p-ZMyxsm1Gu9MV9TFUbzqsTDAZLx0Gdw=s0-d-e1-ft#%3Ca%20href="></img> http://www.zenithair.com/zodiac/pics/6-fl.jpg" /></p>
<p></p>
<p>Does anyone have a set of the older style CH701 / CH601HD Zenith / CZAW floats?</p>
<p>I'm bored these days without a project, so I'm thinking my CH601HD would be cool to fly on floats. Anyone have a drawing for the front steerable nose gear. If I remember these were compressed air…</p>
<p><img class="CToWUd a6T" src="https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/e6ifZgbFmWBHlDdpIyPvlKWi3dwtD5gM1TKEwrt49c2C6eWYdVXnKcPCq_p-ZMyxsm1Gu9MV9TFUbzqsTDAZLx0Gdw=s0-d-e1-ft#%3Ca%20href="/>http://www.zenithair.com/zodiac/pics/6-fl.jpg" /></p>
<p></p>
<p>Does anyone have a set of the older style CH701 / CH601HD Zenith / CZAW floats?</p>
<p>I'm bored these days without a project, so I'm thinking my CH601HD would be cool to fly on floats. Anyone have a drawing for the front steerable nose gear. If I remember these were compressed air operated.</p>
<p></p>Flygas - Rotax 912 SUPERCHARGER = 140 HPtag:zenith.aero,2015-01-29:2606393:BlogPost:4104982015-01-29T21:25:06.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>Here is a real product to wake up your Rotax 912 80 hp engine.</p>
<p>Failure of the Supercharger simply means you have to fly on the original 80 hp.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://youtu.be/EVqDhmlePXQ">http://youtu.be/EVqDhmlePXQ</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Here is a real product to wake up your Rotax 912 80 hp engine.</p>
<p>Failure of the Supercharger simply means you have to fly on the original 80 hp.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://youtu.be/EVqDhmlePXQ">http://youtu.be/EVqDhmlePXQ</a></p>
<p></p>Bob McDonald Is Alive & Well :>)tag:zenith.aero,2014-07-14:2606393:BlogPost:3679122014-07-14T20:29:22.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<div>Thank you for your concern... I am alive and still kicking :>)</div>
<div>I kind of stepped away from all my normal activities (except work) last October when my father "Robert Bruce McDonald" was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gerhig's) disease.</div>
<div>At 85 yrs. the progression of this disease was very rapid. He was unable to walk after Jan.2014, and almost totally paralyzed and unable to speak by May 2014. He passed away June 07, 2014 aged 86 yrs.</div>
<div>His only request was to stay…</div>
<div>Thank you for your concern... I am alive and still kicking :>)</div>
<div>I kind of stepped away from all my normal activities (except work) last October when my father "Robert Bruce McDonald" was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gerhig's) disease.</div>
<div>At 85 yrs. the progression of this disease was very rapid. He was unable to walk after Jan.2014, and almost totally paralyzed and unable to speak by May 2014. He passed away June 07, 2014 aged 86 yrs.</div>
<div>His only request was to stay in his 3-storey house with his wife (my mother) aged 82 yrs.as long as possible.</div>
<div>Unable to save my father, all I could do was try to save my mother as she had lost 15 lbs caring for my father.</div>
<div>My time was split between work and helping my mother care for Dad.</div>
<div>He was in the hospital less than 24 hrs before passing away.</div>
<div>My soul could really use the experience of attending the 40th Anniversary Zenair Open House at Midland, Ontario.</div>
<div>"But" regretfully I have to work this weekend. I am retiring July 30th so perhaps I will see you all at the Zenair booth in Oshkosh?</div>ROTAX 912 80 HP FOR SALEtag:zenith.aero,2013-08-19:2606393:BlogPost:3058822013-08-19T03:18:18.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>Here is a gently used Rotax 912 80 hp for sale.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://upac.ca/classifieds/ads/rotax-912-ul-80hp/">http://upac.ca/classifieds/ads/rotax-912-ul-80hp/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>I know the owner and aircraft history. Its good.</p>
<p>The Rotax 912 80 hp is great engine for the CH701 or CH601HD series aircraft. I have flown both models with the 80 hp Rotax and they fly great.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bob</p>
<p>Here is a gently used Rotax 912 80 hp for sale.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://upac.ca/classifieds/ads/rotax-912-ul-80hp/">http://upac.ca/classifieds/ads/rotax-912-ul-80hp/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>I know the owner and aircraft history. Its good.</p>
<p>The Rotax 912 80 hp is great engine for the CH701 or CH601HD series aircraft. I have flown both models with the 80 hp Rotax and they fly great.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bob</p>C-IMPH First Flighttag:zenith.aero,2013-08-12:2606393:BlogPost:3037162013-08-12T16:04:11.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p><a href="http://youtu.be/mQIy3HjALek">http://youtu.be/mQIy3HjALek</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>First flight of Mac McCullock's CH750 registered AULA in Canada. Rotax 912S engine. Mac did a days CH750 type training with me prior to 1st flight.</p>
<p><a href="http://youtu.be/mQIy3HjALek">http://youtu.be/mQIy3HjALek</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>First flight of Mac McCullock's CH750 registered AULA in Canada. Rotax 912S engine. Mac did a days CH750 type training with me prior to 1st flight.</p>How difficult Are Zenith Floats To Build?tag:zenith.aero,2011-06-23:2606393:BlogPost:1324682011-06-23T20:46:02.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>Since posting pictures on this site I have had lots of requests for information, and pictures of my 1450 Amphib. float build.</p>
<p>Zenair has an instructional web page set up just for this purpose.<a href="http://http://zenairfloatassembly.com/1450A/" target="_blank">http://http://zenairfloatassembly.com/1450A/</a> . It is sort of hidden away unless you are looking for it. Go to this page and look over the instructions for both the "parts kit" and "pre-drilled kit". You will notice the…</p>
<p>Since posting pictures on this site I have had lots of requests for information, and pictures of my 1450 Amphib. float build.</p>
<p>Zenair has an instructional web page set up just for this purpose.<a target="_blank" href="http://http://zenairfloatassembly.com/1450A/">http://http://zenairfloatassembly.com/1450A/</a> . It is sort of hidden away unless you are looking for it. Go to this page and look over the instructions for both the "parts kit" and "pre-drilled kit". You will notice the first page of the pre-drilled kit has a title "Re-Assembly of The Pre-Drilled float kit"... don't you just love that word "Re-Assembly". I'm not a purist Plans Only type guy, or even a Kit Builder... "I am a Kit Assembler" and take great joy in the assembly process. Quick high quality results is what I am after. The Zenith / Zenair Aircraft Co. recognize that we are all different in our wants, desires and builder skill level, and make a kit for everyone. Think of floats as "Jewelry for your Zenith", a fun project that will look good on your Zenith aircraft regardless of model. There is nothing sexier than a low wing on floats.... in case you CH601 series builders felt left out? The low centre of gravity, increased ground (read - water) effect and stability of a low wing (in high winds) on floats are all positive features. Docking a low wing on floats sucks... its mostly good other than that. </p>
<p>Fly safe.</p>
<p>Bob</p>Hand Pump Floats or Electric Pumptag:zenith.aero,2011-05-13:2606393:BlogPost:1217382011-05-13T21:41:11.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
When you order Zenith amphibian floats you have to chose between operating your retractable wheels either by a hand pump or electric pump. Zenith does not price either pump differently...but if you want a hand pump to back up the electric version its an additional $1000. The hand pump must be mounted between the pilots legs so it can be operated by the pilot. The electric pump can be mounted in the rear and operated with a single switch. Both pumps weigh the same. Do any of the builders have…
When you order Zenith amphibian floats you have to chose between operating your retractable wheels either by a hand pump or electric pump. Zenith does not price either pump differently...but if you want a hand pump to back up the electric version its an additional $1000. The hand pump must be mounted between the pilots legs so it can be operated by the pilot. The electric pump can be mounted in the rear and operated with a single switch. Both pumps weigh the same. Do any of the builders have opinions or experience with either of these set ups?Leaking CH701 / CH750 / CH801 tirestag:zenith.aero,2011-05-05:2606393:BlogPost:1196802011-05-05T21:13:08.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>I think most builders have at least one slow leak tire on their aircraft. On mine its the nose gear tire, it leaks down over a couple weeks while the mains have never leaked. I was thinking about putting tubes in the tires, but that adds extra cost and weight (I assume that is why tubes are not included in the kit?). A fellow builder Bob Stuart (CH701 plans only) suggested removing the valve stem and injecting (syringe) 5 - 10 cc of anti-freeze then installing the stem and inflating the…</p>
<p>I think most builders have at least one slow leak tire on their aircraft. On mine its the nose gear tire, it leaks down over a couple weeks while the mains have never leaked. I was thinking about putting tubes in the tires, but that adds extra cost and weight (I assume that is why tubes are not included in the kit?). A fellow builder Bob Stuart (CH701 plans only) suggested removing the valve stem and injecting (syringe) 5 - 10 cc of anti-freeze then installing the stem and inflating the leaky tire. The anti-freeze helps to seal the low pressure tire / rim. Bob claims its a trick used around the farm for years. I will give this a try on the nose tire before I install a tube.</p>
<p>Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Bob</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Rotax 912 Honeywell Oil Pressure Sendertag:zenith.aero,2011-04-13:2606393:BlogPost:1144012011-04-13T12:43:12.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>My CH750 is powered by the Rotax 912S engine. To date I have 90 trouble free hours on the engine with no adjustments required other than tightening a radiator hose clamp. While flying the other day the engine oil pressure started to fluctuate and go full scale both directions on the D180. This really gets your attention! I selected a field for a forced landing, but after flying the approach with Rotax humming along happily (all oil temps & cylinder temps normal) I reasoned I was risking…</p>
<p>My CH750 is powered by the Rotax 912S engine. To date I have 90 trouble free hours on the engine with no adjustments required other than tightening a radiator hose clamp. While flying the other day the engine oil pressure started to fluctuate and go full scale both directions on the D180. This really gets your attention! I selected a field for a forced landing, but after flying the approach with Rotax humming along happily (all oil temps & cylinder temps normal) I reasoned I was risking more damage to my CH750 than remaining airborne with a running engine... my home airfield was only 10 minutes away. It was an anxious, but uneventful flight home. I doubt the Rotax 912 would continue running much longer than a minute or two with zero oil pressure. My Rotax 912S has a 2000 hrs TBO, and a new style Honeywell electronic oil pressure sender that replaced the standard Rotax VDO sender used previously.</p>
<p>The Honeywell sender is $400 vs. the VDO sender $45 that Rotax previously used. Bob Robertson of Light Engine Services (Rotax @ Salmon Arm B.C.) sent me a new Aviasport oil pressure guage to wire in as the Honeywell sender (and guage) requires a 12 volt supply to work. By installing this "stand alone" oil pressure guage I was able to prove the Honeywell sender was defective... and not my Dynon D180 as suggested by Rotax. The Honeywell sender is being replaced by Rotax under warranty, and Rotax maintains they have never had a history of failure. In the future if the Honeywell sender fails again (not under warranty) I will replace it with the older VDO sender. It is then a simple change in the Dynon D180 setup menu to select the VDO sender and your back in business. Note :The Rotax 912 in my CH601HD has the older VDO sender..... and 1200 hrs with no trouble.</p>
<p>Bob</p>
<p>CH750</p>
<p>CH601HD</p>What Ever Happened To The Zodiac Gemini CH620?tag:zenith.aero,2010-11-19:2606393:BlogPost:809512010-11-19T03:30:00.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>A question for all the Zenith builder & fans out there..."What ever became of the Zodiac Gemini CH620?"</p>
<p>I have the factory information about the aircraft it. I stumbled across the literature while going through a stack of aircraft sales pitches I collected over the years. For those of you who have never heard of this aircraft it looked like a it was a version of the CH601HDS series, with retractable tri-gear and twin Rotax 912 80 hp engines on a low wing. It was a two seat…</p>
<p>A question for all the Zenith builder & fans out there..."What ever became of the Zodiac Gemini CH620?"</p>
<p>I have the factory information about the aircraft it. I stumbled across the literature while going through a stack of aircraft sales pitches I collected over the years. For those of you who have never heard of this aircraft it looked like a it was a version of the CH601HDS series, with retractable tri-gear and twin Rotax 912 80 hp engines on a low wing. It was a two seat aircraft that ended up looking like a small Piper Apache.</p>CH750 / CH701 Gas Capstag:zenith.aero,2010-07-29:2606393:BlogPost:660712010-07-29T01:17:36.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
<p>I have gas caps that leak when I go flying. This is evident by the fuel streaks down the top of wings from the filler necks after I land. I suspect this is from the position of the filler neck & fuel caps is steep turns. High wing tank leaks in a turn. I also noticed that the right fuel tank level was always higher than the left after going flying.</p>
<p>The tanks would start out level if left in the hangar over night. I went to dip the tanks after flying and heard a "whoosh" upon…</p>
<p>I have gas caps that leak when I go flying. This is evident by the fuel streaks down the top of wings from the filler necks after I land. I suspect this is from the position of the filler neck & fuel caps is steep turns. High wing tank leaks in a turn. I also noticed that the right fuel tank level was always higher than the left after going flying.</p>
<p>The tanks would start out level if left in the hangar over night. I went to dip the tanks after flying and heard a "whoosh" upon opening the right fuel tank...."a vacuum condition". I tested these tanks for fuel flow during construction and no problems. I can drain the tank by selecting the right tank, it will drain but takes much longer than the left tank to do so. For now I replaced the cap with a spare I know works off my CH601HD header tank. My CH601HD uses a CESSNA vented capP/N C156003-0101 or Aircraft Spruce #06-00985.</p>
<p>This is a vented cap with a red rubber anti-leak check valve on the inside of the cap. I removed the rubber anti-leak part so I can pump fuel from the leading edge tanks into the header tank without over pressuring it. To solve the messy gas leak stains issue on my CH750 I will install this same vented cap with the red rubber check valve removed. This will prevent the fuel tank in the wing of the CH750 from building pressure as this fuel pressure could possibly build to the point of overpowering the 3 psi Rotax 912 carb floats limit or even bulging the wing skins while sitting in the hot sun. Just like how a red plastic gas can goes sitting in the sun with gas it it. These CESSNA fuel caps dont leak with the rubber anti leak check valve removed, it solved the constant gas smell in my CH601HD cockpit issue.</p>
<p>Fly safe.</p>
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<p>Bob<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2231335629?profile=original">First Home C-IKIM 006.jpg</a></p>
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<p>The picture shows the right wing fuel level lower than the left, the Dynon D180 is calibrated accurately.</p>Another Day At Can-Zactag:zenith.aero,2009-11-17:2606393:BlogPost:382412009-11-17T12:59:59.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
Remember the CH750 kit owned by Angus Watt from Ottawa, the one I spent 8 days working on last month? Well, at the end of 4 weeks it looks like this... by the end of this day the wings and all flying surfaces are final fitted and it is once again dis-assembled and shipped to the paint shop today.<br />
The CH801 (Yellow/Blue?White paint)in the back ground is a 4 seat model built for an outpost camp in Alberta.
Remember the CH750 kit owned by Angus Watt from Ottawa, the one I spent 8 days working on last month? Well, at the end of 4 weeks it looks like this... by the end of this day the wings and all flying surfaces are final fitted and it is once again dis-assembled and shipped to the paint shop today.<br />
The CH801 (Yellow/Blue?White paint)in the back ground is a 4 seat model built for an outpost camp in Alberta.CH701 & CH750 Wheel Skistag:zenith.aero,2009-10-30:2606393:BlogPost:362182009-10-30T18:20:21.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
I heard a rumour that Zenair was going to release plans / kits for wheel skis to fit the CH701 & CH750 model aircraft. I thought it would be a wonderful early Christmas present (project) for the model owners from Zenith (Chris Hientz).<br />
O.K. I will admit to starting the rumour ! I saw a wonderful looking set on a CH701 owned by Rob Nelson on the completions section of the Zenair web site. Winter comes early here in Canada and wheel skis would be a ray of sunshine in my part of the Zenith…
I heard a rumour that Zenair was going to release plans / kits for wheel skis to fit the CH701 & CH750 model aircraft. I thought it would be a wonderful early Christmas present (project) for the model owners from Zenith (Chris Hientz).<br />
O.K. I will admit to starting the rumour ! I saw a wonderful looking set on a CH701 owned by Rob Nelson on the completions section of the Zenair web site. Winter comes early here in Canada and wheel skis would be a ray of sunshine in my part of the Zenith world.CAN-ZAC POWER BUILDtag:zenith.aero,2009-10-27:2606393:BlogPost:358832009-10-27T13:19:21.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
I was offered a chance to be part of a 3 man (sometimes 4) team conducting a CAN-ZAC Power Build program. The kit owner Angus Watt from Ottawa started with Mark Townsend building from a 6ft X 6ft X 12ft crate Friday, and I joined them on Monday afternoon. Neither Angus or myself had any previous kit building experience... but we were closely supervised by Mark Townsend of Can-Zac in his Kitchener hangar. The working day starts at 8AM (or earlier if you can't sleep) and generally goes hard until…
I was offered a chance to be part of a 3 man (sometimes 4) team conducting a CAN-ZAC Power Build program. The kit owner Angus Watt from Ottawa started with Mark Townsend building from a 6ft X 6ft X 12ft crate Friday, and I joined them on Monday afternoon. Neither Angus or myself had any previous kit building experience... but we were closely supervised by Mark Townsend of Can-Zac in his Kitchener hangar. The working day starts at 8AM (or earlier if you can't sleep) and generally goes hard until 8PM...or later if you can't stop! At the start of "Build Day 3" Mark announced I was being given the day-off for good behaviour... to build my very own CH750 rudder "SURPRISE" .... my CH750 kit is not scheduled to arrive until next week, but Mark had arranged to have a CH750 rudder kit available for me to build. The CH750 fuselage in the picture is Angus Watt's from Ottawa, he was kind enough to let me practice build on his CH750 (just kidding Angus ;>) The kit was terrific fun to build... and Mark is an excellent tutor & mentor in the art of aircraft construction. The Can-Zac Power Build 2 week program takes the build to the airfield in record time... its for pilots who need to build because they feel the need to fly! After week one the all flying surfaces are done, wired & plumbed, ready for the pre-cover inspection, and the fuselage assembled sitting on its wheels. Week 2 is for engine installation, control cables and assembly of the airframe as a complete unit. The next week is for a trip to the paint shop if you so desire, then the aircraft is dis-assembled and trailered<br />
(covered) to your home for the builder to install the dash, avionics, interior. My kit construction starts November 17th... until then my wife has a big job ahead of her... wiping a great big silly grin off my face!CH601HD Bungee & Gear Leg Replacementtag:zenith.aero,2009-06-27:2606393:BlogPost:256372009-06-27T00:44:56.000ZBob McDonaldhttps://zenith.aero/profile/BobMcDonald
Well... Yesterday I started into job on the CH601HD that is very much like force feeding a Porcupine to a Grizzly Bear ! I used an ATV jack to lift The Zen, there is no weight the wings... its a "Plan B" thing. Grantley Este & Bob "Mr. GoodWrench" Braden pitched in to get me started on the job I have been putting off for a year now. Changing the out of date main gear bungee (5 yr replacement cycle), so far it has taken 3 guys the better part of a day to jack up the aircraft and get the gear…
Well... Yesterday I started into job on the CH601HD that is very much like force feeding a Porcupine to a Grizzly Bear ! I used an ATV jack to lift The Zen, there is no weight the wings... its a "Plan B" thing. Grantley Este & Bob "Mr. GoodWrench" Braden pitched in to get me started on the job I have been putting off for a year now. Changing the out of date main gear bungee (5 yr replacement cycle), so far it has taken 3 guys the better part of a day to jack up the aircraft and get the gear leg assemblies off the aircraft. I also wanted to install the upgraded gear legs from Zenair...1/8" plate bottom above the wheel fork has increased to 3/16" plate. Today's effort consisted of installing 2 new 1080HD bungee and reassembly / install of the co-pilot side. If all goes well, and it usually don't ! I should have the pilot side gear assembled and completed by tomorrow night. Most of the grief comes from the severely restricted access to the bolts that mount the gear leg assembly into the wing bracket. It was a miserable job getting the bolts out and double the misery trying to fish them into a hole you can barely see never mind get a wrench on... Grantley made the "remote socket" for me yesterday, without it the job cannot be done. The heat of the past 2 days also added to the "work" side of this project, even with the main hangar door open there did not seem to be enough oxygen available. While sitting down taking a sanity break (drinking water) I glanced over at The Zen hanging there in mid-air... my mind wandered to thoughts of Mooney's & Bonanza's... must have been the heat stroke playing with my mind.<br />
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I also had thoughts of siding my Puddle Jumper Amphibian floats under The Zen while it was just hanging there... hmmm??<br />
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Bob