Feb 24, 2024     Avionics and Lighting - (3 hours)       Category: Research

I attended the Aviation Conference in Puyallup Washington and contacted numerous venders regarding avionics, lighting, communication etc. I came away a bit disappointed that the cost of outfitting even a vfr aircraft was as expensive as I found. I was impressed with the panel design options available.

  Feb 14, 2024     Airvent Intakes - (1.5 hours)       Category: Research

I researched designs of air vents for the cabin. I fund resources via EAA builders books on the NASA submerged ducts and how efficient they are and low noise. These also have the least amount of air obstruction. My intention is to install one on each side of the cabin but location is to be determined.

  Jan 28, 2024     Contacting Zenith - (30 hours)       Category: Research

I emailed Roger Dubbert regarding the Torque Tube Bearing Chanel and asked about options to address the multiple holes in the top of the Right Baggage Floor. I included a couple of photos for reference.

  Jan 25, 2024     Elevator Assembly - (2.5 hours) Category: Research

Researched assembly of the Elevator. I watched the HomeBUILT.Help series related to this part for visual clarification of the assembly guide procedure.

  Jul 03, 2023     Horizontal Stabilizer - (2 hours) Category: Research

I research the assembly of the Horizontal Stabilizer further using the plans and HomeBuiltHELP.com video and determined that the H.S. Rear Bracket was assembled using A4 rivets and not the required A5 rivets. I also noted the extra hole drilled in the lower left mounting area of the Rear Bracket. This will be replace. Reference 75TA1. Awaiting parts for reassembly.

  Jun 12, 2023     Drawing Revisions - (3 hours)       Category: Research

I continued annotating drawing updates on the two sets of plans I have. In addition I contacted Rodger at Zenith and inquired about using a full length H.T. Attachment Bracket (75F2-6) and H.T. Attachment Gusset (75F2-5). After explaining my need to replace the existing brackets and gusset installed by the other builder Rodger concurred that a one piece would be stronger. Rodger sent me the drawing which are for the Cruzer so the placement will need to be configured for the STOL. I later order the materials which are considerably heavier (6061T6 t = 0.090"). I also talked with Rodger about the four point seatbelt drawings which I did not have in the Options drawing packet. Rodger sent me the drawing and after some research I decided to purchase the kit direct from Zenith.

  May 16, 2023     Avionics - (1.5 hours) Category: Research

I worked on avionics research. Focus currently is on the Dynon HDX. Due to cost it may be necessary to do avionics improvements over time.

  Apr 28, 2023     Fuel Line Routing - (2 hours) Category: Research

Researching fuel line routing and gascolator placement. The plans call for the fuel gascolator to be located under the pilot seat extending below the floor. I have concerns, which I fine also expressed in forums, of having fuel under me while in flight. My thoughts are the location may be better suited to below passenger side which with my flying will likely be empty more often and or on the firewall like on the Cessna 152, a similar size and design. A second concern is securing the gascolator through the think layer of metal on the fuselage floor. At minimum a doubler to more adequately secure the gascolator so jarring of t/o ldg and wind buffeting will not move the device and fatigue the metal.

  Mar 07, 2023     Kit Assembly Procedures - (4 hours) Category: Research

Today I spent time reviewing assembly procedures. I have been frustrated with not knowing what step is next in the assembly process. In part I believe this is due to the airframe being "assembled" and the need to determine if assembly was proper and incorrect sequence. I referred to the manuals and documents which I received in the private party purchase and then referred to the Zenith website. I did not find a step by step instruction but did find the assembly guides and of course the order of the plans. I looked through the topics in the Zenith builders forum but have not located the check sheet I often see in videos posted by other builders. I will post a question on this topic. In the mean time I have been and will continue to be thorough in reviewing the necessary parts and materials and the order of assembly as well as how it impacts other assemblies so I minimize taking thing apart because I was out of sequence.

  Feb 22, 2023     Registration and paying taxes - (1 hour) Category: Research

I contacted Department of Revenue for the State of Washington to determine how to pay the taxes on the purchase of this project aircraft kit. After some transferring between call takers I was placed in touch with Debra at the Tacoma, WA DOR officer, 360-704-5900. I explained I had purchased a experimental aircraft kit, already started in assembly, and I wanted to pay the use tax as required by Washington law but I was having trouble finding the procedure. Debra placed me on hold and after a time returned and explained that on a kit build the taxes are paid after the plane is assembled. Debra said for me to not pay the tax on the major portion I bought through private sale but maintain purchase records on the additional items I purchase and when it come time to register the aircraft with the FAA and State of Washington I can deduct the tax paid against what DOR calculates is owed based on a value assessment they determine at that time.

I see this value determination could be an issue when the time comes so my records are improving as I right this.

  Feb 20, 2023     Seeking Technical Advice - (2 hours)       Category: Research

I needed some technical advice regarding how I can address the issue of the longeron being drilled through. I did two things in to get assistance. I posted a question on the zenith.aero 750 STOL group with two photos asking for input. The helpful responses were, contact Roger at Zenith with the question and use a doubler. The other comment was to ignore which I dismissed. I did email Roger and received a timely response which was to use a doubler of 0.032" thickness. I posted Rogers response to the forum for a conclusion to the question on the original post and hopefully to help others.

I thought about this fix and decided to make a doubler and to use an additional 0.016" piece of sheet, same size and profile and create a sandwich around the aircraft skin and longeron. So, plan in place I just need to order materials.

  Dec 17, 2022     Research and Builders Log - (2 hours) Category: Research

Reading plans and assembly manual to determine how the torque tube and controls are to be assembled.

Maintaining the online builders log is the most challenging part of building as it is not as fun as turning a wrench or pulling rivets.

  Dec 01, 2022     Engine condition - (3 hours) Category: Research

Online research of Lycoming O-235-c1 for proper methods of condition inspection. Also downloaded appropriate service manuals for the engine, Marvel-Schebler 3A carburetor, parts manual etc. looked into compression test procedure and reviewed Mike Busch article on solvent flushing cylinder as means to address low compression.

  Nov 30, 2022     Avionics Research - (3 hours)       Category: Research

I spent an afternoon researching avionics for the plane. I'm finding that avionics can easily equal the price of building a plane so I am proceeding with caution to avoid overspending. So far I am interested in LEVIL Avionics in part due to the interesting integration of trim tabs for auto pilot at a very reasonable price. Michigan Avionics also is interesting for the bang for the buck. Garmin although very good is hard to get excited about if trying to stay within a budget. I will be continuing research. I am particularly interested in using a panel mounted iPad for main display. FlightView EFIS is an interesting product and much more affordable. The FlightDock panel mount is very interesting as it provides cooling, manual dial and knobs as well as ease of instillation.

I have determined that the airplane will when complete be VFR Day/Night, ADSB compliant, heated pitot and sufficiently equipped to fly and instrument approach in an emergency (at least at the point in my thinking).

  Sep 29, 2022     Researching avionics and wiring options - (2.5 hours) Category: Research

Dynon, Levil, MGL, GRT Avionics, Garmin. All have similar products but I'm stuck in the middle of determining how much is necessary for an aircraft which will be VFR (day/night). Dollars to spend is a consideration. I am also looking for avionics which are compatible with Seattle Avionics FlyQ which I have a lifetime subscription to. Seattle Avionics at this point has not been clear in their responses with some of their compatibility.

  Sep 28, 2022     Registration and ownership documentation - (1.8 hours) Category: Research

Reviewing process for registering aircraft "kit" FAA forms 8050-88, 8050-1. Completed draft and determining if filing at this time or waiting until 90-120 days from completion is better, as indicated on FAA website.

  Sep 15, 2022     Review of Plans and Research - (3 hours) Category: Research

Review of documents including assembly guides, download of engine (Lycoming O-235-C1) maintenance manual(s).

  Aug 31, 2022     Self Etching Primer - (1 hour) Category: Research

With no spray booth in my garage workspace I was trying to determine a rattle can self etching primer which works well, provides good corrosion protection and and is safe to work around. Online and local NAPA store resources. I determined after a sample use of Rust-O-Leum and NAPA/Martin 7220 I found the Rust-o-Leum had less smell, more easily sourced and was more durable than the NAPA product. I will finish up my supply or the NAPA but primarily my go to will be the Rust-O-Leum.

  Jul 26, 2022     Pre Buy and bringing it home Category: Research

My project is a partially assembled CH 750 STOL. The project was started by a gentleman in our EAA Chapter and unfortunately he was unable to finish due his death. This was his sixth plane the five before all flew after he constructed them. This kit sat for about three years before the family elected to sell it and I was able to come to an agreeable price and finished transporting the last of the parts on July 25, 2022. The project came with a Lycoming O-235 which is currently hanging on the aircraft and major components are assembled. I am now in the process of going through all plans and logs to develop my to do list and take this project to completion.

This is my first build project so a fairly steep learning curve but I have lots of support. Photos show the storage of wings at a friends hangar, transport of the fuselage to my garage and placing it in its new home for at least the next few months.