Comments on: Light Sport Breakups

By: Alvaro

Alvaro — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:50:59 +0000

Hiya!. Thanks a bunch for the info. I’ve been digging around looking some info up for shool, but there is so much out there. Google lead me here – good for you i suppose! Keep up the good work. I will be coming back in a few days to see if there is updated posts.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:32:40 +0000

Hi … I found this oage by mistake. I was looking in Bing for Accounting software that I had already purchased when I came upon your site, I have to say your website is really cool I just love the theme, its amazing!. I don’t have the time today to totally read your entire site but I bookmarked it and also will sign up for your RSS feeds. I will be back around in a day or two. Thanks again for a nice site.

By: Isaac

Isaac — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:14:15 +0000

Just proceed safely, the FAA said fly inside the evelope and its a good design.

By: David Hiser

David Hiser — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 21:15:09 +0000

I am building a 601XL at this time. I purchased the kit knowing there was some history involved, however there was never conclusive proof what was going on and appeared to be based on rumors from back yard engineers. I decided to move forward thinking that the FAA would step in if the facts reflected the need. I am a bit bummed for myself and Zenith, but in the long run it will be best for the safety of the 601 fleet as well as all LSA’s. In the mean time I have my tail feathers done and 75% of my wings. I will move ahead slowly as we follow this.

By: Steve Look

Steve Look — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 18:18:40 +0000

The flex aileron hinge is probably the most thoughly tested part of the 601XL. A convention hinge option is available for the sceptical. I have not seen anything to suggest the hinge has any part in this investigation. There is already quite enough of unfounded speculation as it is.

By: Terry Bounds

Terry Bounds — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:56:05 +0000

I am a long time fan of the Zenair line and a retired Blacksmith. I shied away from building a 601 when I was informed that the design does not have aileron hinges but rather used the uper wing skins as a sort of, flexing hinge. I am not an engineer but my experience tells me that constant flexing of any metal will cause cracks. I could imangine that partial loss of an aileron (the same reason we check the aileron hinges in pre-flight) could cause structural failure of the wing. If I were an owner, I would consider re-engineering the wing to include hinges.

By: Mack Kreizenbeck

Mack Kreizenbeck — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:24:42 +0000

Gentlemen:
This problem will soon pass — resulting in the CH601XL being the most tested and safest LSA out there. This, in itself, will give current and future owners a higher degree of confidence in the bird.
Cessna is having its problems and Beech (doctor and attorney killer), Ercoupe, as well as others, have had their turn at remedying similar opportunities for a cure.
I have utmost faith in the airplane and the factory.

By: Rick Lindstrom

Rick Lindstrom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:07:38 +0000

This is not a new issue, we Zenith 601 builders/pilots have been actively researching this “problem” for several years. At this time, there is no identifcation of one single causal factor for the wing failures when the 601 airframe is overstressed in flight. The FAA has concurred with the manufacturer that the aircraft is safe to fly as long as the aileron cable tensions are within spec, and the airframe is operated within its designed flight envelope. The recent NTSB report, unfortunately, relies on hearsay and “eyewitness observations” for many of it conclusions, with very little scientific data.

No one wants to fly a “deadly” (as Mr. Wilson calls it) airplane. His bias for Cessna products is profoundly displayed here, and his ill-chosen comments do nothing but harm the image of all LSA aircraft in general, and the 601 specifically. (BTW, Steve, the Skycatcher crashes wouldn’t have the happy endings they did without the full deployment of the BRS systems that saved the pilot’s bacon in each instance. Why didn’t mention that very pertinent fact?)

Personally, I’m glad the NTSB has brought this issue back to the forefront. As a 601 pilot, I’d like to see some concrete conclusions reached after all the data is gathered and distilled. In the mean time, however, I’ll check my cable tensions, fly the airplane as it was designed, and enjoy the magic of flight.

By: Stephen Wilson

Stephen Wilson — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:48:29 +0000

It’s apparent that if you fly one of these, you’re a credulous test pilot.

By: Bob Davidson

Bob Davidson — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:48:33 +0000

That ought to reduce the price on existing models of Zenair. Nows the time to buy at rock bottom prices and wait for the fix.