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Rotorcraft Buyer’s Guide: Time to Get Buzzy!
®
YOUR HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT AUTHORITY
Exclusive Survey: What Builders Say About...
The Mighty RANS S-7
February 2010
Hi There, Highlander
Just Aircraft’s Friendly Utility Machine
The Filter, Watson
Clues To Your Engine’s Health Inside the Oil Filter
Future Tech:
The Truth About
ADS-B
Go Fly
The New SkyView!
TM
TM
$3,900 for 7” PFD System
Add $600 for Engine Monitoring
The PFD comes standard with synthetic vision and top-down terrain view.
$3,900 includes a single 7” Display ($2,700) and ADAHRS Module ($1,200).
EMS Module ($600), engine sensor kits additional.
Also available: 10” Display ($3,600) and additional ADAHRS ($800 each).
www.DynonAvionics.com 425-402-0433
Info@DynonAvionics.com
Seattle,Washington
February 2010 | Volume 27, Number 2
On the cover: Paul Bertorelli photographed the RANS S-7 in West Desert, Utah.
2010 Rotorcraft Buyer’s Guide
22
Rotorcraft buyer’s guide
This year, we present 47 whirlybirds you can build from plans or
kits, some of them qualifying as Light Sport Aircraft; compiled
by Cory Emberson.
Builder Survey
6
22
Wilderness calling
Let’s meet the RANS S-7 and some builders who appreciate all
that it has to offer; by Mary Bernard.
Flight Reports
36
Mission ready
Just Aircraft’s Highlander will take you anywhere you want to go;
by Bill Repucci.
Builder Spotlight
44
49
all about avionics: electrical connections
When a single wire just won’t do; by Stein Bruch.
Build a bear: some assembly required
It’s time to mount the wings on the Texas Sport Cub and
schedule an appointment with the DAR; by Dave Prizio.
70
completions
Builders share their successes.
Shop Talk
71
aero ’lectrics
Parts is parts; by Jim Weir.
Designer’s Notebook
64
Wind Tunnel
Close encounters of the static aeroelasticity kind;
by Barnaby Wainfan.
Exploring
6
2
around the patch
Zen and the art of crisis control; by Marc Cook.
Garmin goes online with training, and Sky-Tec has a new
starter for Continentals; edited by Mary Bernard.
4
What’s New
29ADS-B and experimental aircraft
Is the future now? By Amy Laboda.
54Cut the can, Man
60
63
The search was on for the perfect oil filter cutter; by Bob Fritz.
engine beat
Join the oil filter scavenger hunt; Steve Ells.
ask the dar
Exhibition category certification; by Mel Asberry.
More Light Sport entries to the wet set with the Rotax 914equipped SeaRey LSX; by Dave Martin.
73
Light STuff
Kit Bits
49
5Letters
66 List of Advertisers
67Builders’ Marketplace
75The Classified Builder
80Kit Stuff
Drawing on experience; by cartoonist Robrucha.
KITPLANES February 2010
1
Turbulence is part of flying, and, in
a business sense, a likely partner in any
aviation endeavor. Zenith Aircraft has had
its fair share of bumps and thumps lately,
starting last spring, when the NTSB, in the
process of investigating in-flight breakups of CH 601XL Zodiac aircraft, recommended that the design be grounded
in both Experimental/Amateur-Built and
Special Light Sport (SLSA) form.
The board indicated that aileron flutter was the likely cause of the accidents,
and recommended a “comprehensive
evaluation of the wing and aileron system...including ground vibration tests,
to identify design and/or operational
changes that will reduce the potential
for flutter.”
For any manufacturer, a mandate like
this from the NTSB, even if it carried no
legal weight, would be enough to cause
headaches worthy of a case of Excedrin.
If that wasn’t bad enough, what followed the NTSB announcement, predictably, were broadside indictments of the
design from every armchair engineer
and aerodynamicist with Internet access.
The design is weak. The ailerons will flutter
in a stiff breeze. Fly one and you’ll die.
Zenith, as both a company and a family of aviation enthusiasts, could not let
this stand—because of safety concerns,
of course, but you have to imagine that
it didn’t like the rubbishing of its image.
So it began an internal program to find
out just what was happening. A groundvibration test was conducted on a conforming airframe and it passed, which
naturally leads a company, which has
had no problems with its own examples
Marc Cook
2
KITPLANES February 2010
Zen and the art of
crisis control.
of the design, to conclude that we could
be seeing builder/pilot error. In July, the
company issued recommendations to
check aileron cable tension and, as a proactive measure, reduced the maximum
gross weight and recommended maneuvering speeds of the 601XL to help build
some margin while it continued the
investigation.
The issue went relatively quiet until
another in-flight breakup occurred in
early November, causing the FAA to publish a Special Airworthiness Information
Bulletin (again, bulletin, not a rule or a
grounding for the homebuilt versions)
that strongly advised owners of flying
601XLs and CH 650s to voluntarily ground
the aircraft while the factory came up
with a fix.
At this point, Zenith was already well
along with its own modification program, and was watching the efforts of the
United Kingdom’s rulemakers, who were
beginning to require aileron balance
weights to gain certification over there.
Within days, Zenith published detailed
documents of the fix and communicated
with owners and builders about timelines
and costs. What’s more, the company
began posting photos and video of the
upgrade process on its builder web sites.
(Links to these and other documents can
be found on our site, www.kitplanes.com,
as well.)
In fact, “the fix” was actually several,
including addition of the aileron balance
weights. Zenith has been refreshingly
up front about the process and the components of the update kit, which were
expected to be available to builders and
owners in mid November for around
$300, basically the cost of materials. But
let’s not sugar coat this: The update kit
is extensive, including mainspar reinforcements, modifications to the seat/
spar carrythrough area, aft spar mounting plates, plus an aileron bellcrank reinforcement in the wing. Estimates are the
kit will require 80 to 100 hours to install.
Company patriarch Chris Heintz has said
that this series of modifications should
answer any question about the design’s
strength, and build in large flutter and
structural margins. A belt-and-suspenders approach, in other words.
Quite beyond the safety aspect, which
I think Zenith is working diligently to
address, there’s one of prestige for the
company and product value to owners.
Before we call Zenith an outlier, remember that the Beech V-tail Bonanza had a
very similar episode in the early 1980s,
when the design was implicated in inflight breakups. It was an ugly mess at the
time—not helped by Beech’s denial that
there was a problem—but eventually a
fix was found, implemented, and both
the reputation and value of the aircraft
were restored. Turbulence seems worst
when you’re in the middle of it, right? J
Zenith’s Zodiac CH 650.
has been in aviation journalism for 20 years and in magazine work for more than 25. He is
a 4000-hour instrument-rated, multi-engine pilot with experience in nearly 150 types. He’s
completed two kit aircraft, an Aero Designs Pulsar XP and a Glastar Sportsman 2+2.
Photo: Courtesy Zenith
Touch ’n go. Redefined.
Introducing the aera™ series: Leveraging Garmin’s industry-leading
expertise in both Aviation and Automotive GPS, these versatile new
portables let you transition seamlessly from runways to roadways –
with easy touchscreen command. Four aera models offer a full range
of cost/capability choices – two of which support XM™ satellite weather
and entertainment options1. In pilot mode, detailed flight mapping,
terrain advisories, and our patented Panel page are featured. Plus, U.S.
SafeTaxi® charts and AOPA Airport Directory are included on select
models. Then, in automotive mode, there’s preloaded City Navigator®
NT street mapping with turn-by-turn audio that calls out streets by
name. You get Bluetooth® support for hands-free calling. And premium
models even add lane assist, traffic alerts2 and more. Garmin aera series:
It’s the ultimate fly/drive option.
Follow the leader.
NASDAQ GRMN
©2009 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth
SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license.
1
Subscriptions are required for optional XM weather and audio
entertainment packages (sold separately).
2
Navteq traffic alerts require an external TMC receiver (sold separately).
www.garmin.com
Garmin Expands Online Training
Garmin has announced the expansion of its eLearning
computer-based training program and will offer training through an online portal. Starting last November, on
www.flygarmin.com, customers for the first time will be
able to access online training for the GPSMAP 396, 496
and 695/696 (VFR conditions), and the G1000 (IFR conditions). The online system will be updated periodically to
reflect the most current software versions available.
With the online eLearning program, customers can view
multi-media content, practice procedures on simulated
devices, track progress and generate reports and completion certificates for each course. When logging on, the customer will be able to choose a topic of interest and watch a simulated demonstration of
the task, such as creating a flight plan. Then onscreen prompts will help the user practice the task step by step. Later, the user can practice the task without the prompts.
A 90-day subscription to GPSMAP handheld series training is available for $49.95; a
90-day subscription to the G1000 training is $99.95. A CD-ROM-based course for the
GPSMAP 695/696 (shown in photo) is available for $99.95 from authorized dealers.
Find a direct link to www.flygarmin.com at www.kitplanes.com.
Sky-Tec’s ST5 Starters
for Continentals
The new Continental ST5 series starters are the result of a clean-slate engineering
approach to addressing customers’ specific needs for a powerful, lightweight starter
that is safe for use on all TCM starter adapters, the company says.
“Customers with big-bore Continental engines have been wanting a safe, strong
replacement for their TCM factory OEM Iskra starters,” says Rich Chiappe, general
manager. “Sky-Tec Engineering focused on coupling a lightweight, heavy-duty motor
with an innovative internal release mechanism that decouples the starter’s powerful
permanent magnet motor from the TCM engine’s starter adapter input shaft.”
In addition to being a replacement for the Iskra starter,
the ST5 series is suitable for certificated aircraft owners
with IO-520 and TSIO-550 engines.
The new ST5 series starters are available from Sky-Tec
dealers in both 12-volt (C12ST5) and 24-volt (C24ST5)
models. List prices range from $735 (12-volt) to $785
(24-volt).
For more information, visit www.skytecair.com. Find a
direct link at www.kitplanes.com. J
To submit a press release on a homebuilt-related product, email a detailed description and high-resolution photograph to editorial@kitplanes.com. Mailing address is KITPLANES®, New Products, 203 Argonne Ave, Suite B105, Long Beach, CA 90803. Visit www.
kitplanes.com/freeinfo.asp for information on “What’s New” items and advertised products. Select the issue in which the item
appeared, and then select the categories of information or individual advertisers you’re interested in. You’ll receive an e-mail.
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-ChiefMarc Cook
editorial@kitplanes.com
Managing EditorMary Bernard
Art DirectorSuzanne Stackle
Senior Editor Bob Fritz
Editor at Large Dave Martin
Contributing EditorsChuck Berthe, Stein Bruch,
Steve Ells, Cory Emberson,
Ed Kolano, Amy Laboda,
Rick Lindstrom, Dave Prizio,
Dick Starks, Barnaby Wainfan,
Jim Weir, Tom Wilson,
Ed Wischmeyer
WebmasterOmar Filipovic
CartoonistRobrucha
ADVERTISING
Publisher/Ad DirectorCindy Pedersen
cindy@kitplanes.com
Sr. Advertising ManagerChuck Preston
chuck@kitplanes.com
BUSINESS OFFICE
Main Number: 760/436-4747
203 Argonne Ave, B105
Long Beach, CA 90803
Editorial: 562/608-8251, Fax 562/372-3288
PRODUCTION & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
Production ManagerMarsha Blessing
717/731-1405 ads@kitplanes.com
Classified AdvertisingAllyson Patton
717/982-0744 ads@kitplanes.com
CIRCULATION
Circulation DirectorLisa Evans
Circulation ManagerLaura McMann
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Web site Information: General homebuilt aircraft information, back issue availability, online directories ordering info, plus a Kitplanes® article index and selected articles can be found at www.kitplanes.com.
Unsolicited manuscripts: Are welcome on an exclusive basis, but none can be acknowledged or returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited material.
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POSTMASTER: Please send address changes and subscription inquiries to: Kitplanes®, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 or call 800/622-1065. Kitplanes® is a registered trademark of Aviation Publishing Group, LLC.
4
KITPLANES February 2010
editorial@kitplanes.com or kitplanes@mac.com
Ask the Man Who Built One
A note to RANS boss Randy Schlitter:
KITPLANES® magazine just released
the electronic version of their 2009
issue, which has the Kit Buyer’s Guide.
The entry for the S-19 incorrectly identifies the construction material as tube
and fabric. I don’t know if it’s too late
to correct the print issue. Thought you
might want to know.
Bruce Fox
S-19 S/N 0076
Thanks to Bruce and Randy for passing
along the information. Obviously, calling
the all-metal S-19 a tube-and-fabric design
was our mistake, and it wasn’t brought to
our attention until after the December
issue had gone to press. However, we have
corrected it in our online database.—Ed.
I have been an avid reader/subscriber for
many years and really enjoy the magazine. The directory used to list if a plane
had a folding wing option. Although
many planes don’t, I think that it would
be helpful to include that info….especially with the LSAs becoming popular.
Also, I would like to see the airfoil type
that each plane uses, as that would help
make educated comparisons.
Last of all, I really enjoy the Barnaby
Wainfan “Wind Tunnel” section. I wish
he would do an article on changing the
thrust line of an airplane. Many people
(myself included) want to use an auto
engine in their airplanes. If direct drive
is used, the thrust line will change significantly. I have not been able to find
any information on this subject, so per-
haps you could nudge Barnaby in that
direction. Keep up the great magazine,
as I thoroughly enjoy it each month.
Mike O’Brien
Hey, guys. I have enjoyed your magazine for years and have just recently
subscribed. I’ve been in the market to
purchase an airplane and
I keep coming back to the
Experimental aircraft.
One big stipulation that
I need is one with folding
wings. Have y’all (yes, I’m
from Texas) run a story on
kit planes that offer folding
wings? If not I would love to
see what options are available.
Jeff Rockwood
Good questions about folding wings.
Although we don’t list this data in the
printed version of our Kit and Plansbuilt
Buyer’s Guides, the information is in the
online database as a search field. We’ ll
take a look at adding this data point to
our normal Flight Review specifications
box.—Ed.
so the panel will fit. I have upgraded the
Pulsar to XP with the Rotax 912 and
have made too many changes.
Now I must quit modifying and just
finish the plane before I am too old to
fly (I just turned 78). Your article sure is
a great push to finish. Keep up the good
work with the magazine.
Bob Taylor J
Be a Winner!
Pulsar Maximus
I was very surprised to receive the
December 2009 issue of KITPLANES®
and see the feature article on the Grand
Rapids EFIS, which was installed in my
Pulsar. My Pulsar kit number is #7 and
I have been working on it for over 20
years. The EFIS I specified was the Horizon HX when I placed the order a year
A Cry for Completions
We know you builders have been busy, and we want to share the stories of your success.
But we’re running low on Completions (see this month’s entries on Page 70). So crank
up the PC, get that film developed, and send your text and photos (digital preferred)
to editorial@kitplanes.com, subject line: Completions. You can mail prints or slides to
KITPLANES, 203 Argonne Ave., Suite B105, Long Beach, CA 90803.
Photo: Bob Taylor
and a half ago, and the panel was built
by Aerotronics. The panel will probably be one of the most expensive ever
installed in a Pulsar. The serial number
on the Grand Rapids EFIS is 0003.
When I started the plane I installed
a nose tank, as I was going to put the
Rotax 532 up front; the panel is too
deep, so I have to cut holes in the tank
Beginning next month, we’ll award
one full year’s KITPLANES® subscription (or an extension for current
subscribers) if we pick your missive as
the Best Letter of the month. What’s
the catch? Nothing! Hit us with
your best shot...let us know what
you’re thinking, and we’ll reward
the effort with a chance to receive
12 issues of the best Experimental
aircraft magazine money can buy.
(We’re still not kidding!) Write to
editorial@kitplanes.com or mail your
manifesto to KITPLANES, 203 Argonne
Ave., Suite B105, Long Beach, CA
90803.
KITPLANES February 2010
5