Hi guys,
I have read a ton about the inflight breakups of the zenair 600 series aircraft.
I also read the FAA bulletin released in November 2009. Sine then, have any
Other failures of the aircraft failed due to inflight breakup?
Have the new kits being sold now been improved so they don't encounter a
Inflight breakup?
Zenith-zenair ch601 ch-650
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Posthumane
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Re: Zenith-zenair ch601 ch-650
There were some in flight break ups with the 601XL model specifically (and they may have been attributable to pilots overstressing the aircraft somewhat). Zenair released a modification to their spars (I believe) which seemed to have solved any underlying issue, as I don't believe there have been any issues since. The modified models have been termed 601XL-B or XLB. If you look at ads on barnstormers, many of them will specify that "B mods" have been done on existing aircraft or that they were simply built to B specs. Earlier 601 HD and HDS models didn't have the problem, and I don't think the 650 did either.
"People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it." -George Bernard Shaw
Re: Zenith-zenair ch601 ch-650
They are solid now. A AD, or amateur version of it, was sent out back in the day, but Zen was stubborn for a long time about it. Since compliance is optional on a homebuilt, I'd make sure it was done before I bought one but if it's done, they are still great planes! No issues with any of the newer versions and the 650 is very popular now!
