Any opinions on Zodiac XL?

[JK]

Hello to all homebuilders!

To be brief, I am planning to build an airplane and I am strongly
considering the Zenith Zodiac XL. It suits my purposes nicely, and I could
fly it under the Sport Pilot rules if the need arises (i.e., in case someday
I need to make use of the driver's license medical provision). I currently
own a Cherokee 180, which I plan to keep (until the money runs out!).

Within the next few weeks, I plan to make a trip to the Zenith factory for a
demonstration flight.

Can anyone out there supply me with an opinion, or advice, regarding Zenith
or the Zodiac XL?

Thanks in advance!

[Jim Carriere]

JK wrote:
> Can anyone out there supply me with an opinion, or advice, regarding Zenith
> or the Zodiac XL?

First disclaimer, I've never even seen one up close. The design
looks good, and the company website is well done too (this reflects
positively on them).

I think you're on the right track doing your homework, paying a visit
to the factory, and getting a demo ride before you put down any
money. In other words, your selection process seems sound to me.

I'd recommend looking at the Zenith email list at:

http://www.matronics.com/z-list/index.htm

It might take you a few days to get through all the material. There
should be quite a bit of stuff there about building, flying,
different engines, and who knows what else.

[Gig Giacona]

"JK" > wrote in message
nk.net...
> Hello to all homebuilders!
>
> To be brief, I am planning to build an airplane and I am strongly
> considering the Zenith Zodiac XL. It suits my purposes nicely, and I
> could fly it under the Sport Pilot rules if the need arises (i.e., in case
> someday I need to make use of the driver's license medical provision). I
> currently own a Cherokee 180, which I plan to keep (until the money runs
> out!).
>
> Within the next few weeks, I plan to make a trip to the Zenith factory for
> a demonstration flight.
>
> Can anyone out there supply me with an opinion, or advice, regarding
> Zenith or the Zodiac XL?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>

JK,

I'm building a 601XL you can see my progress at my website
www.peoamerica.net/N601WR

The biggest advise I can give is go to the factory fly the plane and build
the rudder at the workshop. It'll cost you $3?? plus travel and well worth
the money. If after you build the rudder you decide the plane isn't for you
you'll have a conversation starter to hang on the wall.

[Henning DE]

You had a look at the Vans Aircraft RV series ?
Their design looks much more thrustworthy to me than the Zodiac.
To me, the Zodiac is a beefed-up ultralight aircraft.
Just look at their "hingless aileron" design !

Regards

Henning DE

[Kyle Boatright]

"Henning DE" > wrote in message
...
> You had a look at the Vans Aircraft RV series ?
> Their design looks much more thrustworthy to me than the Zodiac.
> To me, the Zodiac is a beefed-up ultralight aircraft.
> Just look at their "hingless aileron" design !
>
> Regards
>
> Henning DE

I built and fly an RV, but if the OP's goal is to build something that
qualifies for Sport Pilot, Zenith and Sonex seem to be his choices. I'd
lean towards Sonex, but that's just me. On the other hand, if the OP wants
to wait a couple of years, the RV-12 will probably be ready...

KB

[Gig Giacona]

"Henning DE" > wrote in message
...
> You had a look at the Vans Aircraft RV series ?
> Their design looks much more thrustworthy to me than the Zodiac.
> To me, the Zodiac is a beefed-up ultralight aircraft.
> Just look at their "hingless aileron" design !
>
> Regards
>
> Henning DE
>

Have you done any research into the hingless aileron? I didn't think so.

[Lou]

>


Although I do like the Zodiac XL, after checking out actual cost, the
Zodiac started to cost more than an RV. This may have changed recently
but the RV's included the cowling with their kits and the Zodiac where
extra. This raised the cost consideribly. Through in the difference
between 135 mph and 195 mph plus the pre drilled matched holes and it
becomes simpler.
Just my 2 cents.
Lou
>

[JK]

Thanks for the help and advice!


"JK" > wrote in message
nk.net...
> Hello to all homebuilders!
>
> To be brief, I am planning to build an airplane and I am strongly
> considering the Zenith Zodiac XL. It suits my purposes nicely, and I
> could fly it under the Sport Pilot rules if the need arises (i.e., in case
> someday I need to make use of the driver's license medical provision). I
> currently own a Cherokee 180, which I plan to keep (until the money runs
> out!).
>
> Within the next few weeks, I plan to make a trip to the Zenith factory for
> a demonstration flight.
>
> Can anyone out there supply me with an opinion, or advice, regarding
> Zenith or the Zodiac XL?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>