On 16 Feb 2004 00:51:55 GMT, (DL152279546231) wrote:

I was checking the database for accidents relating to the Zenith CH 701. I set
the date range 1983 to present and left everything at default except the model
which I listed as CH 701. I only found 2, would you say that was pretty good?

Too specific a search. As Vaughn mentions, builders name their airplanes
as the whim strikes.

Try it this way: Set the "Amateur-Built" pull-down to "Yes" and search for
"701" as the aircraft model. Eleven records come up, all obviously Zenair
CH-701s.

Both of those appear to be related to engine failures which a kitplane
manufacturer cannot be faulted...

Snicker. Substitute "Mini-500" for "CH-701" and see if people will agree
with you.... :-)

Seriously, though, the decisions a kit maker/designer makes can have
long-term ramifications. They may decide that a boost pump isn't needed,
or show a fuel-line routing too close to exhaust components. *Why* an
engine failed is the most important factor.

although I do wonder about the glide
characteristics of a design specifically for STOL operations

A plane only performs as well as its pilot. If the pilot in inexperienced,
undertrained, or unprepared, all bets are off. A good STOL airplane like
the CH-701 can at least maximize the chance for the pilot to walk away...

Ron Wanttaja