Building the Zenith CH 750 Cruzer kit airplane: Top Wing Skins (part three)

Assembling the wing kit of the Zenith CH750 Cruzer kit airplane: Part Three: Positioning and clecoing the top wing skins. Drilling through pilot holes into wing spar.
Previous: Bottom Wing Skins: Part 2:
• Building the Zenith CH...
Next: Riveting the bottom skins
FMI: www.zenithair.com
Note: This video is not meant to be used for instructional purposes. It is strictly informational. While most holes are supplied final hole size match drilled, some holes are pilot holes and need to be drilled to final hole size.
www.zenithair.com
#ch750sd #skyjeep #zenithair #BuildItFlyIt #ZenithSTOL #ch750 #STOLCH750 #kitplane #homebuilt #zenair #rivet #drill #6061 #airplanekit #airplaneassembly #buildaplane

[@davepugh2198]

Being an “Old School” shop teacher, and “Aeronautical Outsider”, I have found these videos informative, the comments and their related company comments to provide answers to my own post view questions. I too agree that the younger builder should be wearing some form of eye protection. The top “skin” lap of the wing question and company response, satisfied my curiosity there. I think if I were to build this plane I would wear throw away cotton industrial type assembly gloves, and a forehead sweat band, Not sure if interior corrosion could be adverted by their use, but why not ? The folks who build cars just north of here use them ! Very, Very good information here ! David Pugh

[@benjaminwilliams1502]

Thanks for posting these videos!

[@timmayer8723]

I worked as a A&P mechanic back in the sixties for Ted Smith Aviation, building the prototype Aerostar twin engine executive aircraft. The leading edge skin IS overlapping the upper skin of the wing panel. Also this plane is built to the minimum standards as required by the FAA. That does not mean it is inexpensive but it is not designed for aerobatics. Straight and level at modest speed is its place in the sky.

[@MasboyRC]

Awesome build, thanks for sharing 👍

[@paoemantega8793]

Excellent video - thank you for posting

[@alanwilson4751]

Great video guys. The finishing details will ad time but I scratch built a 701 and I spent 10 months making each wing. This is incredibly easy and I didn't see any measuring to this point! Excellent!

[@j.c.guigou2558]

I have to admit some of you guys are smart and watchful which is great. The plans are very simple to read at the end of the video! But again good eye fellows!! : )

[@Mikhail1221]

Молодцы мужики. Хорошая работа !

[@sierraecho884]

Interesting to see how the skin is overlapping in the exact opposite direction I was expecting.

[@CheetahNL]

The wing is overlapping in the expected direction. But the wing is moving through the air in the exact opposite direction ;-)

[@sierraecho884]

@@CheetahNL Not sure what you mean. The "thicker" portion is the front and the overlap is in such a way where upper sheet creates a ridge where air will hit the sheet metal.

[@osmarfernandomajor608]

very good video, in 5years i will order my zenith..........

[@Mj-hr7wv]

Beautiful ❤️ do much precision there

[@rangsilandrew3542]

been watching your videos...very informative

[@larrybuchanan7161]

This is great! I think I could do something like this.

[@gregorygig1495]

great video!!

[@edsoncoelho1063]

Os Americanos Merece Parabéns

[@elcreador6675]

Excelente 🇩🇴🇩🇴🌎

[@markmaltais3711]

Lot more ribs in this wing than my 750 STOL! :-0

[@wellingtondasilvaaze]

Parabéns

[@riazfarid8213]

ماشاء الله VERY GOOD NICE

[@davepugh2198]

Hey, Also wanted to add I liked the offhand use by the older builder in controlling the depth of the drill bit. His hand against the wing creates an “Anchor Point” giving greater drill control to 90 or other degree of angle needs. I would assume as well, that it is important, Not to dimple the skin with an out of control drill chuck. David Pugh

[@simonbaxter8001]

I always use the reflection in the skins of the drill bit to ensure its going in perpendicular too ! Helps seat and set the rivets straighter (especially on solid rivet based aircraft like the Vans series)

[@budipirang2694]

Wow l like it very good

[@gary24752]

Wondering why the overlap is not reversed from what they did to keep wind driven water from going under the rear skin of the wing.

[@rulfi1950]

I´m wondering the same... It´s a mistake?

[@zenithac]

When riveting the assembly together the overlap is the other way (so no worries at all about it being reversed).

[@sebastienheintz]

That's just for fitting and drilling. The noseskin overlaps the rear skin when riveted together.

[@lalthazovakhawlhring2985]

Same on

[@ruymoraes199]

I tought exactly the same. If you imagine that the wind component cames from the front of the wing, the inverted shaping can cause an increase of forces inside the wing.

[@anthonyvega1959]

Do the clecos come with the kit or is that something to be purchased separately

[@therchobbylife7048]

Are all the parts pre pilot drilled?

[@emmanuelegyir8661]

am interested in building this aircraft what should I study to do this

[@user-vu8oi1ib3f]

why overlap sheets made the other way around?

[@larrycessna172]

Even I could do this. I will build one some day!

[@emersonyuninogordillopardo4540]

discula amigo en que pagina web allaste ese plano de esa avioneta

[@humnpwr]

It doesn’t seem right that you put the leading edge skin under the top sheet???

[@royalmaster203]

horay for cleco's

[@avro549B]

How are they deciding where to drill the supplementary holes where the skins overlap? There doesn't seem to be any measuring or guide marks.

[@alanwilson4751]

There are holes in the skin. They just drill through the spar and the skin underneath

[@marcdenis6466]

Why was the trailing edge top sheet lapped on top of the leading edge sheet? That would seem to create a higher drag configuration. 🤷‍♂️

[@stonesofetown6767]

Marc Denis I think it is just for drilling. They look to be using the prepunched holes as drill guides. I bet they river in final assembly with the te of the le sheet on top

[@rlgonion]

are you still selling the CH 801 4 seater or updating it to a 801 cruzer stol?

[@zenithac]

www.zenair801.info/

[@marrcelloo2009]

Spok working, from Star Trek....

[@charosenz]

I know this video is more than a year old but I too wondered about corrosion protection, does the factory take a position on using corrosion protection on the inside prior to riveting?

[@charosenz]

Sorry for the above post, I see this was discussed in video #1 and missed it the first time....

[@alanwilson4751]

6061 material has silicon in it so it has great corrosion protection. 2024 has a layer of pure aluminum on it for protection. The overlaps will be fine in a no salt environment for probably 50 years. But you could paint a stripe in the overlaps if it just makes you feel better.

[@mattwoody1089]

Build a pretty tail dragged !!!!!!

[@VincentRoxanne]

嗯 很酷

[@jonakemboi8091]

please kindly tell me what size are those clecos you"re using on the top skin?

[@desireeforget8250]

black clecos are 5/32 inch

[@amtpdb1]

If you want to do a plans built, can you? If you can, can you build the spar from the plans or must it be purchased? Thanks for the video.

[@zenithac]

Yes, you can scratch-build the aircraft from the plans (including the wing spars)

[@amtpdb1]

Thanks for answering. Have a nice day.

[@jonakemboi8091]

i wonder if there is no need to debur the top skin holes?

[@WireWeHere]

Wondering that myself. Built a lot of prototype equipment for a heli structural repair facility plus a complete rebuild of an old but extremely heavy CP450 hot dimpler they picked up cheap at an auction. I noticed that any deviation from the specified hole wasn't acceptable and according to the manual's examples could result in a wide range of failures. As in The Aviator movie, I want flush rivets. Oh and a magical canopy I can make disappear whenever I want. Well Mr. Hughes, Those rivets will be extremely difficult but the disappearing canopy, got a couple in stock. Peace.

[@leadpan]

How is the leading edge sheet folded? manually or with a machine?

[@88jonaconda]

Usually with sheet metal rollers....but for something this size it's easy to fabricate a jig if you want it perfect. Also could bend by hand but that takes alittle more skill with rubber mallet and sandbags Edit: gig jig

[@josiahjulin1277]

Why can't the trailing edge of the leading edge skins be CNC drilled?

[@alanwilson4751]

Probably because you have to do something to meet the 51% rule

[@gvrose1]

Why dose the leading edge aluminium go underneath the main skin? Can't water be forced into the wing this way when flying in the rain?

[@sebastienheintz]

That's just for fitting and drilling. The noseskin overlaps the rear skin when riveted together.

[@alanwilson4751]

even if water ot in there, it would not hurt anything. But paint will seal the gap anyway

[@scsirob]

I do hope you tell people not to forget to rivet the flaperon hinges before riveting all those skins.. Four clecoes won't hold it in place for long.

[@tntx2]

+scsirob I'm glad that I wasn't the only one that caught that. I was very confused when they started doing all the skin but didn't mention the riveting of the hinges.

[@alanwilson4751]

It all has to come apart to deburr the spar holes. Then everrything gets final riveted

[@robertcarmody612]

I’m wondering when the fuel tank is to be installed.

[@alanwilson4751]

after dissasembly

[@jaimearaque8503]

From 8:58 on, the bit needs sharpening!!!!! A sharp bit through aluminum should be like a knife through molten butter.

[@bp30656]

Was wondering the same thing about the overlap. For the comment about eye protection why are you worried about his eyes?

[@ronaldleblanc7786]

There appears to be a gap between the the front of the ribs and the curved front leading edge skin. Is this correct?

[@alienmoon1247]

Ronald LeBlanc I was going to ask that too. looks like the metal should over lap so no air would catch lip or gap?

[@viktor.stojic]

Ronald LeBlanc Also strange is that leading edge skin is going under over wing skin. That means that air stream is going towards to tear that joint. Maybe that isn't matter because thee is no such a strong air flow, but still... :)

[@zenithac]

Ronald LeBlanc Once tightened, the leading edge skin wraps tightly around the nose ribs for a very nice fit.

[@zenithac]

Viktor Stojic That's just while drilling. The noseskin overlaps the rear skin when riveted together.

[@viktor.stojic]

That's much better option! Also i'm very glad that you replyed!

[@carretocajamar]

Show. Brazil. Soult of América Fantastic

[@gloger]

Why aren't the pushrods/cables positioned & attached to Bell Cranks before skinning? Similarly the fuel tanks, hoses, & wiring? Why is the trailing edge skin placed atop the leading edge skin - won't this cause unnecessary turbulence? I though everything was match drilled. Using the skins as drill guides into the spar could widen skin holes leading to motion & wear. Also you forfeit the chance to deburr the spar, setting up stress risers.

[@zenithac]

+Barry Gloger Good questions. There are no pushrods or cables inside the wing, keeping things very simple (the flaperon is separate from the wing and actuated at the fuselage, The wing tank plumbing is easy typically done before riveting the top skin (over the tank). We do recommend any burrs be removed before riveting. More: www.zenithair.com

[@andrecornevin6498]

Barry Gloger et EHPAD EHPAD BO1

[@alanwilson4751]

Because there aren't any. It is all external Fuel parts all get put in after dissassembly, deburring and then you rivet it all together

[@stonesofetown6767]

Why do you cleqeo everything then take it ass apart and river? Can’t you debur and fit everything then use the clecoes to hold things in place while you river?

[@stonesofetown6767]

W C auto correct got me. But the question is still valid. Since I know nothing why don’t you enlighten me?! Instead of trolling me? Why so many clecos? Try not being an ass

[@edsoncoelho1063]

Serviços Especial ou Specializado

[@j.c.guigou2558]

Gee Guys, Beat them up why don't you? That was Rodger trying to show how quick and easy it all comes together! He does sales and a bit of demo flying. At the end of the video the plans absolutely call for the tanks to go in prior to skinning and riveting! Also for the leading edge to go on top of the wing skin. They slapped it together. Does not mean they went by the plans. There is a ton of other stuff that was not done. Like wires for lights, tubing for fuel cell, and the list goes on and on. This is a build that requires strict attention to what the hell you are doing as well as planning! You don't per say have to measure twice and cut once but if you have A.D.D. this may not be for you!!!! LOL The Zenith Aircraft is a great affordable and rather easy way of "Building and Flying something you know is right, because you built it". A man can take a lot of pride in that and no one can take that from you! I am going to build one of these one day soon. I've seen many kits this one make the most sense to me. Warning to buyers Have a plan and execute it with precise steps so you can be proud of your work. Get tips and ask the best way to do things? Maybe not Rodger but their techs I am sure are Number one in walking you through the steps. Let them know what you want and how you want it. They will inform you how to or find out quickly!

[@gumby442]

shouldn't the fuel tank and electrical wires go in before putting on the outer skin......or does one have to cut out panels to do that???

[@zenithac]

Yes, this is done before the top skin is riveted in

[@timmayer8723]

George Gonzalez wiring, hydraulics, fuel systems are installed before the skin is riveted to the airframe. In an aircraft this basic those systems are likewise simple.

[@zeekwolfe6251]

Aren't there modern adhesives that would replace all the drilling and riveting? I made a mistake of using incorrectly some expensive metal tape on my motor home. This stuff is fearfully sticky and can not be removed even after years of all-weather exposure.

[@zenithac]

+zeek wolfe Yes, probably, but it would make long-term reliability and effectiveness questionable... we find that match-drilled parts with blind (pulled "pop"-type) rivets to be best suited for assembly by amateur builders (not professionals in a factory environment)

[@2ndbar]

Are the pop rivets then filled with silicone to prevent leakage?

[@alanwilson4751]

Why do something untried? They are running a business and need to be very safe. People will not buy something different like that. Although you could rivet and glue as in their float construction. But it would ad a lot of weight, be messy and is overkill. Your aircraft would not be better. Also you would have to wait for each section to dry before doing the next. And what would hold the sheets in place and clost to the surface of the attaching sheet? Rivets.

[@fredor2844]

Are these parts anodized?

[@alanwilson4751]

no but 6061 material has silicon in it so it has great corrosion protection. 2024 has a layer of pure aluminum on it for protection.

[@starmakerindia1269]

Tell me some training institute in Asia

[@osmarfernandomajor608]

what is the maximum height of the wing?

[@WireWeHere]

3 years late...14,000 feet or so smartaas answer. Or how about 9 foot 2 inches at tail tip. Peace.

[@khalidbinswidan138]

Hello What tis price if I want to buy one

[@amansiddiqui3091]

2 lakh indian rupees for making reply me

[@Rpgr]

por que va sobrepuesto el aluminio contra el flujo de aire...deberia esta abajo para que no entre aire ni agua..al interior del ala.. o va sellado con algun otro pegamentop ?

[@mmichaeldonavon]

It isn't "petty," but one guy drilling had no eye protection. Could be a major problem.

[@davidmiller2830]

+Michael Donavon Yup.. Was just going to say the same thing. We all know safety glasses get used for keeping hair out of your face most of the time, but they should be here in a video... just to set a good example at least.

[@alanwilson4751]

It is no problem. the guy who is wearing it is probably only doing it because of the video.

[@mrdrone1386]

I see this wing so fragile...How g support?? WoooW

[@peterelektro865]

+6 -4 G as far as I know.

[@alanwilson4751]

Its a box structure, semi-monocoque. Airplanes have been built this way for 80 years. It was designed by a renowned engineer. hundreds have been built and have an excellent safety record. It works. It is surprisingly stiff when riveted together.

[@jmc18875]

Is their and engineering reason why you put the leading edge skin under the rib skin? I think it would be better to put the leading edge skin on top of the wing skin.

[@zenithac]

When riveting the assembly together the overlap is the other way (so no worries at all about it being reversed).

[@alanwilson4751]

I think the reason is that the curved skin has a tendency to lift when riveting and would have a bigger gap. and aerodynamically with such a plane it doesnt matter.

[@jaimeruiz9589]

Como lo hacen para q coinsida todos los agujeros para los remaches?

[@reidrr41]

TO JASON C, I THOUGHT THE SAME THING....I WOULD THINK IT WOULD BE MORE AERODYNAMIC PLUS AFTER TIME IT WOULD GET FATIGUED AND SEPERATE

[@zenithac]

When riveting the assembly together the overlap is the other way (so no worries at all about it being reversed).

[@alanwilson4751]

no it wont. Don't talk,,,,,build or do something

[@electoplater]

why are they drilling holes i thought it was matched drilled now the skins have to come off to debur or are they going to do a BOEING A N EW WORD FOR A COCK UP

[@joaquinbecerril5062]

hi guys what's the thickness of the aluminum sheet

[@zenithac]

+Joaquin Becerril Skin thickness ranges from .025 - .032 inches, all 6061-T6 aluminum alloy

[@alanwilson4751]

It is probably .016 and or .025

[@lindsaythomas2395]

Where is the fuel tank?

[@kremlin9898]

미국은 뭐든 하는구나. 땅이 넓으니, 개인 비행기도 사서 타고 다니고, 개인이 만들기도 하고, 부럽네. 내가사는 곳은 좁은 땅, 마음대로 날 수 없는 하늘, 온갖 규제...... 돈이 많으면 미국가서 비행교육도 받고, 마음에 드는 개인비행기 사서 날고싶다......

[@jasonholtzclaw4274]

And using pop rivets to hold this together, you don’t do that on aircraft

[@smokster0604]

PPE......

[@ryna9053]

ខ្ញុំចូលចិត្ត❤មើលហើយចង់ធ្វើណាស់តើស្លាប់នឹងធ្វើអំពីដែកឬអ្វី

[@granthubick8684]

I'd like a pair of those invisible safety glasses.

[@howto-bk8ev]

Can I work with you im amichanical engineer

[@youssefbatihi1235]

Good but many things to improve to have a good quality and avoid all risque for exemple the assemlers have to use stop drilles... and they should put on there glasses ect and all the IPE required

[@guests5863]

This is the second video that I saw new holes being drilled and the backside of the hole not being deburred I was taught by an A&P this is absolutely a cardinal sin as any chips of metal will not allow the rivet to seat properly and become loose over time. I'll just throw out all my deburring tools and "wing it" from now on 😖

[@alberte.3059]

Why are you using 1930's riveting technology instead of modern TIG welding???

[@alanwilson4751]

Because it works and has worked for 75 years and tig welding would not work.

[@stephenauty2402]

what he said

[@PeterPasieka]

So you guys took about 30 mints to assemble the wing... average build outside of the factory: 10 years. LOL

[@jasonholtzclaw4274]

I would not fly in this airplane