First Flight Home In Our $16,000 Abandoned AirPlane (Problems Found)

[@dougpreston4507]

My opinion after being a pilot for 52 years & over 25,000 hours, polished is beautiful but a PITA to maintain. Also be aware of the sun reflecting off of the wings in flight, very blinding. You guys are a hoot & I enjoy your adventures. Take care.

[@jsmutny]

@GomBoo-rn8gj In Arizona, quite possibly. But in a more humid environment, if you wrap unpainted aluminum and moisture gets underneath you'll get corrosion.

[@basicdude6348]

pretty late to this comment but wondering if you know any tiny planes that can fit like 4ish maybe 5 but its rlly cheap knowing that u had all those hrs thought u would know maybe like 10k-25k

[@dougpreston4507]

Sorry, but I was a Corporate Pilot for many years flying larger aircraft. I have not kept up with small singles. You should learn a lot from you tube. Good luck.

[@victorvodkafish]

Your issue with the canopy latch.....that's convinced me I have to ensure mine works 100%. Also, I guess you have considered one of those overhead shade curtains, popular with rv's and other bubble canopy types.

[@kylebryer1111]

DA 20 time. Did you go to Riddle

[@Vanya80151]

Before you make any changes or upgrades, get it cleaned up and fly it for 50-100 hours. Figure out if there are any issues. This will give you some time to think things over and identify what matters. For example, you may want to drop in a nice AP in there. Or you may figure out that radios need replacement (or something like that). You may conclude that you really want a new interior (or not). Just give it a few months and fly it for a bit. I promise, it will give you clarify as to what upgrades you want (or need) to make.

[@hexad3c1m4l]

This for sure...definitely don't want to send it for major work/upgrades right after painting, lol.

[@fargoaerials3456]

They'll flip it before they ever fly it nearly that long.

[@fgb3126]

Excellent advice.

[@chadbowman1077]

1st thing to buy - a folder sunshade to keep the interior from getting hot while the plane is sitting in the sun as well as something you could prop up over you as you fly, keep you from getting baked on long flights. It might be better than any upgrade if all else is generally fine

[@WazzaOz]

Definately...

[@metrocaptain]

Me, being an airline pilot, I love the fact that your buddy briefed the departure and what to do if you lost the engine at different points of the takeoff and climb. As far as the paint, I think if you're just going to putt around in the Zodiak, a good polish and touch-up of the existing paint and re-do the trim that got beat up. If you don't mind putting a LOT of sweat into the plane, polished aluminum would be stellar! Nice job getting the Zodiak up and running! Looks super fun to fly!

[@Pedersons1]

Always did this in training, and still do it at 250 hours, along with the fire extinguisher placement and all that pre-flight briefing.

[@TheMarkus818]

Being an LSA owner , paint or not, make sure the top engine cowling is a light or white color. This will help during hot temperature days. Engine cooling is important.

[@JS-Blouin]

Polished aluminum is a nightmare to maintain. I would strongly encourage you to paint it. I personnaly like the modern C172/182 paint scheme that curves around the front cowling. Great content, love it.

[@alrad5686]

That little plane would look great with polished aluminum. Looks like it was flying well, glad you got the latch issue fixed quickly. Keep up the great content Jeff.

[@warmfreeze]

a bubble canopy with polished aluminum in Arizona... THINK about that for one second LOL!

[@blackburn_aviation]

My planes polished and unless u have the time to maintain the polished look I wouldn’t recommend it tbh. Not only that but being a low wing u get some gnarly sun burns from the reflection off the wings

[@buzzypeterson1147]

Actually it would look like absolute crap polished. The entire airframe has pop rivets all over it. Zenith are great places, I worked for them for a time. The 601 I wasn’t a fan of. 750 was great. 801 is a turd

[@jamesbromstead4949]

@@blackburn_aviation I agree, I had a Cessna 120 in bare aluminum, and unless you plan to hire a full time detailer... don't.

[@crufflerdoug]

@@buzzypeterson1147we have an 801. Have you flown one? 😂😂

[@ericharron1]

Before you do anything, buy a mini fire axe and keep it behind the Pilot’s seat. If that plane flips over in an off airport landing (or if your new latch fails) and the plane catches in fire you will need to break the canopy to get out out. Other than that, polish it and fly it! Fly safe!

[@JD96893]

What? I'm not sure if you are serious, but it would be better to just get a glass breaker. Also they are really small.

[@nolanirwin3528]

Can’t believe what you guys have accomplished on this channel. Absolutely unbelievable being able to get a 16000 dollar plane working is 3 days and no real mechanic. Can’t wait to see where this channel goes!

[@DavidMason-mx5de]

Many of the zenith aircraft are made from 6061 t6 aluminum which does not lend to polishing to a mirror finish. May want to check with Roger at Zenith before assuming it will work out as hoped.

[@MakingandBreaking]

The first thing you guys need is a sun shade 😂 When the JR Garage video popped up the other day I had to do a double take - I forgot you made car content for a while there! Loving the GA vids; keep them coming!

[@stephenreese5921]

The polished Zodiac with the yellow nose is stunning! Whelins would be nice along with a canopy cover that you can extend from the interior to mitigate the sun/heat.

[@stumc2223]

Absolutely loving the aviation Channel! Keep on pushing out the awesome content

[@pilots10]

Polished aluminum with hints of color would be amazing! As far as avionics, a Garmin G275 (or two) would be great. You'll maintain the look of the dash but still have some modern avionics.

[@greenhouse3505]

Honestly as a detail hobbyist. A decent buff and ceramic coating would look magic. BUT, as mentioned below. Glare could be a real issue with such an awesome canopy. With that in mind. I would recommend paint over a wrap because of the multitude of screws needing access. A matt or satin finish on top with an internal canopy slide will cut the glare immensely. Great vid.

[@philvasquez4542]

Just found this channel! You guys are having fun with aviation! This is addicting! Not a pilot, but like to imagine myself in your shoes! Lol!😁 Keep up the fine work! Love it!👍🏼

[@md4droid]

Glad to see this little SLSA back in the air. Great series!

[@JRAviation]

More to come!

[@TorChristensen-ft7jt]

Awesome to see that little bird back in the skies where it should be. I looked into building one years ago. You guys got it even better. A wonderful, certified, flying machine! It inspires me to get my PA-22-160 Tri-Pacer out and running again. Nice work boys!

[@aaronlarson4358]

The polished aluminum with yellow would look sooo good, also I like your Arizonan cold wave of 40° I think thats 100° warmer than Billings the last few days.

[@pharmacells]

Loving it Jeff &Co. Sending positive vibes and best wishes from sunny, but cold, Scotland.

[@ronrivers4261]

Congratulations! I'm impressed with how you bought an airplane that was sitting for 8 years and made it airworthy in less than a week for under $20k. Now you can get in it and enjoy it anytime you want. Bravo! 😊

[@ericsd55]

Best take off brief I’ve heard in YT

[@kerolosisfat4198]

You guys are truly one of the best aviation KZbinrs out there. I love watching your videos and hope one day I can get to do same things y’all do!

[@JRAviation]

Wow, thank you! Really appreciate all the support!

[@FPSMuddy]

The polished yellow 'N986BP' scheme you shown at 18:36 would look AMAZING on your aircraft, maybe red instead of the yellow! Loved the video!

[@crx_ninja]

Install two uAvionix AV-30E gauges (replace AI & DG) and add an uAvionix tailBeaconX, cheap/easy upgrade, and cooler than those pink, cactus shorts too..

[@cabracing-Cori-Bunner]

Experimental, go with the tailBeaconX-EXP (cheaper) and with that savings, pick up an uAvionix AV-Link Wi-Fi Extension.

[@mothmagic1]

Why bother it has all you need for day VFR?

[@elusiveeskimo3013]

As far as paint or polish, remember that chrome don't get you home. I would recommend logging more air time in it. Seeing what other secrets (like that latch) it may be hiding at this time. Investing your time and money into enjoying flying it. And doing only the repairs and upgrades that actually effect safety and performance for now. After a couple hundred flight hours maybe look more at how it looks. First and foremost, a plane is meant to fly. Let someone else own the prettiest Hanger Queen.

[@foxlake6750]

Agree, maybe redo the stripes and give it a buff, don’t spend big bucks on a $16,000 plane.

[@michaelsullivan3553]

Fly the plane

[@aviatordalala]

White and red look amazing! Polished also look great, but probably not so easy to maintain it. ❤️

[@larrysouthern5098]

CONGRAULATIONS.... It feels good to see you get her flight worthy and flappin again!!! I have'nt watched the whole video.. Going to get some popcorn and a "cold soda water".... MAN IS THIS GREAT!!! GO FLY!!! 😊👀

[@kahlesjf]

Love the polished aluminum look since back in the early American Airline days. So much better than some of the garish paint jobs you see on a lot of aircraft.

[@ryan4053]

Aluminum looks sick you😮😮 try that one then later you can try wrapping it. ❤❤ the plane😊

[@alaskafan21]

I love planes but know very little about them. This channel allows me to learn and vicariously fly in and around places I normally wouldn't get to visit. Thank you and see you on the next one.

[@roundozo-fpv3114]

Love the polished aluminium and yellow paint job.

[@chrisyorks5460]

good find for $16,000, had all the importint upgrades. and I like the channel. looking forword to your next adventures

[@flyingmortgageman]

Polished looks great mixed with some colour. People are saying hard to maintain but you boys have all the gear there and experience to look after it.

[@DocPRSGuitarBlues]

Again, great content. Your last on JR Garage had a very important message to those thinking about making a living off KZbin; well done.

[@The_Milk_Man-]

Gulf racing colors would be 👌. I've never seen one with those colors before, but I think it'd be pretty neat.

[@Mertosoft]

Love and regards from Turkiye. I am a student working to become a pilot and aeronautical engineer, your content inspires me. I feel like I have done my profession before I have my profession yet, so thank you.

[@mhenhawke5093]

Great video,i knew nothing about planes before now, but watching these one's about the $16.000.00 plane with the help of Larry explaining what he's doing to make it all safe and legal, im now a little wiser. Hat's off to Larry!🛩🙂👋👋👋.

[@dennisyounglbood3056]

EXOTIC CARS, AIRPLANES AND GOODWILL CLOTHES.....I LIKE IT ALOT. A sense of humor is priceless

[@richardsmith4187]

Love the Zodiac and I'm with you, the high polished aluminum with blue trim would look awesome !!

[@Jayden-is5ho]

Definitely need some JR Aviation Bonanza merch!!!

[@Sup69905]

I have watched nearly all of the jr aviation videos (not in order) but i can say this has been the best rebuild on the chanel. Love from australia!

[@FlightEagle]

Awesome series of videos with the Zodiak - thank you for such great content.

[@chuckburns216]

Polished Aluminum would be fantastic!

[@colinblankenship2401]

Excellent job. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@jerryv9138]

Looking at the humoreous side of aviation... most times it isn't the BIG things that cause issues ($$$), it's the small things... like handles!! =) The Zodiak ould look FANTASTIC polished, and a couple of stripes!! Good going!! Happy flying! =)

[@khombol69]

Polished aluminium looks good! With the coloured cowling covers 👌 and coloured wheel pants too

[@Cloxxki]

Love the Goodwill looks. Lucky to get one nearby! Goodwill Wednesday could become a thing, guys.

[@n8iws484]

I would flat black that top cowl, reducing the glare. Inside canopy curtain would help a lot. I would re-apply the original decals, really keeping it low buck. Search out a Meyer 200D if you want something even better than a Bonanza.

[@colinboneham7387]

It’s great to see this SLSA back up in the Air where it belongs with wind beneath its wings and flying along happy as it could be. The Top Gun outfit was a winner.

[@markrobinson2196]

I think the polished Aluminium look is so cool, and some professional 40's style nose art would make it awesome.

[@923rk]

I like the look of the polished aluminum with some painted accents as well!

[@ProPilotPete]

The Zodiac is a fun airplane to fly, very short field capable. Also very economical. I’d sport me some JRAviation swag for sure!

[@louiemoldy]

Polished Aluminum looks beautiful

[@fraserwatt6417]

Excellent video of your new aircraft. Looks really nice. My suggestion would be to just put in ADSB In/Out which is required but leave the 6 pack.

[@cpmunson2807]

Thanks amazing job love the videos. Even though they were long never lost my attention good job.

[@MikeEaton-p3n]

I would add a sliding sun visor to roof before I did anything. Leave it white buffed. If tip of wing needs paint I would match the stripes or color of new stripes. Polished aluminum is cool, but you will be cleaning off fingerprints and other stuff all the time. Fly it have some fun. You have high dollar planes to go from point a to b, this one is for flying when you feel like it.

[@michaelb.42112]

I love the Goodwill clothing finds. TOP GUN and Ren and Stimpy on one person.

[@stinger76262]

You guys are awesome. Really enjoy watching your success and videos!!

[@bobberyank384]

Y'all look like "Back to the Future" went bad. Awesome look for all three!! Cheers

[@lukeharris3279]

So glad i found this channel. Polished would look awesome

[@JRAviation]

Welcome aboard!

[@petetofani4896]

That has to be a fun plane to fly. Light and nimble.

[@Makingthetransition]

Love your balance and humility. You can buy planes and luxury cars, and you’re comfortable in Goodwill clothing. There’s a reason why God is blessing you.

[@barrywood5357]

You got this what a good set of videos as they come that was great red and gold respray crack on

[@76yacumo]

Awesome work guy's!! Love it

[@moseskelly2886]

Guys I'm stoked beyond all measure!!!😎 This aircraft is truly tremendously remarkable!!💯💯💯🤙🏽👌🏽 #Soaring high🎆🎇🥇 I'm very proud to be an OG from the very beginning. 🎉🎉🎉 This plane has made mega progress.😎

[@garthrichert5256]

Very nice pre flight planning.

[@blackrifle6736]

*Nice to see JR, stick in hand and big grin on his face. RFI on ATC receive would drive me nuts. Cheers!*

[@mkfitzhugh]

Polished aluminum looks really great on the aircraft and that is what I would suggest. It's a job you could do yourself and it would save weight for the other upgrades you want.

[@bunkysbbq6374]

If heats an issue. I think bright polished aluminum would be a great way to go. Anything to deflect sunlight. If you go two tone. The bottom half could be a darker color. I think two tone with black on bottom and polished aluminum up top would look awesome with gold pinstriping and black numbers.

[@tiermos9645]

polished alluminum with red and yellow details would really look amazing!!!!!

[@aeroringordmngr8739]

Definitely look into a retractable canopy shade. Have one on the RV12 at KAPF. Well worth it.

[@pogan1983]

Polished. Deep blue. Magic.

[@deansiracusa3966]

Definitely paint it! I do know that paint is expensive, but it’s worth it. Don’t do polished aluminum because it’s a ton of work to keep clean and avoid corrosion.

[@Russell9778]

Thanks for sharing....always a pleasure to see yall... .

[@JRAviation]

Thanks for watching!

[@Cajundaddydave]

Aways enjoy your videos and the can-do entrepreneurial spirit. I grew up around aviation as my dad was an A&P. He refurbished a lot of single engine planes from a modest Piper Clipper or Cessna 150 to a high performance composite Glasair III and everything in between. No multi-engine or jets. Buy em, fix em up, and fly em!

[@peterrimmer567]

It would be good to see your progression on getting your license

[@mikeratcliff1446]

Great video. You 3 are styling in those new SA threads.

[@simoncole8909]

You guys are really down to earth 🌎 you keep it real in a way no other people do just like the explanation when preflight is going on with text on screen also keep up the good content and polish the 16 thousand airplane ✈️ it deserves it cheers again from the UK 🇬🇧

[@simoncole8909]

@-JRAviation- I'm the thankful one I look forward to seeing more keep up the great work

[@philnelson4184]

I had a Zenair CH2000 that was very similar to what you did with your plane. We got it cheap, fixed it up and sold it for a profit last year. I'm and A&P-IA, so I did all the work and annual inspection along with my son. We scrapped off the old cracked original vinyl (a ton of work), buffed the entire plane, got new vinyl stipes and N numbers in red and grey. The last thing I did was to buy a quart of matching red Stewarts Systems paint and painted red on the spinner, wing tips and tail tips. I only had a little over $200 into materials, the rest was our labor. The plane went from meh to incredible. Let me know if you want to see before and after pics.

[@mdrsmeltracy]

Yes, please bring in pink cactus shorts mixed with airplanes as merch!

[@jonfelty6063]

Polished with yellow accent! Another great video with the best crew on KZbin!

[@6364AW]

Just love the Polished and Yellow aircraft 👍👍👍 Best wishes Alan from the U.K. 🤣🤣

[@donotwantahandle1111]

Had a similar latch issue in a 4wd once. Not a hot day but inside with the doors not unlocking can trigger panic mode!

[@fiestaadventures]

Tough one. All great outfits and deserve kudos. But the pink Cactus shorts make you the clear winner.

[@Daleon1]

I would suggest that you get that overhead shade that Larry has on his plane! The Polished aluminum is a nice look but I am not to sure about the reflection of the sun right back to you while flying.

[@nickpapagiorgio5056]

Def polished aluminum and full tint that glass canopy! I say have the gauges checked and cleaned and maybe put a new six pack in and a decent nav system I would leave the screen in the center for all the readings! A very basic autopilot system wouldn’t be a bad idea for longer trips but I’m sure if it has one that works just fine then leave it alone!

[@LFLYpilote]

Guys! You are the best, such cool aviation content. Cheers from the other side of the Atlantic

[@JRAviation]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Matty_ice429]

Love this channel. Came across in the private jet purchase video and have binged watched about 50 videos. Maybe more. I’m afraid of heights but watching your videos has motivated me to get my pilots license and buy a small plane for the freedom of going where you want when you want. Love all the videos. Would love to see more hands on videos to give more knowledge of working on planes. Keep up the great work.

[@countrybussin]

What a cool little plane!

[@johnmilner0859]

Great series. You guys need to get your licences.

[@scottyolo1]

Never seen anyone own as many airplanes as this guy and not know how to fly!! 😂

[@danpage6044]

Strip it and check for corrosion and then repaint white with great stripes. Keep the avionics as is and wait a while for upgrades. Fun little airplane.

[@brocluno01]

Mirror finish is a lot of reflected light and you are already cooking under a bubble. Nice silver gray background with some cool accent color that goes with the gold stripe ...

[@DR-ll4wk]

I would vote for the polished Aluminum finish very classy look ! Great Vids Guys…

[@johnnyg419]

Man, I’m 6’3” and if I got stuck in that cockpit, Id’ve busted out! Lol. But it is such a cool little plane. Love the channel! 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@Valantir]

could always do your dual in the 210/ sr20 and keep the LSA for super cheap Time builder for your solo requirements.

[@melbournesubtropicfruits9474]

Just fly it - great plane - cheap flying - crikey you did well - love it ✔️✔️

[@unfinishedbizniz]

Great content, keep bringing it!

[@Conn653]

The Citation is fantastic but the Zodiac is FUN! Originally, AAL only painted stripes on the aircraft(DC-9's, B-727's), saving 600lbs of paint weight. A highly polished aircraft will travel faster than a non-polished aircraft. Way back in high school(1969), when I was training in an Aeronca 7AC Champ, we had to land in a wheat field. An Apache owner was polishing the wings of his plane. He jumped in to help search for us. Anyway, he had to reduce power on the polished side of the Apache to keep it flying straight at the 'normal' power settings. The polished wing was cutting the air faster than the non-polished wing. The Apache was a fully painted aircraft. Save weight by stripping the paint, then full polish, and a mirror finish, looks fantastic 🙂 You might get and extra 5-6 MPH improvement in airspeed that way. 🙂

[@tacticalleather766]

Make every part of this plan a budget option best value for your money. Nice clean but a great value. We like it more because it’s a great deal