Is the Zenith SUPER DUTY the Perfect KITPLANE for Me?

[@ctsteve1967]

Love the Rifle on the Floor.

[@davidsmeaton3082]

Hi Mark - Not a boring video at all. It is good to see the thought process that you go through to choose your next project. I can't offer any opinion as in the UK we don't seem to have the same choice as you do in the USA. Your house looks amazing and I love the fact that the hanger is attached. it is probably what most aviation geeks like me dream of living in one day! Currently I have to accept my 2 bed flat (apartment) and single (1 car) garage :). Best wishes for your move to Texas.

[@johngood3163]

Strongly agree - not boring, love the logic, love the sense making at the end to pull it all together. Keep helping us!

[@philipritson8821]

You nailed the trigear vs taildragger issue too. There's an article by the late Chris Heinze somewhere on the Zenith website where he explains why a trigear CH701 is a better bush plane option than an equivalently powered and configured taildragger. It's got something to do with visibility on the ground and resenting the wings at the right angle of attach during take off I think. You can build a taildragger version of the CH701 by the way. Odly enough the 701 is the only aircraft in the world that looks uglier in taildragger configuration than it does as a tricycle gear. At the end of the day, I see something beautiful in the "form follows function" look of the Zenith CH701/750/801 line of aircraft.

[@MichaelDoornbos]

Don’t listen to the haters Mark. Do your thing and keep making videos about your journey.

[@ik04]

RANS S-21! Gotta build that aluminum airplane. Welcome to Texas!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I forgot to mention, at the 6:35 mark, I'm assuming the same engine in both airplanes!

[@dsrgarage]

Hopefully you still get to have a fly in at your place to check out the cruiser before you move!!! Lol Good luck with the move!

[@johngood3163]

Yes, of course, but I am glad you stated the assumption. Should I expect each aircraft to have shorter TOLD and higher cruise speed?

[@JeffreyRubicon]

It’s nice to have options so that’s a point worth emphasizing. I myself am a KitFox guy (KitFox 7SS) but I also love the CH-750 Super Duty. It’s really hard to go wrong with any of the planes that were on your original list. I’ve flown from Northern California to OSH and back and my fabric and tube plane was parked outside in the elements for 12 days straight with zero issues. But you said you really enjoy working with aluminum so I totally respect that. Heck, I would love to give that a try one day myself! At the end of the day, it’s your money, your time and your airplane. Congratulations on your upcoming move to Texas as well as your next build. Can’t wait to follow along on KZbin!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I agree-and all the Super Cubs and back country airplanes seem to be tube-and-fabric planes and they hold up just fine. Maybe the reason for me is just more the enjoyment from building with aluminum?

[@jeffwilliams1223]

Ok Mark, now order the kit already and get this move over with asap. We need more videos. All kidding aside I think the 750SD is an awesome plane. I'm building a 701 because they are quite a bit less expensive but would love to see what you do with the SD. Keep up the great work!

[@johngood3163]

Yes, we need to understand either aircraft a lot better

[@MoonRambo702]

Appreciate all the vids and info. Huge help in my journey. Moving from MI to NV summer of 22’ so I’m planning my first build now so I can order and have it arrive shortly after I get there. I’ve switched from building a Rans, then Bushcat, then kitfox, now looking at the Zeni super duty.. I didn’t know it would be so complicated with the options lol but I’m close to pulling the trigger on the SD. Definitely would help me to see some vids of it in giant bush wheel territory and mountain tops.

[@wildelorme4409]

I have seen videos of Roger in the back country. I have been unable to find them. He went on a camping circuit trip. Great videos from my memory. I’ll keep looking and let you know.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Please do-I'd love to see the SD in it's element!

[@mauriciopringle326]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I agree with your new project (I do not know how to be without doing anything exciting), when your new kit arrives, please send the videos, we thank you very much. Blessings

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Not sure when I'll actually purchase a kit, but it's fun to look and compare!

[@1shARyn3]

I concur on the Super Duty

[@mtovani]

I was so hoping you would pick the Rans S-21. I am planing on building one and I wanted to use your build as a bench mark for my build. But you can't go wrong with Zenith, we have a Zenith dealer in Cloverdale California and they are fun to watch them take off and land.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

The more research I do the more I'm likely to keep changing my mind! I've been looking a lot at the RANS S-7, even though I'm not thrilled about building another tube-and-fabric plane. We'll see...I'm not ready to buy yet anyway.

[@Capitaine.Albator]

Nice explanation. Thanks for sharing

[@Project2Workshop]

Great comparison! I personally Am waiting patiently in line for my S-21 kit to be produced. The conventional gear, speed and honestly the looks helped sway my decision. Yes it cost more, but the the 21 is just a more capable all around airframe for an everyday airplane. Speed when you need it, stol capability is good enough for most spots you’d want to go and great ramp appeal. Keep up the great content👍

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I agree-they are both great airplanes in their own way. One of the other reasons I would choose the Super Duty is that I just built the Cruzer, which is almost the same airplane. Have you ever built something and wished you could do it over because once you're finished you learned all the things you'd do differently? That's how I feel about the SD, I would take all the lessons learned on the Cruzer and apply them to the SD!

[@Project2Workshop]

Understandable for sure, have a good weekend sir.

[@steven2145]

I agree with you 100%. If you have one airplane and want to do more than a cruiser, the S-21 is the best all around choice. That is the kit I would buy or might buy one day.

[@gekoexpeditions]

Have a look at the G1...

[@1225drob]

Congratulations on your decision, and pending move to the great state of Texas! I look forward to the new build

[@davidrobins4025]

Will you be taking the rifle with you too? Hope so - you will want one in Texas. The side by side comparisons were really interesting. Thanks for taking the time and doing such a great job. I would chose the Super Duty too. I love the idea of being able to fly into the back country with a destination - for hunting and/or fishing. Some great places that are ideal.

[@libya00218]

Budd, I like your videos so much

[@SpyGeorgilis]

Thumbs up, even though I like the S-21 better. And I'd ask Rans if anyone has thought of building one with a UL-520 in the nose. Just because! The SD is a heck of an airplane, though, nothing wrong with it at all. I'm not sure how I feel about that "floating" screen panel in their demo plane, though, I think I'd go for something more like your Cruzer's panel--which looks awesome, by the way.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I don't like that floating panel either. But that panel is an option and not the standard panel. I think I would use the same panel that's in the 750 STOL.

[@TheMarkfsanderson]

I visited the factory and built the vertical stab, flew the SD . . . very impressive . . . My focused mission was: Bring my wife, 6yo son and myself (obviously) to do some camping. Can utilize a variety of engines - including certified engines. Simple and strong construction, easy to build etc. The designer(s) are very experienced and it shows. I delay my build because of my move from Texas to NOVA. I'll be starting this summer . . .

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

You made a good choice!

[@TheMarkfsanderson]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Thanks! I hope that you end up building one of these aircraft. It would be great to have someone like yourself that has already built a number of planes like this one. A couple of things really impressed me about flying the SD: 1) If you remove the flight display, you can configure the instrument panel to be almost helicopter like. 2) The great visibility. I love it. 3) Incredibly short take off and landing (obviously!) 4) Coordinated turns take very little rudder pressure to keep the ball centered. Certainly the range and the slow speed are cons against the design, but for me the utility of this aircraft outweighs these downsides. I am curious as to which one you buy!! N750MS I hope will be airborne with 24 months . . . we'll see!

[@johngood3163]

I think I watched your demo flight. Nice presentation, quite helpful.

[@johngood3163]

@@TheMarkfsanderson if I'm right, that I saw your demo flight on KZbin, how does the nimbleness of the SD compare with the Eagle? Also, did you consider an S21?

[@nautastro1503]

murphy's radical is good too Radical has external fuel tank mounts under wings .

[@babisawi5945]

Love the Super Duty too! it has a strange - beautiful shape, much like a Volkswagen beetle

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I grows on ya! I love it!

[@ig2087]

I don’t own a bush plane yet, but I really liked the kitfox after I saw Trent Palmer flying it. Then I came across the Zenith 750SD and damn, I’m in love. I just wish it had a tail dragger option though.

[@BStrambo]

Great breakdown and comparison. It solidifies my choice to go with the S21 when I have the time, space and $ to build, but I need it to be an all-around plane. You have the Mooney for long XCs so the 750SD makes a lot of sense, especially since you've already built its little bro.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Hey I'm glad the video helped! That was my thought too-if I want to actually travel far, I can take the Mooney. But the Super Duty will be great for the back-country stuff. S-21 is a great choice too!

[@creekboy2893]

Great video. I do wish you would have added engines and avionics budget. Also projected build times. I get excited about building one day then start looking at total cost and get depressed!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

The issue with adding engine and avionics costs are that the prices vary wildly based on hat the builder installs. A full Dynon glass panel could add $15,000 while a budget minded "round instrument" install could add only a few hundred dollars. Same with engines...

[@creekboy2893]

Like you I am considering cruzer vs super duty. And what power plant? I’d love to see you go to zenith and really fly the super duty hard and get your viewpoint after flying it with true speeds for cruise and stall etc.. Also a rundown of power options weight and cost. That would be awesome!

[@mariabeli2431]

I had no doubt in the middle of the video that Zenith would miss out the great promoter like you Mark )

[@Rhino5O]

Isn't the Murphy Rebel aluminum? Great performance and you can sleep in it when you are "camping" in the back country.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I'm always surprised when I finish a video and realize all the stuff I forgot to mention! I did consider the Murphy Rebel, but I think that's a 'dead' airplane. Years ago it was fairly popular, but today I know of no one building one. I think it now has a very small following. It looks like they are still in business but I think at one time they were out of business and people couldn't get parts for it. Performance wise it's a good airplane, but I'd rather invest in a airplane kit that comes from a solid company and has a large following.

[@Rhino5O]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Ive wondered about that myself. However I see they are trying to make a run with their "Radical" Model. That being said, Ive given some serious thought to the Zenith and have contemplated A Cruzer with VG's (instead of slats) STOL tail and bush wheels would be ideal. You could get in and out of 80% of the areas here in Idaho. Even without the tail wheel.

[@carlylea]

Another great video mark. I just can't wrap my head around the look of the zenith. Maybe it will come to me some day. I was introduced to the kitfox 20 years ago and fell in love with the kitfox idea then. Fast forward 20 years and I had the opportunity to buy that exact kitfox from the guy that took me for a ride when I was 17 or so. He has since built a RV6, and I've been able to go for a few flights in it with him. I think I might lean towards an RV7 when I grow up and finally build my first airplane. I love watching your videos and can't wait for when I can start my own build, hopefully sooner rather than later.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

You're not alone-a lot of people have said that they don't like the looks of the high wing Zeniths. There's just 'something' about it though that I really like. In fact about 20 years ago the very first airplane I wanted to build was the 701 because I thought it looked cool.

[@fetchit55]

Glad you’re considering a move to Texas, but public land with “mountains” and rivers with sand bars to land on are at best few and far between. I you go to a lot of fly ins and STOL competitions, you will probably meet pilots with ranches who will invite you to come to their acreage for camping and such. Otherwise, I heard that some Gulf Coast beaches are great places for isolated stretches to land, camp and enjoy the stars.

[@fetchit55]

You may fly the Zenith further west and hook up with the Flying Cowboys to test the Bose wheel capabilities to areas they fly into.

[@fetchit55]

Of course I meant nose wheel.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I'm not moving to TX for the STOL flying. I'm moving because the taxes are outrageous in MI.

[@fetchit55]

Kitplane Enthusiast 😂😂😂😂 Now that makes a whole lot more sense! Forgive my ignorant assumption? 🤪😊

[@johngood3163]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast taxes, personal freedom, values, wx, choices, infrastructure (especially in DFW area)...

[@Spinner1987CH]

Great Video. Something else to consider would be the leadtime of the Kits.. I think the S-21 is reaaally long! And by the way: Thank you for the great shirts :) They are amazing! Unfortunately I messed with some epoxy (on my Vans RV-8 build) while wearing it so I may have to order again soon!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

RV-8tor That’s an issue i wonder how people are dealing with? I think the lead time for a Kitfox is around 2 years! I can’t imagine someone finally being able to have the time and the money to build, and then waiting another couple of years to get a kit?!?! I think at that point I would just buy something else!

[@Spinner1987CH]

Kitplane Enthusiast absolutely! Also the engine for the RV-14 (IO-390) has currently a lead time of about 9 months... I am happy that soon I will be finished building! But to be honest I am also already thinking about the next project 😂

[@thaiiexpat10]

Good stuff, Thanks

[@ctsteve1967]

Check into the Engine you are interested in, They did have some problems with the Cylinders in the past. Go for the 200 HP. Power is King.. Cars, Boats, and Air Planes. Every Bit helps when you get up into the Mountains you know that. For every 1000 ft of Density alt you need 3 % more power that what you have at Sea Level. Good Luck on your new Build and short take offs when needed.

[@alansmith6327]

Hey! I haven't watched one of your videos in a while. I really appreciate this one because I hope to get my own but continue to struggle with aircraft selection although I will tell you I've been hard leaning towards a Zenith for a while. Also what part of TX did you move to? I'm here already.

[@n206ja]

Although I'm a huge Zenith fan (built and flying a STOL 750) and I agree I'd go for the 750 SD in a heartbeat, but in the initial cost comparison, why did you include engine installation cost (I assume this is a FWF kit with prop) for the S-21 and did not include engine installation, or at least the cost of a prop, for the 750 SD?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

John, good catch. I thought that I did include so I went back to the Zenith website to look. I included the $7,500 Finishing Kit. I was thinking that was the engine install kit and if the SD is the same as the Cruzer, the prop is included. So in my comparison, the cost of the Zenith FWF would have to be added.

[@travisw9071]

Bearhawk 4 place in 10 years is my goal! haha im 30... i have a little time! and my little girl will love to go camping when she is 12... at least i hope!

[@danielbeards6259]

LOL I had already clicked the thumbs up button but you are still funny m8, and I want to say that this video was not boring at all!!! I still have one question: you made your numbers based on the CON of 275 mile range. BUT if your guessings are OK and the Zenith cruises only at 85mph you will see that number dramatically decrease!! (I guess somewhere around 230miles of range) Are you up to that risk, especially given that you are probably not going to be able to get a test flight at the Zenith factory?

[@rebootedsharpshooter]

Have you considered an SDS EFI system in whichever engine you get? You might be able to squeeze some extra range with a more efficient fuel burn.

[@tuckernielson1]

A friend of mine has a RV6A and just converted his O360 over to an SDS IO360. He got nearly a full gallon per hour decrease at altitude LOP. What that did was give him nearly a 100 mile increase in range w/reserves. Totally worth the 5K in my opinion. I'm not sure why more experimental aircraft use that or similar systems.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I haven't heard of it, but sounds interesting. I'll have to check it out!

[@brucehardy8913]

I wanna know about the jet skis! I live in NE Ohio so a quick trip to buy them MAY be in order! Lol.... I like your moxie! Sell it all, it’s just stuff.

[@johnnorthcutt8364]

The Cruzer requires less runway to take off and land than a Super Cub. Or a Cessna 180. Or a Maule. Or a Pacer. Or pretty much any of the typical bush planes that you see landing on the sand bars and mountain tops that you are looking for (is Texas even the right place for that? They have very little public land.). Get rid of the wheel pants, install bigger tires and be done with it!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

True, but the Cruzer doesn't have the useful load of the SD. I will want to carry a passenger and lots of camping equipment. No TX isn't the right state for bush flying. But I have a list of reasons why I want out of the communist state of Michigan. If I move to TX, I will move again in 11 years I retire. I'd like a house in Idaho, and a winter home in Nevada (where there is no income tax). For now, if I lived in TX it's close enough to areas out West to where if I had a couple weeks of vacation, or a 'sick call' form work, I could take a nice back country trip a few times a year.

[@ctsteve1967]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast But you need something new to build. Well we will all be waiting for the video's

[@wesvasher]

Oh man Michigan is losing you to Texas! Was hoping to get to see the Cruzer at a fly in.

[@MariaOrLex]

Great 👍 👍video u gotta check out the Viking engines brother !!! On KZbin

[@ctsteve1967]

You will be Happy in Texas. Good Move

[@user-tl5fi9lz9z]

A pro for the Super Duty is that you have experience building a very similar aircraft.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Yes that's a huge benefit to having already built almost the same airplane. I can take all the lessons learned with the Cruzer and apply them to the SD.

[@user-tl5fi9lz9z]

I was going to buy a Super Duty kit when I move up here to Alaska. But I bought a Lake LA-4-180 instead. I think a Super Duty would be a GREAT plane for Alaska.

[@cleeshann1928]

What lake you on? Campbell, Hood or out in the Valley?

[@maxaircraft]

750 SD only! from Russia ,Good Luck!

[@SkyRayden100]

The money wont be all that far apart once you buy everything for the Super Duty which is included in the S-21 kit. Like others have said, convert your Cruzer with big tires and buy the S-21. Texas is a big place and all private property. The Cruzer will take twice as long traveling to find suitable back country public lands.

[@SkyRayden100]

I mean the Super Duty will take twice as long...

[@ginacalabrese3869]

I wonder what the Super Duty's range could be with the turbo Honda engine from Viking. Also, Carbon Cub recently engineered a special trailing link nose gear that looked stout as heck and maybe a similar setup could be designed for the Super Duty. It would make a fun engineering project.

[@5xls]

First to like! I like the Super Duty also, but I think I'd go with the 750 Cruzer with a UL powerplant, like yours. Keep the videos coming!

[@blucklightfoxartinnovation9357]

KITPLANE's they are good keep up the good work kit plane enthusiast nice video well done keep up the good work a+

[@williamcostello8624]

Great explanation.....except.....you left us to assume the 33K for the Super Duty includes the engine. Is that a correct assumption? I think you also mentioned its the same engine as the S21. Anyway thanks for all your videos.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I don’t think I gave you any reason to assume the engine comes with the airplane kit. Neither the RANS kit nor the Zenith kit include things like engine, prop, paint, avionics, etc...

[@johnfisk4666]

I think the super duty is the best choice also! Especially since working on the cruzer the build process has to be very close to what you have just done. Great idea about roger going out and film flying from the remote locations. Are you retiring now?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I wish! I have 11 years to go yet...

[@jrbailey3208]

Hey there, The 750 sounds right for you, for the reasons you mentioned (especially waking up everyday enthused about working on it), but also because of durability issues where you're all on your lonesome. Concerning the power plant, I would urge you to check out Aeromomentum for options to the Titan and Rotax engines, especially hp per dollar spent. They offer quality new engines for considerably less than anything that Rotax offers, a wider range of 100% power envelopes for T.O.'s, and TBO's are great as is the Rebuild Costs for overhaul. They have tens of thousands of hours on some of their engines directly attached to props (Airboats), with a good track record. The power range you want they've got two engines with a 3rd upcoming: 147 hp, 190 hp, and 260 hp. Take a look when you get a chance. Lastly, I'm trying to get my house prepped to put on the Market (dismal as it will be from the Wuhan virus); as I'm planning on moving from Wyoming to Alaska. My choice of plane will be the ELSA Titan Tornado II. I'll be buying the Extended Landing gear for the same kind of flying you're wanting to do, and selling the 582 Rotax that usually is mounted (I'll be buying used) and replacing it with either the 117 hp or 147 hp AM 1.5L engines (fuel burn from existing engines is about 4gph at 55% cruise to 6gph at 75% crusie, which is 100 mph-120mph depending on conditions). Good speeds for a bush plane! Cheers from the Oil Patch in Central WY

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I think that when I buy the kit and start looking for an engine, even though I prefer the Lycoming, I will be doing lots of research on all engine options. I'm in the same boat as you-I just sold everything and have been looking at airparks in TX, and then this pandemic scam was created by our government. Now, I have zero confidence about finding a buyer for my airpark home in MI.

[@jrbailey3208]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast I sympathize with your plight; though I disagree with your description of the pandemic as 'a scam'. The numbers from too many different countries, across the globe, match the data we have here in the USA: it is real, it can be deadly (especially to people such as myself; Malignant Congestive Heart Failure Class III, Congenital Asthma, COPD, severe GERD, 3 herniations in my lumbar and 3 compressions in my neck-which leads to immune problems from fighting pain constantly, and the list goes on, including having been born with Toxoplasmosis), and it has killed in a matter of months, a similar number of Americans that the 'regular' flu takes a YEAR to kill! The contagion is real, so are the deaths, but if you need to direct your anger somewhere, I suggest you direct it at Red China, where the Wuhan virus originated; in a Communist govt. lab, in the middle of a city of millions of residents. The lab is located just 200 yards from the 'Wet Market' where the Communist Chinese Party says the virus first erupted. Sadly for the lying Red Chinese, who said it was bats in the Wet Market that started it all, after interviews of some 55 locals and appx 30 visitors to that W.M., ALL of them confirmed that BATS are NOT sold or consumed at that W.M.: it is a SEAFOOD market. Further, the type of bat that the Communist Party said was the origin of the virus, lives some 600 MILES away from the city of Wuhan. The Biological Warfare Lab in Wuhan was tasked with tests, studies, and research on that type of bat, for virological warfare use. They even filmed, produced, and created a splendid propaganda piece praising the lead researcher for that division studying the bats, noting that he had to quarantine himself MULTIPLE TIMES, after coming into contact with both the feces and the urine of those bats; the same virus that has killed nearly 35,000 Americans so far. Containment at the lab failed. Then the Communist Party (Xi Jin Ping as leader) could not admit they had screwed up, quashed all the publicly published data (which can still be found in the Net Archives of the Way back Machine) about the virus research, and then threatened anyone and everyone in hospitals to keep things quiet: when doctors and academics put the health of the public first, instead of 'face' and 'party loyalty', those people 'disappeared'. You can look up a You Tube channel 'Rebel News' and watch a video where they detail that propaganda piece, and the particulars which are now becoming widely public about the virus and how it got out. Now, on the selling of your property, you might consider doing what I plan to do: market it to Europeans Asians. They have a LOT more money than most Americans, and they are eager for more freedom and opportunity than they can secure in their home countries or regions. You should take a hard look at hunting and fishing opportunities in your area, record Fuel Prices (both diesel and gas) for averages pre-pandemic and current-accent those prices BIG TIME to the Europeans, and then note in your marketing emails the LOW (compared to Europe) cost of earning a Private Pilot's License in your area. You might also utilize your expertise in the Kitplane Market as a selling point: build your own plane in your own hangar! Showing some kitplane examples for those interested in 'back country' flying-the very models you were considering, as well as 'entry level' fast kitplanes like the all aluminum Hummel Aviation series of planes. So, hunting and fishing opps (Europeans love to do those activities, but animals are literally OWNED by land owners there, and in order to fish, you basically have to have a community college degree in many countries in order to get a license), hiking, and of course, flying. Expand your selling horizons; I will be marketing to Hunting and Shooting Clubs in Europe and Asia, and I'll also be accenting Wyoming's LOW pandemic infection rate and death rate; check your area as a possible plus in that aspect. Take care and I wish you the best. Oh yeah, the Aeromomentum engines run $13k-$20k in those power ranges I mentioned. Cheers from the Oil Patch in Central WY

[@johngood3163]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast don't worry. Just keep at it.

[@farmboy694]

are you keeping the mooney? if so that speed issue on the rans would be a non one for me. what about the other zenith selling once the super duty is completed?

[@charles-bernardgagnon8244]

Actually thank you so very much for the information. I leave in eastern canada. I also also looking for a cub. Rans s21 or super cub. Would you think that the super cub., which I also prefer could fit the new Rotax 915 turbo?

[@TruettD]

Are you going to do 3 seats

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

No I do not need a third seat. But I will install the seat belt attach points incase I ever want to add a seat. But I'll use the space for camping gear!

[@benghazi4216]

Just as an engineer and avid car guy, isn't it possible to make the Zenith a taildragger yourself? Is there some aspect I've forgotten here? Haven't someone come out with floats for this Zenith you can look at for design ques?

[@navairgeek]

Zenith 750 STOL FWF kit price in 2015 with UL 350is 130hp engine ($22K) was around $27K, so I'm guessing the same for a IO-375 is $10K more?

[@wildelorme4409]

Here are some of them Roger Dubbert’s back country flying. kzbin.infosearch?query=roger . kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3ewpXaVjNlqmpo . kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4Pcfnt-g5eLf8k. . kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHnQdZ2bh7qarrc . kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGbUn4mKmNZqp80 . kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGrSimp3nMudibM . Those are the ones that I found on zenith’s KZbin channel. Enjoy!

[@walterhiebert4993]

Did you consider the Murphy Radical? Why or why not?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Walter, I did not consider any aircraft from Murphy. Keep in mind this my opinion only, but I believe it's important to select an aircraft from a large company, with many models flying. I don't know the full history of Murphy, but over the years I've spoken with people at Oshkosh about how difficult it can be to get parts or support from Murphy. Of course that may have changed recently because I don't follow what's going on with the company. Insurance is also a concern-a big part of how insurance companies set premiums is by the history of the particular aircraft and how many of them are out there flying. Models with very low numbers tend to have higher premiums because there's not a lot of proven history with them. Models with only a few builders have little or no internet support via online communities and forums. I prefer to purchase airplane kits from larger established companies like Vans, Rans, Zenith, etc... Another big reason is that nothing from Murphy excited me. There was no "wow" factor there. From the very beginning I was pretty set on the Super Duty because that's the airplane that I really wanted. But before I pulled the trigger and purchased a kit, I just wanted to look at other possibilities to make sure I did my research. I'm super happy with my decision to go with the Super Duty!

[@johngood3163]

Great video. I am wrestling with the same three variables (TOLD, Cruise Performance, Price of Entry) and have narrowed it between these two aircraft. I hope to fly them both in mid- to later Sep. What did you do in the AF? I flew F-4s and F-117s.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I'm jealous John. I knew I couldn't fly when I went into the AF because I wore glasses. Still wanted to join though. I worked on Minuteman III nukes for 4 years, then F-16 and A-10 egress systems for 16 years in the ANG.I do have 1 hour of F-16 time and about 40-50 hours of sim time! I'm pretty sure that makes me a fully qualified F-16 pilot! LOL.

[@stvvtx]

Subscribed. Considering the SD as well. Do you plan on anti corrosion? If so, what do you plan on using?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Yes I will prime it. I still don't even know why though since I said the next aluminum plane I build I won't prime. With no primer, this airplane will last long after I'm dead so I see no reason to prime. I only prime because I feel like I'm missing a step if I don't. I have no issue with people not priming. I just bought a self-etching green primer from Ace hardware because I wanted to try it and it works great. It's only $5/can so that is probably what I'll use.

[@johngood3163]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast I spoke with Joyce at Zenith. She said the SD quick build is treated with some kind of anti-corrosion substance, although that is not the term she used. Like you, I wondered why because the material is aluminum. Would you offer insight on this?

[@phide01]

Can you add a third tank in the zenith for more range? Instead of the seat add 8 gallon fuel tank

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

If you are the builder, you are the legal manufacturer. So you can do whatever you like.

[@Gmoney_72]

Cedar creek had one lot left. SE of dallas

[@andyanderson7712]

Can you please tell me "ALL IN" the cost of building the Zenith super duty including avionics and engine.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

No. There are too many variables.

[@andyanderson7712]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Ok thx

[@RumblestripDotNet]

Bearhawk Patrol (Edit) you said no tube and fabric. Also you threw in the price for the firewall forward for the Rans, but not the Super Duty.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Yes I know-this was corrected in the video I posted after this one. Check it out!

[@gvrose1]

All metal aircraft, no question. Safety, that's a different subject. Your headed to your favorite camping/flying spot, the weather turns nasty and you turn around to head home. Your GPS says your doing 50mph over the ground while your IAS shows 95. Will you make it home? Pick a power plant that gives excellent fuel economy and range. The Rotax 912is or 915is should be considered. They will give you the extra range with almost the same performance as the heavier power plants but will sip the fuel doing it. Research your engine well! It is very important.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

It doesn't matter what engine a pilot flies behind-he still has to do pre-flight planning and weather can move in on anyone, not just Lycoming owners.

[@ctsteve1967]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast I did not know that, lol

[@jhagz5786]

I'm curious what paint scheme your thinking about for the next one?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I have an Army one designed, but will probably come up with many more schemes I'd have to choose between.

[@JustPlaneChris]

Mark, you have a problem. Airplane addiction is a very serious condition! ;) Oh, and congrats on moving to Texas! I'm assuming (based on your profession) you'll be somewhere in the DFW area? I'm a native Austinite myself. Welcome to Texas, y'all. :)

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I want to move to the West side of DFW. With everything that's happening in the world today and impending real estate crash, I'm not sure this move is going to happen!

[@brother854]

Kitplane Enthusiast No real estate crash happening here.

[@carlmccall7198]

Put the Viking on it and get really good mpg

[@jeremysteiner838]

Hey mate have you considered the super duty with 6 cylinder ul power? Maybe worth a look

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

That would be a possibility, but if I'm going to be flying this airplane all over the western states (when I'm retired) I'd prefer to have an engine that every A&P in the world can work on and has an ample parts supply.

[@ctsteve1967]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast True Parts Parts Parts good call Kitplane

[@nautastro1503]

SD is definitely a good looking plane , needs bigger fuel tanks . or .. fuel efficient rotax 915 with constant speed prop. or both

[@JasonRiley276]

Why not modify the cruiser and make it a bush plane? Surely it would cost less than $50k to do, or are you selling the cruiser?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I thought about that but no. I want the larger SD and it's STOL capabilities and the 800 pound useful load. I also want a Lycoming engine that any A&P anywhere in the country can work on. I still plan on keeping the Cruzer and the Mooney.

[@kevenlonsdale1354]

Cool I like the way you broke it down then followed your heart, plus the super duty will look good with the cruiser.

[@todd-617]

Are you moving to another airpark neighborhood? I know there are a few in Texas.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

That's the plan, but I can't find anything I like. Most of the airparks in TX seem to be mega-mansions and I don't want that or need that! Hicks Airfield would be ideal for me but nothing suitable is available currently.

[@todd-617]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Well I hope you find something that fits. A friend of mine bought a little place on 10 acres and carved out a strip to fly his Kitfox from. There are lots of options in Texas anyways.

[@SkyRayden100]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Good site for Texas airpark properties - livewithmyplane.com/listings-by-region/

[@ctsteve1967]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Build your own Air Park

[@scotthansenmtbt4110]

I don’t understand how slow is a con in a bush plane. I thought the reason for a bush plane is so you can have slower stall speeds.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Because you still have to get to where you are going. Most people want to do that at a fast speed. The trade off is that usually the faster the airplane flies in cruise, the faster it lands and therefore the longer distance it needs to land. So everything is a trade off. I chose the Super Duty because the STOL performance was more important to me than the faster cruise speed.

[@scotthansenmtbt4110]

Right on, thank you!

[@stephengloor8451]

Viking 180T in the Super Duty?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

That's a possibility. Viking seems to be getting more and more popular and more time and experience is being built up on their engines.

[@raider6511]

I figured that you would PICK the SUPER DUTY because YOU ALREADY BUILT ONE. Now you need to put the 230 engine in it like Zenith did. Where in the GREAT state of TEXAS you moving to. General area. I'm in CENTRAL TEXAS.

[@jwald6795]

Where in Texas are you moving to?

[@ctsteve1967]

Near the Air Port where else

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Dallas area.

[@jwald6795]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Welcome to Texas, I'm close to Houston.

[@dann9686]

Why not the ch801?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I believe the 801 is discontinued.

[@utuberagain18]

Did you consider the Bearhawk (bearhawkaircraft.com) family of taildraggers? They have a 4-seater, tandem 2-seater, SxS 2-seater, and an LSA tandem 2-seater. They have a metal wing and tube & fabric fuselage, so you might consider that as a dealbreaker. Their specs for useful load, TO & landing distances, range, etc. look pretty darn impressive. They might be worth a look if you didn't consider them before.

[@OneKoolDude]

Last project ??

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Probably. If I buy the SD kit in the next year, and take 3 years to build, I'm almost half way to retirement. I don't really want to build in retirement-I want to FLY!

[@JasonWoodard]

under 100mph would be a deal breaker for me... I'm in the shopping phase and man I like the super duty but it's ridiculously slow and that's major bummmer

[@mikemonce1405]

RIGHT CHOICE... Zenith SUPER DUTY

[@charlesplewes48]

You are replacing a Zenith Cruiser with a Zenith Super Duty. What is the difference? Are they not essentially the same plane?

[@ralphhubbell]

One telling difference is mentioned when he takes the Super Duty flight. Rodger tells him that in the case of an engine out the Cruiser will be able to make it further to a proposed landing site. Enough to make a real difference?

[@stevensterry796]

Disappointed you sold without a first flight after we have been watching so long ! Don’t know I can stay with you for another 4 years 😪

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Steven, I sold the Kitfox....not the Blue Angels Cruzer.

[@stevensterry796]

Wow ! My mistake. I feel much better now. I will be waiting for the next video 🙂

[@TruettD]

Did you calculate engine cost

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I'm guessing around 50k for everything needed.

[@raginidjit457]

With all due respect, how much of your opinion is influenced by the fact that you’ve already built a Zenith and are therefore familiar with that build, plus that you already have the tools for the Zenith?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Great question, and I would say a large part. With every airplane I've built I've always said, "I wish I could start over and build that again." The reason is because I learn so much in the building process and now have a mental list of things I would do differently. So I would love to build the SD because it is almost the same the airplane and I can use all the lessons from the Cruzer on the SD.

[@charles-bernardgagnon8244]

It was not long and boring.

[@MrBarbuster]

rans better resale value

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I agree. But I never base a decision on re-sale value. I base it on what aircraft suits my needs and gets me excited.

[@johngood3163]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast strongly agree. If it's the right choice, just keep it forever.

[@anim8ted923]

Long video? Yup. Boring? Nope.

[@asiasmells71]

I call bullshit haha.. I mean this in a good way this will not be your last build. Building is in your blood. As we all know there is no perfict plane so I'm sure 3 years from now you will say mission 2 needs more speed and you want to go x country at 200mph upside down with few barrel roles as u fallow along the magenta line so your building an RV7 hahaha

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

LOL that's is definitely a possibility! But I already will have THREE airplanes! I don' have room for any more!! And I don't want to sell any of the ones I have.

[@sugershakify]

SuperDuty with Epex 300 / 300hp engine = 100+lbs more useful load and insane T/O performance.

[@carlmccall7198]

If it was me man I would got with the s-21 all day.. there a sexy plane... The Zenith not so much