Planning my CH750 Super Duty BUILD!

I want to share with you my plan for building an awesome back-country ch-750 Super Duty kitplane. I'll talk about what I've learned from building the Cruzer, and what I plan to do the same, and what I plan on doing differently.
If you are building a Cruzer, 750 STOL, or the Super Duty, I hope that you can get some pointers or tips about how you might want to build your project.
Part II will be live on Tuesday August 4th at 5:30 pm eastern.
#ch750 #superduty #STOL #airplane #kitplane

[@emmettklein9263]

Looks like that’s a very nice playing to have an on thank you

[@maximillianxervidius2716]

I would had watched 50 mins of this, such great opinion on builds as I'm planning my own first build, I'm all in as far as setup, front panel and just everything, I want to see the SD build setup and planning even if it's 3 hr's long! But I wont watch a college presentation on PowerPoint for more than 3 mins...

[@garyjones6914]

Nice

[@gregpardee5595]

Your funny Mark, I know you will go above and beyond building the SD fine tuning where Zenith left off just like you did on the cruzer . I am lucky to have seen it in person and it is very nice! I had forgotten how many fiberglass fairings you made which really cleaned it up. I am so looking forward to your new build!

[@williamfahey4092]

I’m currently building a Cruzer and it is interesting to get your take on things. I was going to do the iPad mount but remember you said during a previous Zenith webinar that you don’t really use it much. Never even thought about the throttle being that wobbly In the panel, so that will become a change. Thank you for doing this Mark.

[@bing4342]

This is fantastic video and very informative and useful, particularly to the planning builders, like myself! Can't wait for part 2!!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Part 2 goes live at 5:30 on Tuesday!

[@bing4342]

@@KitplaneEnthusiastMark, I have watched all your videos and appreciate your dedication and perfectionism. Your contribution to the kitplane community is enormous. Actually it is your and other kitplane builders' KZbin videos encourage me to be building one. I am stil in planning stage and may order a Zenith 750 STOL rudder kit and join their workshop to start with. I voted YES to your survey of "should I make full building videos for the super STOL". Keep the good work!! Thank you.

[@Laserdoc905]

Nice!!! Cant wait to see the build

[@johngood3163]

Great considerations; appreciate all the effort 👍

[@dougwebb6193]

Man, I love that charger port idea!

[@davidrobins4025]

I'm excited for you in anticipation of the new build you are planning. Hope to see the next video soon.

[@carlmccall7198]

The paint looks so good on your cruiser

[@jofido]

Really appreciate this video. A lot of very useable suggestions based on your experience and flying mission. Thanks very much,Mark....and appreciate the video length. Looking forward to the build.

[@carlmccall7198]

Mark on my 650 when I put my new panel together with the g3x I used a .063 faceplate over then entire .025 panel. made everything solid

[@kevenlonsdale1354]

Very interesting to see your thought process as you find out what you like and don't like as you get more time on the cruiser.

[@jamesbarber2882]

Skate board suppliers have a good range of grip tape. Thank you the videos ,

[@williamstrome5271]

I agree with you mark about separate ignition but you can plan to do both mark patey has the 801 nice build the cleaner your airflow the better you can always use controls to slow down and control your speed and decent I already know your going to build it very nice anyway

[@Drdcplumb]

Mark, Consider ordering the extra panel from Zenith once you are sure of your layout. It’s a lot thicker, they can do CNC cutouts and you can then hinge it at the bottom to the cut out flimsy panel and horizontal brace. Not all that expensive either. Talk to Roger of course.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Good idea!

[@n206ja]

I think adding the autopilot is a great idea. I used to think that an autopilot in my STOL 750 was the antithesis of what STOL flying is all about! However, it dawned on me that any cross country in a STOL airplane is a long cross country - timewise. It's really nice to have a 2 axis autopilot to give you a break occasionally. Like your Dynon, all I had to do was add 2 servos as the autopilot control software was already built-in to my MGL XTreme mini-EFIS.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

John Austin Yes that was my thinking-if I fly this airplane to northern MI or out west somewhere, that’s a long flight in a bush plane and that autopilot will be very handy!

[@gvrose1]

The Dynon AP control panel is priceless as is the Baro, TRK, Alt panel. I use them extensively when flying and taking pictures. The IPad insert is there for a backup to the dynon should a component fail..

[@BloomingtonFPV]

How much is a complete AP Dynon/Radio/etc avionics package for the Cruzer?

[@travisweide9071]

battery jumpers are lightweight and impressive nowdays

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

That's true-I could probably take a jumper battery with me in the plane.

[@lylewright3884]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Its hard to hand prop a nose dragger battery jumper much safer looking forward to the build

[@darrenweston6056]

I put the stol panel in my Cruzer, also cut out the middle as you are thinking of doing, worked out great. Looks like Saturday morning video’s will be back 😀

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

The videos will be more regular as soon as I receive my kit and get the building process going. I'm really looking forward to it all!

[@user-tl5fi9lz9z]

I like 25 min videos. I like even longer videos, if they are interesting. Yours usually are.

[@mhilderbrand7693]

Love this topic! Can’t wait for the next video! As far as the floor goes, is there something else a person can use besides just paint? Maybe something easy to clean, but has grit to it? A poor example would be a bed liner paint for a truck, although this would probably be too heavy?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

In my fuselage, where my heels rest on the metal airframe, I used rubberized sticky-back non-slip material that works great. You can find it on amazon in different sizes. Get the largest size you can find and cut it to exactly the size you need.

[@1shARyn3]

The GPS (antenna) is IFR/WAAS, but they don't have an IFR Navigator. (I understand that people have integrated the Garmin GTN-650 with it, even tho' the only Garmin mentions in the HDX install manual is for the GTR200 or the SL40), but I think it can be done. Also, why wait for the Autopilot? You have to take the Cruizer apart for the Condition Inspection ====> plan a mod and install the servos then. ;-)

[@robertlafnear4865]

Out West, Camping, Backcountry ? ... hmmmmm...... sounds like you need to buddy up with the 'Cowboys" for a tour of Utah, Nevada, Idaho and maybe N.Cal.... great "Camping" out West for sure and they know some super spots..... come fly the Oregon coast too, fly low and circle the light houses as you go..... North to South with a tail wind works great.......... Have a great build, looking forward to the videos.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I really hope someday I can meet those guys and fly with them. They could teach me a lot!

[@robertlafnear4865]

I made a special trip to do just that at RENO last year....... GREAT group of flyers ,.. they have an area that allows all to mingle and interact with them and the planes. AND the RENO races are something to see, just get a seat next to an isle.

[@gl7080]

Hello Mark, Why not to put the battery charger inside the plane on the middle console or next the usb port that already is mounted, or the other side from the passenger? It's reasonably protected against short circuit you can also secure it with a extra switch ;) Bye bye from The Netherlands

[@stephengloor8451]

At the start you were talking about a “Sky Jeep” that you could hand prop out of the bush if your electrics quit. Later you talked extensively about glass cockpits and IFR capable instruments etc that require power. IMHO if you went with the Lycoming sky jeep concept you would also have a cockpit of steam gauges to match that also don’t require power to work. Otherwise please join us here in the 21st Century where we know how to make reliable electronics and fit the Viking 180. Remember those back country areas are high and hot sometimes. I think you will bless the turbo charger more than the hand prop capability. If you are really worried about the electrics ask someone who knows about batteries etc to design the battery backup system for you - the Viking one is a bit dodgy and it would be relatively easy to do better. Additionally that charger port you mentioned could easily have a lightweight solar panel plugged in to it so the batteries are charging during your camping trip.

[@danieldrinkwalter2393]

Absolutely agree with the idea of mechanical steam gauges, at least ASI, ALT & slip/skid for back up. In addition to losing your EFIS if the battery dies, screens can fail, short out, etc. (Ever have the blue screen of death on your computer?) I know modern screens are highly dependable, but I would be a bit leery of a single glass panel for all instrumentation.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

That's a great idea to just have a solar charger keeping the aircraft battery charged.

[@toddr2265]

Your battery concerns can be addressed by building in a rechargeable backup battery pack. They're a dime a dozen now. I keep one in every vehicle for the winter time here and they work great. Lightweight and powerful. They can also be used to recharge cell phones, laptops, or run portable air compressors. Jonas Marcinko actually used one from Harbor Freight as his primary battery. Probably not the smartest thing but it did work on the video he made.

[@sleepyp808]

Probably Not The Smartest Thing - that should just be the name of his channel at this point

[@AnthonyDigi1205]

U should sell the fairings make some money lol

[@sonicapollo]

Get an aeromomentum AM20T and install 2 batteries. You now have high altitude capability, more power, less weight, and redundancy.

[@karlriley1314]

If you want it for back country you need the CH801.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Did you see that Zenair in Canada has a new 801 Super Duty? It has a 1,200 pound useful load!

[@littlewingpsc27]

The CH801 SD is the plane I would like to build one day.

[@MichaelLGriffin]

@@littlewingpsc27 Same. Still my dream but I am working toward it.

[@scottmiller4711]

Mark, if you are using the Zenith flap motor then you can display the flap position now on your HDX. We have almost the same panel, I have two screens and AP and my Dynon does display the position. My flap and trim are on the Ray Allen grip not the panel.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Scott Miller Awesome! How do you get the info from the flap motor to the Dynon? Can you let me know how yours is wired?

[@scottmiller4711]

Kitplane Enthusiast I will check when I get back to the plane tomorrow, but I am fairly certain that you have to set the sensor up in the system. I can’t remember which PIN it is on.

[@scottmiller4711]

Kitplane Enthusiast Mine is on P22 on the Data Sensor pages

[@scottmiller4711]

You are correct Dynon does not have a certified GPS navigator so you would need to purchase either a Garmin or Avidyne plus the Dynon ARINC 429 module to interface them. I think Dynon partners with Avidyne.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I just talked with my neighbor Len who currently has the same set up in his Velocity as I want to install in my SD. That's exactly what he said-get the Garmin 175 and the Dynon 429 module and it's all plug and play!

[@fredkunkel1600]

Just out of curiosity, why can't you add a solar panel battery charger port to the side of your cowling and/or behind the cockpit in the baggage area for an extra battery? I'm thinking of applications we use solar panels for living in the country - electric fences, deer feeders, water tank pumps, etc.

[@zenvairpilot]

here is an idea, truck bead liner for the floor.

[@davehallier8584]

Had to pause this video a moment to ask you whether or not you considered mod to landing gear. In a recent convo with Roger, he pointed out a CH650 on Zenith Aero site which an RG mod. I too am in the works to building a Super Duty, but desire retractable gear for many reasons, similar to your time put into fairings et al! I’m not crazy, but actually thrilled to figure out how, ie borrowed from C210, Cardinal, Skymaster, or similar to the Grumman Goose I flew in my younger years. So, would like to get your take on this idea, almost anything is possible for a price right? You seem to think things through similar to myself, and an attention to detail. I’m semi retired now former CPL, IT guy, and Auto Mechanic. I’m self employed back into autos for now, but this mod doesn’t scare me, and I wonder why no other exists like in an 801 for example. Let know, I PMd you on your FB page... thanks for all the great inspiration your videos deliver Mark! Hope to see you sometime in the future.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Someone did this to an RV-4 once and gained something like 2 or 3 mph. Unless you're just looking forward to the engineering challenge, I would see no benefit to retracts on a 750. I'd love to see you do it though-it would definitely be a head turner!!

[@justsomeguy1181]

I'd like to see someone look-at/try/talk-about the diesel motors. Since they run on Jet A OR diesel, fuel costs are 1/3 or even less to operate. With mechanical fuel injection: no battery needed to run, so not likely to quit in-air. Some builders are going with a automotive engine, too -- it's a pretty stock Mercedes 2.0 TDI in Diamond aircraft. Is it not a good idea to just put a cigar lighter socket in your panel and charge the battery as needed through there? I think most people just put an inline fuse (or nothing) directly to the battery when wiring a new socket. My charger came with a cigar plug.

[@jamesbarber2882]

The PSRU (gear box ) is the weak link on automotive conversions .

[@BloomingtonFPV]

@@jamesbarber2882 Paging the Raptor...

[@jamesbarber2882]

Tom Busey Yes I've been watching the Raptor . The flying school near me use DA 42 for Airline pilot training .These Diesel engines are very very successful. They fly over me every day .But the sums are different for a flying school. I'm going from memory here but I think this engine uses a torsion damper from a car .This is the bit that absorbs the pulses from the engine, and protects the Prop Speed Reduction Unit (gearbox) .The gear box ( PSRU ) is the key .It slows the prop down to the right speed .This why Rotax engines and Viking do put out so much thrust (don't confuse with power )It's more efficient for the prop to be geared down .We had two Diesel engines in the U K One was a horizontally opposed two stroke .I has four Pistons but two cylinders .It might be in the US now . Always listen to blokes like Mark and not the ones trying to sell you something .When you are twenty miles out over the North Atlantic and the engine coughs the money you saved on someone's experiment won't save you ..Diamond spent a lot of money on their engine and its gearbox .Im with the Ulpower...Viking are getting there but our laa won't wear a used engine .They are very cautious .Fuel is more expensive here but is only a small part of the cost of this activity.and the ULPower runs on car fuel @a US dollar a litre anyway.It's ten o'clock here and I'm hitting the sack .,,,regards from England .

[@justsomeguy1181]

​@@BloomingtonFPVYes, Raptor was on my mind. However, Peter is trying to operate an Audio 3L diesel at 133 HP/L which might seem ridiculous; so I didn't mention it directly. Even Audi's 5.5L Le Mans car only ran 118 HP/L while needing to last a few dozen hours. Peter's 300 HP cruise is probably still a bit ambitious, but I'm so glad SOMEONE is pushing the envelope a little to see what happens. The 1963 tech of most certified GA aircraft is definitely not very hard to improve upon. Nor is its cost.

[@paulbrunner1818]

Have you thought about powder coating that entire interior on the new build as an option for that front carpet portion?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

No. Powder coating is heavy, and I'd have to move the entire fuselage an oven large enough to fit the fuselage. I actually like having the small carpet in front of the seats. I don't find any need for carpet aft of that area.

[@spyrosg3172]

Dynon/Advanced seems to favor Avidyne navigator/GPS units. Regarding the battery: with a MASSIVE O-370 in the nose, does the battery need to be there too? I like the idea of the battery charger, but maybe it, and the battery, will need to be somewhere further to the rear..!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I've thought of this too and is something I wanted to ask Roger about. The only issue is the loss of voltage with the long battery cables. (and the weight of the long cables!)

[@MichaelLGriffin]

I have a dream! And that is to one build a CH-801 SD! A few questions; how would removing the carpet affect cabin noise? I have noticed on almost all the Zenith videos that it sounds like being in a steel drum on take-off & landing; how would you dampen that or is it a non-issue? Have you considered a flip-down armrest with integrated throttle? I saw it on a Aerosport Cheetah XLS intro video and loved the idea. There is a local CH-801 that uses a BMW 1100 motor cycle engine & gearbox; what are your thoughts on such a solution? (Friend of skydiving jump buddy - hoping to speak to him directly soon) Love you videos! Giving me hope that I too will one day follow in your footsteps!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

That noise you hear is from the rear fuselage where there is no carpet, so removing it from the cabin would have no affect. No to the armrest. As for your engine question, I have nothing of value to add since I know nothing about the engine or it's use on an airplane. In general though, you will add many hours to your build going with an engine that is not currently supported with a firewall forward kit. So I would suggest the standard Rotax, UL Power, Viking, Lycoming, Corvair, etc... Good luck and hope to see you get started on a kit!

[@MichaelLGriffin]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Thank you greatly for a prompt reply!

[@jefish]

A while back you mentioned being frustrated with the leading edge landing lights. What are your thoughts now? Worth it in the end, or better to just mount lights to the struts or gear legs?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

It was a lot of work to add the light in the wingtip. Since the Super Duty has leading edge slats it will be a different mounting system so I'm not sure if it will be easier or more difficult. Having a lens in the slats can possibly lead to water getting in the slat around the lens if the plane sits out in the rain. So I guess I don't know if I will put the lights in the slats or somewhere else.

[@markalan1501]

What are the lights you have hanging there> Are those LED's?

[@carlosasher-leon4879]

Mark, I am going to ask a question..........Maybe a rather silly question......... Do you get paid for doing these video's ??? Why I ask you might say........ Because the information you provide is priceless................thanks !!

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Thanks Carlos. I get paid by having those annoying ads at the beginning of the video that everyone skips LOL. KZbin pays a few dollars per thousand views on the videos. That is why KZbinrs are always asking for people to "like" and subscribe. That all helps the channel grow and reach a larger audience, and therefore each video gets more views, and a couple of more dollars in my pocket. So far I've made enough to buy a new lens for my camera. I don't make the videos for the money (seriously the per hour rate is extremely low) but I make them to share information and contribute to the homebuilt aircraft community. Any money I make I put into the channel for better filming equipment. Glad to hear you like the content!

[@philipritson8821]

Do you actually need the third seat? Why not just omit it?

[@1950harleycharley]

How about taking a small, but lightweight Jackery with you to handle your battery needs?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I had to Google "Jackery" to find out what it is. But yes this is a good option. Others have mentioned solar chargers too so maybe I don't have to be so concerned about killing my battery and getting stuck. Looks there's lots of options out there.

[@1950harleycharley]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast ...yes sir....the Jackery has one of, if not the highest ratings out there...so incredible that many refer to it as a generator...it is actually a dense lithium-ion battery....I love your build and the new one ought to be even better!

[@russellsmith3825]

It was Mark Patey that had the 802, his wife primarily flew it.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I just searched Google for his videos again on his 801-I wanted to see what he did to the back end. I plan on making a similar fairing for the SD.

[@russellsmith3825]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast those are some of the oldest videos on his channel

[@russellsmith3825]

@@KitplaneEnthusiastpart 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaixgqmamc5rZ9U

[@russellsmith3825]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast part 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2mQh5R9hpKSbrs

[@joshuawilson4027]

Is useful electrical flaps on the STOL plane?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Mechanical would probably be better because they can be actuated faster, but the stock Zenith flaps are electric.

[@waynegeske]

What happened to the kitfox you started?

[@maxradford5089]

He sold that on.

[@bartgoins1782]

A 12 volt solar battery charger would eliminate your worries about a dead battery. Question for you, you have a "Master Switch," and an "Avionics Master," but yet you Dynon comes on when you turn on the "Master Switch," so what comes on with the "Avionics Master?"

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

The Dynon comes on with the master because I need it on for engine start as that displays the engine gauges. All other avionics are on the avionics buss. I have it set that way because if I ever smell electrical smoke, I can turn off the avionics master and shut everything off. If I need the Dynon off, then I can pull a breaker on the right side of the panel.

[@bartgoins1782]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast, my efis comes on with my master, but my engine instruments go to my eis, which comes on with the avionics switch, which I flip on as soon as the engine starts. I would rather keep switches for on/off, and breakers for electrical issues.

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Bart Goins Great-you’re free to wire your plane however you like.

[@patrickszuminski9446]

If you want to know your flap position, turn your head slightly to the left. What do I know?

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

Not as easy as you think. Being full length flaperons you can't compare the flap to the aileron and see if they are up. There's really no way to know if they are fully up with no indicator.

[@patrickszuminski9446]

Kitplane Enthusiast .... That’s awesome, didn’t mean to imply anything, it came out wrong. Love your videos super informative. Quick question, do you have an affiliation with Blue Angles or just a fan like the rest of us?

[@alissaeggenfellner4613]

Also remember, you have two batteries :)

[@medicman020]

I left a dollar in the sink for you.

[@sugershakify]

Epex300 engine

[@KitplaneEnthusiast]

I'm not knowledgeable enough about engines to play around with something like the Epex300. What an awesome engine though!

[@ginacalabrese3869]

@@KitplaneEnthusiast Talk to Steve Henry. He puts them in his Wild West Aircraft Highlanders. The engines and gearbox are super lightweight and reliable. I hear Edge Performance is easily getting 300hp on very little fuel and he's currently developing a 400hp one for a customer with a Rans I believe.

[@emmettklein9263]

Looks like that’s a very nice plane to have an on thank you