 Shayne McDaniels Zenith Zodiac CH 650/B Without any fanfare and according to the FAA records, N5880Z is the first U.S. certified and flying amateur-built CH 650. The airworthiness certificate was issued on June 30, 2010, and its first flight at the Neosho (EOS) Airport was on July 10, 2010. The Zenith kit was completed in about a year, including an extra month of rebuild time to incorporate the FAA mandatory Zenith Zodiac structural upgrade kit. The plane is powered by a rebuilt, modified 1965 100-hp Corvair engine built by William Wynne. Its a perfect match for the airframe with a Warp Drive 66-inch ground-adjustable propeller. The building process was thoroughly enjoyable and an exceptional learning experience. Zenith was helpful with the coordination of the new CH 650 kit parts and drawings. My wife and I are flying off the required 40 hours while getting to know our new plane. We look forward to comfortable cross-country flying in the near future with our 44-inch wide cockpit! Pineville, Missouri |
 Rob Rays RV-X What do you get when you combine an RV4 and an RV6? The RV-X! Ten years ago I purchased an RV-4 project from Cornerstone Ministries with the plan to construct a Super RV-4 to replace my current one; 9/11 intervened, placing the project on hold while I served overseas as an F16 pilot in the ALANG. While I was deployed, my friend Arvil would help my dad design and construct a hybrid masterpiece from two incredible airplanes. The wings and tail from my RV-4 project were meticulously matched to an RV-6A fuselage converted to standard configuration. The result is one of the finest flying airplanes I have ever flown. The RV-X flies more like a Pitts than an RV with its lightweight, longer ailerons, racing O-320, MT fixed-pitch prop and smaller empennage. It is also exceptionally fast, with lighter control forces than my Harmon Rocket! Arvil watched me on the initial flight perform aerobatics and many circuits from his tiny grass strip. Five months later he succumbed to pancreatic cancer. My friends Ronnie and Tim expertly prepared and painted it in a backyard booth with a paint scheme chosen to honor MAFs Kodiak. It is truly a remarkable RV on a mission! Thanks to all my friends who helped with this amazing project. Lakeland, Florida |
 Ron Barrows RANS S-19 After two years and two days, N89PM was signed off and flown. With a Jabiru 3300A engine and a Sensenich 60-inch fixed prop, it flies beautifully. At 2700 rpm, it yields 120 mph burning 4.4 gallons per hour. With a modest panel including two Dynons, a Bendix AV80R transponder and com radio along with cloth interior and wheelpants, the weight came in at 834 pounds. I set the maximum gross weight at 1320 pounds and licensed it as an Experimental/Amateur-Built so that I can do the condition inspections and fly it as a Light Sport Aircraft. I am extremely pleased with the finished product and the quality of the kit. Lino Lakes, Minnesota |
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Submissions to Completions should include a typed, double-spaced description (a few paragraphs only-250 words maximum) of the project and the finished aircraft. Also include a good color photograph (prints or 35mm slides are acceptable) of the aircraft that we may keep. Please include a daytime phone number where we can contact you if necessary. Also indicate whether we may publish your address in case other builders would like to contact you. Send submissions to: Completions, c/o KITPLANES Magazine, 203 Argonne Ave., Suite B105, Long Beach, CA 90803. Digital submissions are also acceptable. Send text and photos to editorial@kitplanes.com with a subject line of Completions. Photos must be high-resolution-300 dpi at a 3 x 5 print size is the minimum requirement. You can also submit your aircraft through our online form.
