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New Chris Heinz Letter Today
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Davcoberly(at)wmconnect.c
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 3:51 pm    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

Let's hear some comments on the new Chris Heinz Letter on lowering our Vne and Gross Weight among others! David Coberly 601XL Ready to Fly / Corvair [quote][b]

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psm(at)att.net
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:26 pm    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

First, here is a link to the new letter on Zenith's web site:
http://www.zenithair.com/zodiac/xl/data/c-heintz-letter-7-2009.pdf

Now for the requested comments . . .

I am glad to hear someone from the Zenith/Zenair community actually suggest there is a need to do something about all the accidents. Reduction of gross weight and airspeed limits certainly should help with the future safety record of this design.

I am now more hopeful I will receive "Official" design changes for the XL that I decided to wait for before entering flight testing. The ones I want are aileron mass balance and control system force changes as demanded by the NTSB.

Paul
XL grounded


At 04:50 PM 7/7/2009, you wrote:

[quote]Let's hear some comments on the new Chris Heinz Letter on lowering our Vne and Gross Weight among others! David Coberly 601XL Ready to Fly / Corvair
Quote:

[/b]
[b]


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Gig Giacona



Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1416
Location: El Dorado Arkansas USA

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 4:48 pm    Post subject: Re: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

There are the design changes.

VNE 140
MGW 1255#s


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sabrina



Joined: 15 Jun 2009
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PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 6:43 pm    Post subject: Re: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

Do Not Archive

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planes_by_ken(at)bellsout
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 3:22 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

I can live with the lower V speeds. It is the gross weight reduction
that I am concerned about. I never will be light weight. I hope
"temporary" will be the case.
Ken Lilja


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Juan Vega Jr



Joined: 13 Jan 2009
Posts: 157

PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 6:22 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

Paul,
you will most likely not get your wish as mass balancing opens up an engineering can of worms. and the stick forces will not be modified as this is a little wing loaded aircraft with a wide speed envelope. I suggest you either finish the plane and sell it and get a heavy wing loaded aircraft like a Cessna or just sell the zoidac and movw on. OPtion 3 is finish your plane, and learn to fly it within its design parameters. You are issing out by not flying your plane.

Juan

--


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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 6:24 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

On Tuesday 07 July 2009 18:50, Davcoberly(at)wmconnect.com wrote:
Quote:
Let's hear some comments on the new Chris Heinz Letter on lowering our Vne
and Gross Weight among others! David Coberly 601XL Ready to Fly / Corvair

Quote:
From my perspective, it's very simple. The airspeed limitation is easy to do,
and is an operational prodcedure.


The reduction in gross weight is totally unacceptable. The original weight was
marginal in its usefullness. The reduction severely limits the usefulness of
the aircraft.

My wife and I were going to go on our own weight reduction program, and limit
the amount of baggage to fly the aircraft. Now, it simply won't carry both of
us. I can't wait to explain this to her!

Does this mean the original design calculations were incorrect, or that this
is a CYA?
--
=============================================
Do not archive.
=============================================
Jim B Belcher
BS, MS Physics, Math, Computer Science
A&P/IA
Retired aerospace technical manager
=============================================


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jmaynard



Joined: 27 Feb 2008
Posts: 394
Location: Fairmont, MN (FRM)

PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 6:39 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

On Wed, Jul 08, 2009 at 10:18:54AM -0400, Juan Vega wrote:
Quote:
Paul, you will most likely not get your wish as mass balancing opens up an
engineering can of worms. and the stick forces will not be modified as
this is a little wing loaded aircraft with a wide speed envelope. I
suggest you either finish the plane and sell it and get a heavy wing
loaded aircraft like a Cessna or just sell the zoidac and movw on. OPtion
3 is finish your plane, and learn to fly it within its design parameters.
You are issing out by not flying your plane.

The answer "no" is *ALWAYS* acceptable to the question "will we fly this
airplane today?". Paul obviously chooses to answer that question differently
from you.

It is *NEVER* acceptable to try to twist another pilot's arm to go flying if
he feels it is unsafe. Period. Please stop doing it.
--
Jay Maynard, K5ZC, PP-ASEL, CFI-SP http://www.conmicro.com
http://jmaynard.livejournal.com http://www.tronguy.net
Fairmont, MN (KFRM) (Yes, that's me!)
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jmaynard



Joined: 27 Feb 2008
Posts: 394
Location: Fairmont, MN (FRM)

PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 6:39 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

On Wed, Jul 08, 2009 at 09:27:06AM -0500, Jim Belcher wrote:
Quote:
On Tuesday 07 July 2009 18:50, Davcoberly(at)wmconnect.com wrote:
> Let's hear some comments on the new Chris Heinz Letter on lowering our Vne
> and Gross Weight among others! David Coberly 601XL Ready to Fly / Corvair
From my perspective, it's very simple. The airspeed limitation is easy to do,
and is an operational prodcedure.

Indeed. 140 MPH is 121.65 knots; the top of the green is 108 KIAS, and I've
only had it up to 120 once in a power-on descent in absolutely smooth air. I
don't think this one will affect anyone.

Quote:
The reduction in gross weight is totally unacceptable. The original weight was
marginal in its usefullness. The reduction severely limits the usefulness of
the aircraft.

Absolutely. Basically, I'm now restricted to solo flight.
--
Jay Maynard, K5ZC, PP-ASEL, CFI-SP http://www.conmicro.com
http://jmaynard.livejournal.com http://www.tronguy.net
Fairmont, MN (KFRM) (Yes, that's me!)
AMD Zodiac CH601XLi N55ZC http://www.tronguy.net/N55ZC.shtml


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Gig Giacona



Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1416
Location: El Dorado Arkansas USA

PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:04 am    Post subject: Re: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

z601(at)anemicaardvark.co wrote:
On Tuesday 07 July 2009 18:50, Davcoberly(at)wmconnect.com wrote:
Does this mean the original design calculations were incorrect, or that this
is a CYA?
--


The original 1320 has been flown for years by a large number of airplanes. In all of the design studies that have been done, including those by our friends at ZBAG, it has only been called it into question where the +/- 6G Ultimate load are concerned. So yes I'd have to say it is a case of CYA.

Since I'm building an EXP-HB and I get to write the POH. I think an even lower manuvering speed when loaded above 1255 will have the same effect. I will, of course, do some research and finally testing during my 40 hours to back that up.


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Gig Giacona



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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:11 am    Post subject: Re: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

jmaynard wrote:
It is *NEVER* acceptable to try to twist another pilot's arm to go flying if
he feels it is unsafe. Period. Please stop doing it.


Nobody is trying to twist anyones arm into flying. But if a person has decided that they are not going to fly a plane without a certain modification from the designer and there is a very good chance if not a near certainty that that the modification in question is not going to come then they need to either get rid of the plane or design the modification themselves, install it and test it.

But it is probably a good idea that someone who doesn't have reading comprehension skills and has no understanding of the limits of regulatory power of the NTSB not be out flying.


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psm(at)att.net
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:12 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

At 07:18 AM 7/8/2009, you wrote:
HI Juan,

I don't understand you. You have said about ten times now that I
should give up my nearly life long project to build a Zodiac. Why do
you keep saying that.

First, I have ignored your opinion on my life's direction many times
before and will continue to do so.

Second, I find your suggestions offensive. You have offered to fly
my plane for me - as if your manhood makes you a better pilot than me
and that makes it OK to fly this death trap. What, exactly, makes
you think my pilot skills are not up to flying the XL while yours are?

Third, your latest nonsense that I should get a better airplane and
not continue down the path of completion for my Zodiac seems the most
outrageous comment you have made to date. Why do you think I could
use such a plane when I have told you and the list many times that I
don't have a medical and can't fly anything other than LSA?

How is it that you KNOW what will not happen with regard to the XL
design enhancement?

Or perhaps, you just keep ignoring what I say just like I keep
ignoring what you say.

The simple truth is that the NTSB has DEMANDED mass balance for the
ailerons and control system redesign. I am confident that will
happen at some point. Perhaps it has already been done for the LAA
exercise. We will learn more about those secret design changes when
the LAA completes its test program. I am sure it includes mass
balance for the ailerons and other design improvements, but I am not
sure what other improvements.

Now that Chris has admitted through his new reductions in safe flight
and weight parameters for the XL that the design needs work, I am
more optimistic than ever that we will get the changes that are
clearly needed. So, why do you continue to tell me to go away and
get a better plane?

Paul
XL grounded

Quote:


Paul,
you will most likely not get your wish as mass balancing opens up an
engineering can of worms. and the stick forces will not be modified
as this is a little wing loaded aircraft with a wide speed
envelope. I suggest you either finish the plane and sell it and get
a heavy wing loaded aircraft like a Cessna or just sell the zoidac
and movw on. OPtion 3 is finish your plane, and learn to fly it
within its design parameters. You are issing out by not flying your plane.

Juan


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z601(at)anemicaardvark.co
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:22 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

On Tuesday 07 July 2009 19:48, Gig Giacona wrote:
Quote:


There are the design changes.

VNE 140
MGW 1255#s

In reading the letter from Chris Heintz, I note several things:

1) These are recommended procedures.
2) They appear to be temporary until the real problems can be ascertained.
3) There seems to be an implicit admission there really is a problem(s).

I think I see an admission that there is (are) a problems, as yet
unidentified, but they do not yet know what the actual problem(s) are. They
seem to be hopeful they can be identified, and that the restrictions will be
lifted.

Asking for reduced speed and weight reduces the overall structural
requirements on the aircraft, which may very well reduce the problem(s).
After all, we beef up aircraft structural design to carrry more load and go
faster. Reducing the load and the speed should reduce the workload on the
structure. However, I also see this as placing Chris Heintz on record in a
proactive role.

Since these restrictions reduce the usefullness of the aircraft substantially,
I hope we see an early resolution to these issues. If not, there may well be
some aviation lawyers who are the only winners in the whole issue.

Meanwhile, I need to get back in my shop and continue work on my new single
place aircraft. It's called a Z601XL. Ever hear of it?
--
=============================================
Do not archive.
=============================================
Jim B Belcher
BS, MS Physics, Math, Computer Science
A&P/IA
Retired aerospace technical manager
=============================================


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jmaynard



Joined: 27 Feb 2008
Posts: 394
Location: Fairmont, MN (FRM)

PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:22 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

On Wed, Jul 08, 2009 at 08:04:39AM -0700, Gig Giacona wrote:
Quote:
Since I'm building an EXP-HB and I get to write the POH. I think an even
lower manuvering speed when loaded above 1255 will have the same effect. I
will, of course, do some research and finally testing during my 40 hours
to back that up.

You might want to rethink this, Gig. Maneuvering speed goes up when gross
weight goes up, not down. My POH says that maneuvering speed is 90 KIAS at
1320 pounds, dropping to 84 KIAS at 1150 pounds.
--
Jay Maynard, K5ZC, PP-ASEL, CFI-SP http://www.conmicro.com
http://jmaynard.livejournal.com http://www.tronguy.net
Fairmont, MN (KFRM) (Yes, that's me!)
AMD Zodiac CH601XLi N55ZC http://www.tronguy.net/N55ZC.shtml


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jmaynard



Joined: 27 Feb 2008
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Location: Fairmont, MN (FRM)

PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:23 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

On Wed, Jul 08, 2009 at 08:11:39AM -0700, Gig Giacona wrote:
Quote:
jmaynard wrote:
> It is *NEVER* acceptable to try to twist another pilot's arm to go flying if
> he feels it is unsafe. Period. Please stop doing it.
Nobody is trying to twist anyones arm into flying.

That's sure what Juan looks like he's doing.

Quote:
But if a person has decided that they are not going to fly a plane without
a certain modification from the designer and there is a very good chance
if not a near certainty that that the modification in question is not
going to come then they need to either get rid of the plane or design the
modification themselves, install it and test it.

I would agree if there wasn't just such a mod being tested in the UK right
now. I believe that, when those results are in, the mod will be made
available for the Zodiac community in general, and probably mandated for AMD
aircraft by safety letter.

Quote:
But it is probably a good idea that someone who doesn't have reading
comprehension skills and has no understanding of the limits of regulatory
power of the NTSB not be out flying.

Then why is Juan still flying? Gig, that one cuts both ways. Just because
the NTSB does not have regulatory power does not diminish their expertise
and the force of their recommendations.

I'm satisfied by the German testing that there's not a problem as long as
aileron control cable tensions are properly maintained. However, when the
unanimous guidance of the aeronautical engineering community is that reying
on cable tension alone is insufficient, I don't consider it unreasonable to
not fly until another means of flutter prevention is available.
--
Jay Maynard, K5ZC, PP-ASEL, CFI-SP http://www.conmicro.com
http://jmaynard.livejournal.com http://www.tronguy.net
Fairmont, MN (KFRM) (Yes, that's me!)
AMD Zodiac CH601XLi N55ZC http://www.tronguy.net/N55ZC.shtml


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ernieth(at)gmail.com
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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:43 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

---> The simple truth is that the NTSB has DEMANDED mass balance for
the ailerons

The NTSB can demand that LSA rules be revised and changed. But Lucky
for us they cant tell us how to build OUR planes. Demand all you want
it does not mean anything

On Wed, Jul 8, 2009 at 11:04 AM, Paul Mulwitz<psm(at)att.net> wrote:
Quote:


At 07:18 AM 7/8/2009, you wrote:
HI Juan,

I don't understand you.  You have said about ten times now that I should
give up my nearly life long project to build a Zodiac.  Why do you keep
saying that.

First, I have ignored your opinion on my life's direction many times before
and will continue to do so.

Second, I find your suggestions offensive.  You have offered to fly my plane
for me - as if your manhood makes you a better pilot than me and that makes
it OK to fly this death trap.  What, exactly, makes you think my pilot
skills are not up to flying the XL while yours are?

Third,  your latest nonsense that I should get a better airplane and not
continue down the path of completion for my Zodiac seems the most outrageous
comment you have made to date.  Why do you think I could use such a plane
when I have told you and the list many times that I don't have a medical and
can't fly anything other than LSA?

How is it that you KNOW what will not happen with regard to the XL design
enhancement?

Or perhaps, you just keep ignoring what I say just like I keep ignoring what
you say.

The simple truth is that the NTSB has DEMANDED mass balance for the ailerons
and control system redesign.  I am confident that will happen at some point.
 Perhaps it has already been done for the LAA exercise.  We will learn more
about those secret design changes when the LAA completes its test program.
 I am sure it includes mass balance for the ailerons and other design
improvements, but I am not sure what other improvements.

Now that Chris has admitted through his new reductions in safe flight and
weight parameters for the XL that the design needs work, I am more
optimistic than ever that we will get the changes that are clearly needed.
 So, why do you continue to tell me to go away and get a better plane?

Paul
XL grounded

>
>
> Paul,
> you will most likely not get your wish as mass balancing opens up an
> engineering can of worms.  and the stick forces will not be modified as this
> is a little wing loaded aircraft with a wide speed envelope.  I suggest you
> either finish the plane and sell it and get a heavy wing loaded aircraft
> like a Cessna or just sell the zoidac and movw on.   OPtion 3 is finish your
> plane, and learn to fly it within its design parameters.  You are issing out
> by not flying your plane.
>
> Juan


Do Not Archive


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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 8:02 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

Paul,

In reply to your statement:
" The ones I want are aileron mass balance and control system force changes as demanded by the NTSB".

Unless I am reading the NTSB report wrong,

Page 11 of the NTSB report has the "Recommendations" not "Demands" that:

a Ground Vibration Test be conducted and "consideration" of mass-balanced ailerons,
and an "evaluation" the stick force gradient at max aft CG and notification to the pilots of the stick-force gradient that occurs at the aft cg, especially at higher G forces.

Since most of us, or possibly none of us, have ever had access to or have read the forwarding letter of ZBAG to the NTSB, is it possible that ZBAG letter had the "Demands"???

Tony Graziano
XL/Jab; N493TG; 509 hrs


[quote] ---


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pavel569



Joined: 21 Dec 2007
Posts: 77

PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 8:06 am    Post subject: Re: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

Quote:
Second, I find your suggestions offensive. You have offered to fly
my plane for me - as if your manhood makes you a better pilot than me
and that makes it OK to fly this death trap. What, exactly, makes
you think my pilot skills are not up to flying the XL while yours are?


Paul,
I agree that Juan's comments are often very offensive and sometimes inappropriate but I must say that in this case, he is probably right.
If I'd ever call the plane I'm building with the dream of flying it once "a death trap", the next the day it will be for sale. It means you have zero confidence in your Zodiac and mass balance or stick stiffness modes can bring it up a little but you'll still fly it with the vision on wing flying away. Where is the fun of flying, then?
Nothing personal, I just don't want a fellow builder to call my plane these names unless it is true.


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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:23 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

Hi Tony,

First, let me say I have no knowledge of ZBAG letters or any other activities of that group. I am not a member and really don't care what they say or do.

As to the language of the NTSB, I will yield to your interpretation of the exact points. My take is that they DEMANDED that the entire fleet of XLs be grounded until the safety issues are resolved. If I have overemphasized the aileron mass balance or control gradient change, then I apologize.

Still, the decision I made is to ground my plane until those specific changes have been made and approved by appropriate engineers and organizations (e.g. Zenith). You might think the German tests negate the need for aileron mass balance, but I don't. That is because all the experts I have spoken to on this subject say the balance is needed whether aileron flutter can be proved to be a problem or not. This includes a number of high ranking FAA safety folks and also a number of highly experienced kitplane folks. For me to drop the need for aileron mass balance would take at least the NTSB saying it isn't needed - something I doubt I will ever see.

I realize I am being very conservative on my decision point and that other people can and should make their own decisions. However, I wonder if all the people who are continuing to fly their XLs had another airplane in their hangar they would still choose to fly the XL. Besides being a safety decision it winds up being a financial decision too.

Paul
XL Grounded


At 08:56 AM 7/8/2009, you wrote:
[quote]Page 11 of the NTSB report has the "Recommendations" not "Demands" that:

a Ground Vibration Test be conducted and "consideration" of mass-balanced ailerons,
and an "evaluation" the stick force gradient at max aft CG and notification to the pilots of the stick-force gradient that occurs at the aft cg, especially at higher G forces.

Since most of us, or possibly none of us, have ever had access to or have read the forwarding letter of ZBAG to the NTSB, is it possible that ZBAG letter had the "Demands"???

Tony Graziano
XL/Jab; N493TG; 509 hrs[b]


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PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:31 am    Post subject: New Chris Heinz Letter Today Reply with quote

Hi Pavel,

I agree with your point . . . in general. However, there are a
couple of issues I consider important that you didn't mention.

First, I have dedicated a great deal of time and money in building my
XL. I would really like to finish the project by flying it and
getting it through phase 1 testing. Having an unfinished project
really annoys me.

Second, I think the XL is generally safe, but has some nasty risks
associated with it. I believe the NTSB has taken all the appropriate
considerations in mind and proposed a reasonable solution that would
make this a safe airplane. This is subject to further analysis by
experts and might be modified in the future. Still, I think there is
a "Solution" to the high risks of structural failure that have shown
themselves in a relatively large number of fatal events.

I am willing to wait for the issues to be resolved before flying my
plane. I am not yet willing to give up on it completely.

Paul
XL grounded
At 09:06 AM 7/8/2009, you wrote:
Quote:

> Second, I find your suggestions offensive. You have offered to fly
> my plane for me - as if your manhood makes you a better pilot than me
> and that makes it OK to fly this death trap. What, exactly, makes
> you think my pilot skills are not up to flying the XL while yours are?
>
Paul,
I agree that Juan's comments are often very offensive and sometimes
inappropriate but I must say that in this case, he is probably right.
If I'd ever call the plane I'm building with the dream of flying it
once "a death trap", the next the day it will be for sale. It means
you have zero confidence in your Zodiac and mass balance or stick
stiffness modes can bring it up a little but you'll still fly it
with the vision on wing flying away. Where is the fun of flying, then?
Nothing personal, I just don't want a fellow builder to call my
plane these names unless it is true.

--------
Pavel
CA
Zodiac XL N581PL (Reserved)
Stratus Subaru EA-81
Tail, flaps, ailerons, wings done, fuselage is on the table ....


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