The Experimental Aircraft Association has gone on record urging operators of Zodiac CH601 and CH650 light sport aircraft (LSAs) not to fly their aircraft. Five in-flight breakups have led to concern for the design’s overall safety, including the areas of stick force, airspeed calibration, structural stability, wing structure and flutter. In a special review of the type, the FAA expressed concern in these areas, and Zenith Aircraft Company (zenithair.com) is preparing a combination safety directive and safety alert. EAA has urged operators of the affected models to voluntarily ground their aircraft until they are updated in accordance to the yet-to-be-released edict from Zenith.
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Key Takeaways:
- The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has urged operators of Zodiac CH601 and CH650 light sport aircraft (LSAs) to voluntarily ground their planes.
- This recommendation follows five in-flight breakups and concerns from both the EAA and FAA regarding design safety issues, including structural stability and wing flutter.
- Operators are advised to keep their aircraft grounded until Zenith Aircraft Company releases a forthcoming safety directive and alert with necessary updates.
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