2009 proved to be something of a trying year for Zenair, Ltd. A
series of tragic accidents involving the Zodiac CH601XL and CH650
aircraft prompted investigations by both the FAA and NTSB. The
FAA's investigation, done in cooperation with the aircraft
manufacturer, resulted in a Special Airworthiness Information
Bulletin. The agency urged owners and operators to suspend flight
until wing maintenance properly complied with the FAA safety
directives.
In the months since the bulletin issuance in November of 2009,
Zenair has spent countless hours investigating safety concerns and
developing strategic structural updates to address potential
problems. As a result of the company's efforts, an extensive
upgrade package has been introduced for existing customers; the
upgrades include structural enhancements in both the wings and
flaps, as well as further mass-balancing of the ailerons.
Zenair hopes that by going ‘over and beyond’ the
issued requirements, customers, as well as the FAA & NTSB
agencies, will feel confident that safety issues have been
sufficiently addressed. The upgrade package requires an estimated
80 to 100 hours to complete; Zenair is currently working to get the
packages successfully installed in over 1000 flying aircraft
worldwide.
In addition, the company is providing additional educational and
training opportunities for owners and operators to further address
safety concerns. Join Aero-TV as Zenair's Vice President, Mathieu
Heintz, details the brightening future of the Zodiac CH 650.
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