From 2009 (YouTube Version): Mathieu Heintz Details Structural Changes in the Zodiac CH 650

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.

FMI: www.zenithair.com, www.zenithair.com/zodiac/ch650/index.html, http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSAIB.nsf/(LookupSAIBs)/CE-10-08?OpenDocument, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews