As for Low and Slow Being Safer?

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.

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest FLYING stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox