Zenith Cruzer/V130 Checklists(my project)

[John Heather]

Hi All, I'm at 76 flight hours now in my project, as picture here - all good, in fact great!

Here are my checklists based on my panel layout, the way I have my plane configured and my habits.

Posted here for general interest/not endorsed.

Cheers John19-1583 PanelLayout.pdf

19-1583 Checklists.pdf

19-1583DailyFlightRecord.pdf

[Loren Warner]

John, perhaps I read it incorrectly, but you might consider keeping both batteries and fuel pumps on during takeoff and landings. Nice looking aircraft.

[John Heather]

Hi Loren, Yes you are right, thinking about it. I'll change my habits and Checklists to switch off one battery/one pump when getting rid of Flaps after takeoff, and engage the second battery/pump (so both on) when introducing Flaps on Downwind or Base. I've got the redundancy so why not use it at the critical moment. Thanks.
An (issue b) of my Checklists is now posted in the Viking section of the Zenith Forums - can't add a file here (with replies) it seems. Don't want to start a new thread.

[David Tillema]

What prop and length? Did you add the nose gear spacer? Thoughts on that Please

[John Heather]

Sorry David, missed your query. Prop is std FWF issue from Viking. A quick enquiry of Alissa re latest, would be better than me misleading others here. Mine’s a Whirlwind (beautiful) and I think 68”. The nose gear spacer is my own and needed, due smaller Cruzer wheel/tyre size. Again, suggest call Zenith, as kit nose fork length has maybe changed, or you can order a special, since mine of 2014 vintage.

[walt tachiki]

Just developing my checklist. This was very helpful. Thx. Do you cruise with alternator only or do you keep a battery on?

[Loren Warner]

One battery should always be on. The alternator is for charging the battery(s), not as a primary source of power. If, however, the battery(s) do fail, the alternator should keep the engine running long enough to safely land.

[John Heather]

Hi Walt, Loren’s response is correct. As said, issue b is now up at the Zenith forums in the Viking section. Personally, I’m now at issue c - added is “Inform SAR responsible person (ie. Wife) before going flying”. Being individualists, we tend to go for a fly and not think about the consequences of no one hearing from us for many hours, when we might be in trouble.