Builders,
This weeks Zenith is a second owner aircraft, Today it is in the good care of, and being enjoyed by Tim Kisieleski of New Hampshire, but it was originally built and flown by Tim Jones of Ohio, one of my early builders, who did an excellent job on this aircraft. Yes, it looks great, but here is the proof that it was a really good build of both the airframe and the engine: Tim has owned the aircraft a little more than 2 years, flown it almost 350 hours, and done no work to it beyond condition inspections.
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A lot of homebuilder second owner stories are not happy ones, but this one is, and let me share why: When Tim was looking for a second owner Zenith, the plane he first plane looked at seemed OK, and looked like a ‘bargain’ at $29K . Tim had the common sense to call me and ask what I knew about the plane……I told him the truth, it was very poor, and the original builder was lying about the condition of the plane and that it had not actually flown in years. Tim cancelled the deal. The original builder of that plane was angry with me , and pulled the “I thought we were friends” card. I told him I don’t have friends who lie about airworthiness.
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I suggested Tim shop for the best plane, not a bargain. Many potential second owners are pennywise and pound foolish, and would not have heeded my logic. I pointed out that he was buying the plane to utilize it, and in the long run, it was worth a significant premium to get a plane which needed nothing, and would have a very high availability. This made sense to Tim, and he was willing to pay nearly twice as much for this aircraft. 350 flight hours later, Tim understands what a good call he made investing in this plane, instead of bargain hunting.
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Tim Keeps the plane north of Boston, but operates his off shore fishing boat from the New Jersey Coast. This round trip is his most frequent cross country, it takes him right over New York City. On a weekend of heavy traffic, the plane can shave 8 hours off the round trip.
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Tim’s success story is based on one thing: Good decision making.
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A lot of people will read this story, look at the pictures, but somehow feel that they couldn’t have the same adventure. It isn’t a logical question of time nor budget, it is an emotional feeling of self doubt. Here is an important reality check: Tim is a fairly low time pilot, and he is a very busy guy, and he does have a budget…..but he doesn’t engage in emotional self doubt.
Tim is well trained, has a healthy respect for what he doesn’t yet know, but he correctly sees challenges as achievable with work. A Zenith is a rewarding plane to fly, but not a difficult one. I teach many second owners how to maintain their Corvair, and Zenith Aircraft probably has the friendliest second owner policy the industry. No matter if you are a plans or kit builder, or a second owner, experimental aviation is great setting to challenge and confront all the elements of our society which want you to doubt your own potential. The only difference between looking at these pictures and taking your own, is believing in your own potential.
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The plane: Powered by a 100hp Corvair, it utilizes a carbon Sensenich prop, It has about 550 hours on it..
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Above, Mountains in New Hampshire.
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Above, Statue of Liberty at dusk.
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Flying directly over JFK airport.
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Above, Smiles tell the story, Tim and his better half, aloft.
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Above, Manhattan and the Hudson river.
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WWjr.
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