Mike Elliston's

Zenith 701

By Eddie Brewer

This month project review is Mike Elliston’s Zenith 701. Mike is well along with the fuselage and tail group. He is very precise with his metal work with all rivet lines straight and perfectly spaced. Mike is going to add diagonal braces between the vertical (internal) side braces to reduce the noise of vibrating side skins. We noted this on one of the factory Zeniths at Oshkosh last year and it appears to be a good approach with very little added weight.  

Mike has chosen the Rotax 100 HP engine and expects an 80 to 100 mph cruise.  As most of you are aware, the 701 is very much intended to be a “working” aircraft with very aggressive STOL capabilities. It can break ground in 100 ft. and land in as short as 150 ft. with the proper methods. It is a tricycle gear airplane with robust construction that should withstand the rigors of short and rough landing strips.  The standard fuel on board is 20 gallons and should provide 31/2 hours with reserve. The airplane is 20 ft 11 inches long with a wing span of 27 ft of one of the most aggressive airfoils in the business. These airplanes are fantastic short field performers! 

Mike has also built a really nice and adequate paint booth that would be the envy of any home builder. 

Mike has other talents also. When invited to his storage area above his shop, you will be seeing some huge radio controlled model airplanes. There are several models that include P-51s, a P-47, a Reno style racer and more. Mike also appreciates fine motorcycles and cars that include a couple of BMW motorcycles and a Mustang show car that is supercharged! 

Mike hopes to someday fly his Zenith off of a strip at his home in Burleson, TN and from what I observed of Mike’s abilities…..I’d bet on it!

Eddie