3.0L Corvair/ Zenith 650 – Litton & Raab

Builders,

A very brief email and a photo heralded the arrival of a brand new Corvair powered Zenith 650 It said:

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“William

We did it!!

Jim Raab and Patti Litton”

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While the safe flight of any new homebuilt aircraft is cause for appreciation, Jim and Patti’s Zenith 650 is especially noteworthy, as they built the whole aircraft together, including it 3,000cc 120HP Corvair engine. A special pride belongs to them, for they are truly the masters of their own creation.

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Above, Jim and Patty with their engine on the run stand at Corvair Finishing school at the SPA factory: Finishing School #2, Nov. 11-13, Florida.

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The photo was taken in the fall of 2016. They came down for close personal instruction and a break in run. It was flawless.  Read this link to understand something of Patti’s career on the serious side of aviation: The Zenith 650 Corvair engine of Jim and Patty Raab.

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Above, the Zenith 650 on the day of its first flight. The Corvair offers a simple, long proven, well supported,  American designed and built engine option for many aircraft, but it is particularly well suited for for Zeniths. Get a look at our track record of working with the Heintz family: 14 Years of Corvair Powered Zeniths.

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“Those who settle for the instruction and company of flyers who’s standard is the minimum to get by, will be no better themselves, and one day they may very well encounter a set of conditions that are 1% above their minimum skills. Sadly, many of them have little idea how lacking their understanding is, how inadequate their skills are. Conversely, all who aim higher, keep company with better men and seek mastery, will know themselves to be in a better position, every hour of their lives.” – from Thought for the Day: Mastery or?

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WEWjr.

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6 Replies to “3.0L Corvair/ Zenith 650 – Litton & Raab”

  1. I remember Jim and Patti from the finishing school such cool and nice people I am so glad they are flying now, cant wait to join them in finishing my plane, Congrats Jim and Patti!!!

    1. Thanks David. It feels great to be flying and we just LOVE the way the Corvair sounds!!! Keep working on your project and it too will yurn into an airplane.

  2. Well done Jim & Patti, that’s great news in such a short time since your engine build.
    I too remember their build and test run at the SPA finishing school. Great weekends work.
    Enjoy
    Trevor

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