Zenith Zodiac CH650B S-LSA User manual

ZODIAC
CH650B S-LSA
V9.70-1.0 Last update :09/08/12

Table of contents
1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................4
2 Quick start................................................................................................................................... 5
3 ain characteristics of CH 650B.................................................................................................7
4 Cockpit description....................................................................................................................10
5 Checklist.................................................................................................................................... 16
6 Troubleshooting – Frequently asked questions (FAQ)...............................................................19
7 Credits....................................................................................................................................... 20
8 Updates history......................................................................................................................... 21

SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY
The following definitions are of symbols, abbreviations and terminology used throughout the
handbook and those which may be of added operational significance to the pilot.
• General Airspeed Terminology and
Symbols
BHP Brake horsepower (= rated horsepower of the engine)
CAS Calibrated Airspeed means the indicated speed of an aircraft,
corrected for position and instrument error. Calibrated airspeed is
equal to true airspeed in standard atmosphere at sea level.
GPH Fuel consumption in Gallons (U.S.) per Hour.
KCAS Calibrated Airspeed expressed in "Knots".
C G Centre of Gravity.
IAS Indicated Airspeed is the speed of an aircraft as shown on the
airspeed indicator.
KIAS Indicated Airspeed expressed in "Knots".
LLeft
RRight
RPM Revolutions per minute.
S L Sea Level
TAS True Airspeed is the airspeed of an airplane relative to undisturbed
air which is the CAS corrected for altitude and temperature.
VSpeed.
VAaneuvering Speed is the maximum speed at which application of
full available aerodynamic control will not overstress the airplane.
VFE aximum Flap Extended Speed is the highest speed permissible
with wing flaps partially or fully extended.

1 Introduction
The Zenith CH 650B LSA is a second generation light sport aircraft, developed specifically
for Sport Pilots. It is the latest model in the Zodiac line of aircraft from aeronautical engineer
Chris Heintz, first introduced in 1984. This newest model offers new and updated features
including modern new styling with a larger cabin area. The basic aircraft is powered by a 100
HP Continental O-200 engine (although other engine options exist, up to 140 HP).
Based on the Zodiac CH 601 XL model introduced in 2001, the new ZODIAC CH 650B has
been developed specifically to meet the FAA's Sport Pilot / Light-Sport Aircraft category, and
offers maximum performance and capability possible under the new FAA category. With
new and updated features and modern styling, the Zodiac CH 650 now replaces the Zodiac
XL model.
For more information on these remarkable designs including thousands of pictures and many
videos, visit www.zenithair.com and/or www.zenair.com.
The CH 650B S-LSA X-Plane project is a creation of Olivier Faivre and HydroZ in
collaboration with Zenair and Zenith Aircraft Co., designers and manufacturers of the CH
650B S-LSA / Experimental aircraft.
The CH 650B S-LSA X-Plane program is designed to be used with X-Plane 9.70 and X-
Plane 10.05+.
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 4/21

2 Quick start
2.1 Installation
To install the program for this aircraft, you simply unzip the CH 650B archive you
downloaded, and then copy the whole folder into X-Plane.
While you may copy the folder pretty-much wherever you want within the main X-Plane
folder, it is generally advised to have a separate folder for add-on aircraft. We recommend
placing the new CH 650 folder into the existing “Aircraft” folder.
2.2 Hardware requirements
For best results, the CH 650B X-Plane program should be operated on X-Plane 9.70 or X-
Plane 10.05+.
The CH 650B add-on has been tested on several configurations of Windows, ac and Linux
OS. It is designed to work at acceptable frame rates on older configurations, but you will
likely lose some features, such as illustrated rivet-lines and cockpit lighting.
If you are using an old graphic card with a low amount of video RA , you can lower texture
resolution in the rendering setting menu. This will improve overall performance without
affecting cockpit texture and the instruments should remain readable even at low resolution.
Scenery also has a big impact on frame-rate and you may encounter slower fps while flying
above complex backgrounds; this effect applies to all aircraft programs, not just this one.
2.3 X-Plane settings
For the best in-flight experience, you may set the lateral field of view (FOV) to 60°. That is a
common setting for 16/10 screen. You may still fine-tune this value a little, depending of your
preferences and screen configuration; this is done in the “Rendering Options” menu.
X-plane can be operated with a simple mouse but your experience will be greatly enhanced
and much more realistic with a joystick and rudder pedals.
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 5/21

2.4 Simulator Controls
As with all modern aircraft programs now available for X-Plane, the CH 650B add-on allows
for varied control inputs to enhance the “pilot’s” flight experience.
Use of manipulators (mouse, joystick, etc.) allow the operator to smoothly push/pull levers or
flip switches with the cursor. Action will change based on the shape of cursor: The standard
arrow flips toggle switches and the “hand” cursor drags levers and handles.
In order to navigate naturally and more easily, players should ensure that their joystick is
properly set with left/right and up/down functions. With X-Plane, the 3D cockpit mode is not
adapted for instrument panel manipulations with a mouse. Where applicable, the CH 650B
program will in most cases show 3D cockpit renditions as 2D.
For advanced players, a tracking device like a TrackIr can further enhance the simulator
experience.
2.5 SASL Plug-in en ancement
This add-on uses a SASL plug-in to increase realism of specific systems
All files located in the “Custom avionics” folder are under GPL license and can be
redistributed under the same terms.
2.6 Paint-kit
A paint-kit is available to allow players to personalize their own aircraft You can
download the paint kit on Hydroz.net.
Pre-set designs may be incorporated in further program updates, in agreement with
livery author
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 6/21

3 Main characteristics of CH 650B
CH 650B SPECIFICATIONS
WING SPAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 FT.
WING AREA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132 SQ. FT.
LENGTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 FT.
HEIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ft. 8 In
HORIZONTAL TAIL SPAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Ft. 7 In.
CABIN WIDTH. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 In.
WING LOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.85 LBS/FT2
POWER LOADING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 LBS/BHP
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 7/21

ENGINE
4 Cylinders Horizontally Opposed - Air Cooled
Engine anufacturer: Teledyne Continental otors
Engine odel Number: O-200-D
Rated Horsepower: 100
RP Rating, standard atmosphere: ax. 2750 continuous
Recommended cruising RP : 2500
Compression Ratio: 7.0:1
FUEL
Standard Fuel Capacity: 30 U.S. gal. left + right tanks (15 gal ea.)
Usable Fuel (U.S. gal) (total): 28 U.S. gal left + right tanks (14 gal ea.)
inimum fuel grade: See engine manual (80/87)
PROPELLER
Fixed Pitch
Propeller anufacturer: Sensenich
odel: W68GK-56-58
Number of Blades: 2
Propeller Diameter (inches): 68-70
OPERATING WEIGHTS*
aximum Takeoff Weight (lbs): 1320 lbs
aximum Landing Weight (lbs): 1320 lbs
aximum Weight in Baggage Compartment: 40 lbs
*See weight and balance
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 8/21

3.1 Operating limitations
This section includes operating limitations and marking markings necessary for safe
operation of the airplane, its engine, standard systems and standard equipment.
AIRSPEED LI ITATIONS
SPEED KCAS (knots) REMARKS
VS Stall speed at aximum
takeoff weight – Flaps up 43
VSO Stall speed at aximum
takeoff weight – Flaps down 38
VFE aximum flap extend
speed 70 Do not exceed this speed with flaps extended
VA Design maneuvering
speed 82 Do not make full or abrupt control movements above this speed
VNE Never exceed speed 140 Do not exceed this speed in nay
operation
VC Design cruise speed 108 Do not exceed this speed except in
smooth air and then only with caution
VNE Never Exceed Speed is the speed limit that may not be exceeded at any time.
VCaximum Structural Cruising Speed is the speed that should not be exceeded
except in smooth air and only with caution.
VSStalling Speed or the minimum steady flight speed at which the airplane is
controllable (flaps up).
VSO Stalling Speed at which the airplane is controllable in the landing configuration.
VXBest Angle-of-Climb Speed is the air speed which delivers the greatest gain of
altitude in the shortest horizontal distance.
VYBest Rate-of-Climb Speed is the air speed which delivers the greatest gain in
altitude in the shortest time.
Crosswind and wind limitation: 20kts
Service ceiling: 15,000 feet
Load factors (Limit):
Flap up: Positive +4g Flap extended: Positive +2g
Negative -2g Negative -0g
Prohibited maneuvers:
Intentional spins and aerobatics prohibited.
Flight into known or forecast icing conditions is prohibited.
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 9/21

4 Cockpit description
4.1 General layout
1. Throttle handle
2. Ignition
3. aster switch
4. EFIS/ECA
5. Radio CO
6. Audio panel
7. GNS540
8. EFIS/ECA
9. Fuses
10. Transponder
11. Flaps control
12. Parking brake
13. Fuel selector
14. Carburetor heat
15. Throttle handle
16. ixture handle
17. System switches
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 10/21

4.2 Garmin GMA340 Audiopanel*
1. arker switch
2. Com1 switch
3. Com 2 switch
4. Nav1 switch
5. Nav2 switch
6. D E switch
7. ADF switch
* Light glows when selected, other buttons are inactive in this version.
4.3 Garmin SL40 COM
1. Power switch 2. Active/standby switch 3. Frequency selector
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 11/21
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
123

4.4 Garmin GNS430 GPS
See joined doc.
4.5 Garmin GTX 327 Squawk
Standby mode switch
1. Power On switch
2. Altitude mode switch
3. Power Off switch
4. Ident switch
5. VFR switch (squawk to 1200)
6. 0 to 7 switches
7. Reset timer
8. Start/Stop timer
9. Inop in this version
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 12/21

4.6 Dynon D180 EFIS
4 6 1 Buttons description
1. Inop in this version
2. Decrease HSI heading
3. Increase HSI heading
4. Set higher barometric pressure
5. Set lower barometric pressure
6. Cycle between right screens
Inop = out of order (not used)
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 13/21
123456

4 6 2 Screen descriptions
1. Artificial horizon
2. Indicated airspeed
3. Altitude
4. Vertical speed
5. Barometric pressure
6. Slide indicator (ball)
7. Heading
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 14/21
1
23
4
5
6
7

1. HSI
2. Wind direction and force
3. Ground speed
4. anifold pressure
5. Engine RP
6. Cylinder heat temperature (average)
7. Fuel flow
8. Cylinder heat temperature (each)
9. Flaps position
10. Fuel pressure
11. Fuel flow
12. Fuel quantity (left tank)
13. Fuel quantity (right tank)
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 15/21
1
23
45
67
8
1
0
1
1
1
2
1
3
9

5 Checklist
5.1 Starting
Fuel selector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . On
Battery switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . On
ixture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Full Rich
Carburetor heat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pushed in
Throttle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As required
Prime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As required
Auxiliary fuel pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .On
Starter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engage until engine starts, then release
Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Check
Alternator switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .On
5.2 Taxiing
Flaps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checked up
Elevator trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Set to neutral / take off position
Fuel selector valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checked
Oil pressure and oil temperature. . . . . . . . . . Checked
Fuel quantity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checked
Volts and Amp meter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checked
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .As required
Radios and Navigation aids.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Set
ixture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Full rich
Auxiliary fuel pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .On
Set throttle for 1700 RP . Check magnetos from "BOTH" to “R”, then from "BOTH" to
“L”, and back to "BOTH" (on either one magneto, the RP drop is approximately
100).
Pull carburetor heat to check operation. (RP will decrease by approximately 100 at
1700 RP ). Push carburetor heat in after check.
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 16/21

Altimeter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Set
Fasten seat belts, tighten. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Checked
Canopy locked securely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checked
Freedom and deflection of controls. . . . . . . Checked
5.3 Normal Takeoff
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Released
ixture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Full rich
Slowly advance throttle to Full Throttle
Rotate approximately at Vy
5.4 Climb
ax. power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2750 RP
Canopy locked securely. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Checked
Trim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Set
Oil temperature and pressure. . . . . . . . . . . .Checked
5.5 Cruise
Trim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Set
Auxiliary fuel pump. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Off
 Engine power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Set to 2550 RP
5.6 Before Landing C eck
Auxiliary Fuel Pump. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .On
ixture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Full rich
Carburetor heat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . On
Flaps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As Required
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 17/21

Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As Required
Fasten seat belts, tighten. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Checked
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As Required
5.7 Landing (Flaps up)
Approach Airspeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 KIAS
Trim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Set
Landing speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 to 65 KIAS
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inimum required
5.8 Landing (Flaps down)
Approach Airspeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 KIAS
Trim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Set
Landing speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 to 60 KIAS
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inimum required
5.9 S utdown
Flaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Up
agnetos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Checked
Radios and Nav aids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Off
External lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Off
Auxiliary Fuel pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Off
ixture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pull/Out
agnetos (when propeller stops) . . . . . . . . . . . . .Off
aster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Off
All switches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Off
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 18/21

6 Troubleshooting – Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
•I am getting an “error” message from X-Plane while loading the aircraft :
This add-on has been developed for X-Plane V9.70 and X-Plane 10.05+. ake sure you
have these versions; if not, you should update your X-Plane to at least these versions. Go to
x-plane.com and download the updater from the download section.
•y aircraft has a weird behavior, controls don’t respond as they should :
This may be caused by plug-ins provided with other aircraft. Try to de-activate them in the
plug-in menu or move them out of the plug-in folder and then restart X-plane.
•y aircraft jerks on the ground, even with engine not running :
Try to adjust the number of flight models per frame in the “Operations & arnings” menu. A
good value for most aircraft is between 2 and 3, but should be more (3-4) for light aircraft and
helicopters. Changing this will have a limited impact on fps and you should always lower the
rendering setting instead of lowering flight-model calculation to get higher frame-rate.
•Does this add-on will works in X-Plane 10 ?
Sure. It will be updated to run off X-plane 10.
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 19/21

7 Credits
Aircraft, textures, cockpit objects and panel by Olivier Faivre - HydroZ
Sounds courtesy of Nils (from x-plane.org)
Special thanks to:
−Zenith Aircraft Co. (USA)
−Zenair Limited (Canada)
−Nils who kindly allowed me to use his sounds.
Any problems ? Contact me at : [email protected]
This program and all related files - except for the sound files from Nils - are under CC-BY-SA
3.0 license.
Simply put, it means that you can use this material as you wish as long as you share it again
under the same licensing agreement. You must credit me as well ;-)
CH650B S-LSA for X-Plane 20/21