24 Vol.4 No.3 / March 2015
WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE BUILDING
HOW TO BEGIN? Well, let's just say that many years ago I
wanted to be a pilot, but eyesight held me back. So I became
an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force. Fast-forward…in
2011 my sweetheart's brother, Gene, who has built two Zenith
aircraft—a CH 2000 and a CH 601—encouraged me to build
something, so I got the itch. Not having a pilot's certifi cate,
I began the process of getting my sport pilot certifi cate, and
I had narrowed down the fi eld of aircraft that I was interested
in building.
In March 2011, my sweetheart told me she was going to
Texas in June for three months for the birth of a grandchild.
Quick, call Zenith! When can I get a CH 650 kit? April? I'll
be there!
Having carpentry experience, I built a 4-foot-by-2-foot
workbench prior to leaving. Excitedly I hooked up my 4-foot-by-
12-foot enclosed trailer and headed for Mexico, Missouri, built
the rudder for my CH 650, and three days later I arrived home. It
was slow going at fi rst. Then in June, I was working 12-hour days
on the project. Great fun! In June 2012, assembly/painting was
completed and my aircraft passed its FAA inspection.
Little Bit was ready, but I had not soloed yet. I needed fi ve
hours to qualify for insurance. I called Buzzy of Buzz Air in
Two Planes in Three Years
When my sweetheart travels, I build
BY CLYDE "BOB" RYCHEL
Bob Rychel with the two airplanes he completed in three years—
the CH 650 Lil Bit on the left and the CH 750 Lil Bit Too on the right.
Photography by Larry Gilbert