"Gig 601XL Builder" wrote:
Darrel Toepfer wrote:

Sat it one at Oshgosh, wasn't impressed, neither with the Zodiac 601
series... And thats just from sitting in it with another adult and
not trying to operate the controls inflight...

Loose some weight Darrel. The 601XL cockpit is wider than a 172 at
44 inches. It is a little tighter because of the center console but
after you get used to it it is much more comforable than a 172.

Losing weight won't effect my 28" shoulders. I can sit just fine with
others in any 1xx series Cessna, Grumman or high/low wing Piper due to
seating adjustments...

Bigger beef with the 601 was the lack of support in the wings next to
the walk. Metal did lots of "beer canning" there and I shudder to think
of all the hard work getting messed up by a missed step or someone
sliding up on a wing too far out. That sight on the "factory" birds
there cured me of wanting to buy/build one. And I was shopping for my
next plane there. I don't think it was a lack of rivets, more like a
lack of ribs...

Other issue was with panel space in either of the open planes. My Pacer
doesn't have a premium amount, but it far exceeds any of those we sat
in...