ZODIAC XL - Amphibian Floats - Photo Gallery
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• 2003 Schneider Cup race
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13 Sept 2001: ZODIAC XL recaptures Schneider Cup trophy

Aeroporto di Vigna di Valle, Lago di Bracciano, ITALY:
The 4th annual Piccola Coppa Schneider race for European microlights (light aircraft) was held on September 9th at the historic home and museum of some of the original Schneider Cup aircraft, the Vigna di Valle seaplane base near Rome, Italy. A new ZODIAC XL aircraft on 1150 amphibious floats piloted by Chip W. Erwin won the 2001 race, as well as the trophy for the aircraft with the ultimate fastest speed in uncompensated time (aircraft race under a Pazmany handicap formula). The composite Italian Sky Arrow took the 2nd through 7th place.

"Some people may think racing a floatplane at 50 feet altitude, full power and full speed making 160 degree corners at 70+ degrees bank with 3 aircraft on the race course might be challenging, but the truth is getting to the race over the Alps at 9,000+ feet in marginal weather was the difficult part," said Erwin. The ZODIAC XL proved its versatility on the 600 mile cross country landing on grass, paved surface, and water along the way.

The race course was a triangle marked by catamaran sailboats with flags run up their masts. The course was set off the shore by about 500 meters and each leg was 500 to 1000 meters. The race was shortened from 8 to 5 laps to allow time for all aircraft to compete. The winning time set by Erwin piloting the ZODIAC XL was 9 minutes and 11 seconds. Mr. Filippi was second at 9:25 and Mr. Duranti third at 9:47, both pilots from Italy and racing in Sky Arrows.

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[In 1999, Chip Erwin won the Schneider Cup Seaplane Race flying a slower Zodiac CH 601 model.  Click here for photos.]

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