Zenith CH 601/650 / CH 701/750 STOL

Zenith Aircraft Company (Mexico, Missouri, founded by Chris Heintz) produces some of the most affordable and builder-friendly kit aircraft available. The product line splits into two families: the CH 601/650 Zodiac low-wing cruisers and the CH 701/750 STOL high-wing bush planes. Together, over 2,000 kits have been sold with approximately 1,000+ flying worldwide.

The CH 701 (1986) introduced full-span leading-edge slats and massive flaperons to the homebuilt market, producing stall speeds as low as 26-28 KIAS — among the lowest of any powered aircraft. The CH 750 STOL (2008) enlarged the design for LSA compliance (1,320 lbs gross) while maintaining extraordinary short-field performance. The CH 750 Super Duty (2013) further expanded the envelope to 1,900 lbs gross with engines up to 230HP.

Zenith kits are designed for first-time builders. All-metal construction using pop rivets and simple tooling means build times of 400-600 hours — among the fastest in kit aviation. Chris Heintz's philosophy: simple, rugged, and accessible.

The CH 650 low-wing cruiser is the speed-oriented counterpart — same construction philosophy but optimized for efficient cross-country rather than STOL.

CH 701/750 STOL Family (high-wing):

CH 601/650 Zodiac Family (low-wing):

The CH 750 STOL's leading-edge slats are its signature feature — they deploy automatically at high angles of attack, energizing the boundary layer and delaying stall to remarkably low speeds. Combined with full-span flaperons (combined flaps/ailerons), the STOL capability is extraordinary for an all-metal kit aircraft.

CH 750 STOL (Rotax 912ULS, 100HP): Cruises at 90 KTAS (104 MPH) on 4.5 GPH. The 24-gallon fuel tank provides approximately 400 nm range at cruise. Stall speed of 28 KIAS with slats deployed and flaperons down is extraordinary — barely above walking speed. Takeoff ground roll of 200 feet at gross weight; landing roll of 175 feet. Rate of climb at 1,000 FPM is adequate for the mission.

CH 701 STOL (Rotax 912, 80HP): Even slower and more STOL-capable. Cruise at 70 KTAS on 3.5 GPH. Stall as low as 26 KIAS. Takeoff and landing rolls under 150 feet. This is as close to helicopter-like field performance as a fixed-wing aircraft gets.

CH 750 Super Duty (IO-375, 205HP): Cruises at 91 KTAS (105 MPH) on 9 GPH. The higher gross weight (1,900 lbs) and 800 lbs useful load make it a genuine utility aircraft. Rate of climb at 1,350 FPM. The Super Duty sacrifices some of the ultra-STOL capability for payload, but takeoff rolls remain under 300 feet.

CH 650 (Rotax 912ULS, 100HP): The cruiser — 120 KTAS (138 MPH) on 4.5 GPH. The low-wing, clean design trades STOL for speed. 27-gallon fuel tank provides approximately 500 nm range.

CH 750 STOL (Rotax 912ULS, 100HP, 24 gal fuel):

CH 750 Super Duty (IO-375, 205HP, 30 gal fuel):

The CH 750 STOL's 540 lbs useful load is tight for two larger adults — two 180-lb pilots with full fuel have only 36 lbs for bags. Two 200-lb adults need to reduce fuel. The Super Duty solves this with 800 lbs useful load, carrying two 200-lb adults with 220 lbs of cargo and full fuel for 300 nm. The Zenith trade-off is clear: extraordinary STOL capability and low cost in exchange for modest speed and payload.

• Flight Training (7): Excellent for teaching STOL techniques and basic piloting. The extreme low stall speed provides a wide margin for students. The CH 750's forgiving slow-flight characteristics make it ideal for learning. S-LSA versions available for commercial flight schools. Very low operating cost.
• Backcountry (8): Outstanding STOL capability — 200-foot takeoff and landing rolls put the CH 750 in elite backcountry territory. High wing, sturdy fixed gear, and simple construction handle rough strips well. Limited by useful load (540 lbs) compared to heavier bush planes, and 90 KTAS cruise means slow transit to remote areas.
• Business Travel (1): 90 KTAS, two seats. Not a business aircraft.
• Aerobatics (1): Not aerobatic. Utility category only.
• Cross-Country (2): 90 KTAS cruise and 400 nm range are limited for cross-country. Adequate for local/regional trips. The CH 650 at 120 KTAS is better for cross-country but still modest.
• Cargo Hauling (2): 540 lbs useful load in a light airframe. The Super Duty at 800 lbs useful load is more capable.
• Local Fun Flying (9): Outstanding. The CH 750 is an aerial playground — every short grass strip, sandbar, and field becomes a landing option. The ultra-low stall speed provides enormous safety margin. Affordable to build ($20,000-$40,000 for a basic kit) and operate ($35-$50/hour). One of the most accessible paths to aircraft ownership.
• Surveying (5): High wing provides good downward visibility. Low stall speed enables slow observation passes. Endurance at 4.5 GPH is reasonable. Decent light survey platform.

• Budget VFR ($3,000-$6,000): Basic instruments, handheld GPS, single comm radio. Many Zenith builders keep panels minimal to save weight and cost.
• Standard panel ($8,000-$15,000): Dynon D10A or Garmin G5, GPS navigator, ADS-B transponder.
• Glass panel ($15,000-$25,000): Garmin G3X Touch or Dynon SkyView. Overkill for most CH 750 missions but available.

Experimental amateur-built — no STCs required.

• Engine options: Rotax 912UL (80HP), Rotax 912ULS (100HP), Rotax 914 turbo (115HP), Jabiru 3300 (120HP), UL Power (100-130HP), Continental O-200 (100HP). For Super Duty: IO-375 (205HP), O-360 (180HP), Viking (130HP).
• Tundra tires: Bush wheels and oversize tires for backcountry operations.
• Float installations: Amphibious and straight floats available. CH 750 on floats at 1,430 lbs gross.
• Extended range fuel tanks: Builder options for additional fuel capacity.

• Condition inspection: $400-$800/year. Simple all-metal construction makes inspection straightforward.
• Rotax 912 overhaul: $12,500 at 2,000-hour TBO.
• Parts availability: Good. Zenith Aircraft in Mexico, Missouri maintains factory support. All-metal construction means raw aluminum is always available.
• Mechanic familiarity: Common. Simple construction accessible to most A&Ps.
• Annual all-in cost: $4,000-$7,000 at 100 hours/year. Among the lowest in aviation.
• Operating cost: $35-$55/hour all-in. Auto fuel compatible (Rotax). Arguably the cheapest powered aircraft to own and operate.

• CH 701 (1986-2008, 64-100HP): $15,000-$45,000. Older, smaller design. Build quality is everything.
• CH 750 STOL (2008-present, 100HP): $35,000-$100,000. Most popular model. Well-built with Rotax 912ULS $60,000-$100,000.
• CH 750 Cruzer (2012-present, 100-130HP): $40,000-$110,000. Speed variant.
• CH 750 Super Duty (2013-present, 150-230HP): $60,000-$150,000. Premium for larger engine and higher gross weight.
• CH 650 (2005-present, 100HP): $30,000-$80,000. Low-wing cruiser.
• New kit: $20,000-$35,000 for airframe kit. Complete with engine and instruments $50,000-$75,000.

Per valuation-methodology: Build quality is primary. Engine type and condition matter — Rotax 912ULS ($12,500 overhaul) vs Jabiru ($8,000) vs Lycoming ($22,000). Avionics are a minor value factor on most Zenith builds. Landing gear condition (rough strip wear) is important for STOL models. The Zenith's value proposition is affordability — buyers are typically price-sensitive.

No ADs (experimental category).

Common Problems:

• Leading-edge slat binding (CH 701/750 STOL): The automatic slats can stick or bind if not properly maintained. Regular lubrication and inspection of slat tracks required.
• Build quality variation: Pop-rivet construction is accessible for beginners but quality varies. Some early builder errors include incorrect rivet spacing and inadequate sealant.
• Fabric vs metal: The CH 701/750 is all-metal — no fabric to maintain. However, all-metal construction means dents and hangar rash are permanent without metalwork repair.
• Engine cooling: Same as other kit aircraft — baffling quality depends on the builder. Rotax engines with liquid cooling are less affected than air-cooled options.
• Landing gear: The fixed spring gear is robust but can develop fatigue cracks from rough field operations. Regular inspection at landing gear attach points.
• Corrosion: All-metal aluminum structure requires proper treatment in coastal or humid environments.

Per insurance-underwriting:

• Hull + liability: $800-$1,500/year for typical hull values ($30K-$80K).
• Liability only: $300-$500/year.
• Low hull values keep insurance affordable. The Zenith's slow speeds and forgiving handling contribute to a good safety record.