Unlike many other all-metal kit aircraft, the STOL CH 701 kit is made for the first-time builder, and is simple and quick to build, requiring just basic special skills, tools or jigs to assemble in a small workshop, such as a single car garage or basement workshop. Designer Chris Heintz has been perfecting all-metal construction for homebuilders since 1974, giving Zenith Aircraft Company unparalleled experience and resources in providing complete kits for first-time builders, and renowned customer support to every builder.
Sturdy and low-fatigue aluminum alloys make the STOL CH 701 airframe very rugged and corrosion resistant. The modern 6061-T6 aluminum-alloy used in the STOL CH 701 construction is durable and corrosion resistant, ideal for even the harshest environment, and very easy to repair and maintain in the field. The owner of a STOL CH 701 is assured of a long airframe life, with minimum required maintenance, as metal is not adversely affected by ultra-violet (UV) light and temperature changes like fabrics, Dacron or composites (it’s thus feasible to tie-down the aircraft outdoors to minimize costs).
The ZODIAC XL is the newest model in the popular all-metal ZODIAC kit aircraft series from aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz, offering more performance and many new standard features.
The ZODIAC XL has been developed with the FAA's Sport Pilot / Light-Sport Aircraft category in mind, and offers maximum performance and capability possible under the new FAA category.
Simple and quick to build — easy and fun to fly!
The new ZODIAC XL design offers superior performance and capabilities, comfortable side-by-side seating, affordable costs, and best of all, the ZODIAC is available as a durable all-metal kit that you can quickly build yourself - with just basic skills and tools.
The all-metal, two-seat design features a new wing and canopy design, as well as many additional new features. Zenith's ZODIAC XL factory demonstrator is powered by the six cylinder Jabiru 3300, a 110-hp aircraft engine from Australia. Lycoming O-235 (116-hp), Continental O-200 (100-hp), and Rotax 912S (100-hp) and Corvair (100-hp) engines have also been installed and and successfully flown.
"Since its introduction in 1984, the Zodiac CH601 series has become very popular with first-time builders and low-time pilots" says Heintz. "The new model is designed to achieve maximum performance and efficiency with the new generation engines: the six-cylinder Jabiru, the new 100-hp Rotax 912S, and Subaru automotive conversions, as well as popular conventional aircraft engines, such as the Lycoming O-235 and O-200."
The ZODIAC CH 601 XL has a new airfoil and larger wing area than its predecessor, which allows the new aircraft to achieve higher speeds with a higher payload. With new wing flaps, stall speed has been kept low for recreational pilots.
The XL has been configured to take full advantage of its increased useful load: New and larger wing tanks offer a larger fuel capacity (24 US Gal.) resulting in superior range and endurance, and the baggage area behind the seat has also been increased.
SEE SLIDESHOW OF OUR CURRENT BUILD - CH601XL W/ CORVAIR ENGINE
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The ZODIAC XL Quick-Build Kit provides maximum pre-assembly of kit parts to save valuable time and to simplify the assembly.
The complete airframe has been pre-jigged with nearly all parts pre-aligned and all holes pre-drilled. All of the pre-assembly work has been performed by the same professionals who make the kit parts. After assembly, only some sections are disassembled again for easy shipping and final assembly by the builder.
The Quick-Build Kit is supplied "firewall-back" to allow for easy installation of your choice of engine, including Jabiru 3300, Continental O-200, Rotax 912S, Corvair, and more. The kit includes all airframe parts, including landing gear (tricycle*), standard fuel system, canopy, controls, and all hardware required to finish the airframe assembly. Standard features of the airframe kit include electric elevator trim tab, extended rear baggage compartment, wheels with hydraulic disk brakes, and more (see equipment list for details). Not included in the airframe kit: powerplant and instruments packages, upholstery and paint.
The ZODIAC XL kit, whether the standard or quick build kit, is made up of the same quality parts. The difference between a standard and quick-build kit is the level of assembly of the various kit components. Assembly time with a Quick Build Kit is 50% less than with a Standard kit!
First introduced in 1986, the STOL CH 701 aircraft was developed as an "off-airport" short take-off and landing kit aircraft to fulfill the demanding requirements of both sport pilots and first-time builders.
With the STOL CH 701, designer Chris Heintz combined the features and advantages of a "real" airplane with the short-field capabilities of an "ultralight" aircraft. The aircraft features fixed leading-edge slats for high lift, full-span flaperons (both ailerons and flaps), an all-flying rudder, and durable all-metal construction.
Short-field performance is where the STOL CH 701 aircraft truly excels: It is airborne in less than 120 feet of unprepared grass, or 90 feet of hard surface, at gross weight. Rotation is possible by the time full throttle setting is applied, and lift-off can begin at 25 mph (in ground effect, with no wind) - all within less than four seconds from stand still. Of course, any headwind shortens the time and distance required for take off.
Sport Pilot Category: The STOL CH701 design meets the definition of a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) for operation under the FAA's Sport Pilot / Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category.
Click here for more information about the Sport Pilot license.
While the basic design has remained the same, many significant improvements have been introduced over the years, including a higher useful load, easier and quicker build kits, and more detailed drawings and step-by-step assembly instructions.
Silver Sky Enterprises is the Southwest Distributor for Zenith Kit Aircraft. We offer Quick Build Kits for the Zodiac CH 601 & STOL CH 701, and Zenith's full line of all-metal kit aircraft designs by aeronautical engineer, Chris Heintz - the 601, 701, 801, and 640 series. All at FACTORY DIRECT PRICES. We also offer Rudder Construction Workshops, Builder Assist, Flight Training, and Check Rides.
