ZENAIR/ZENITH CH SERIES

Zenair/Zenith CH Series for Sale — Buy or Sell Homebuilt Sport Aircraft

The Zenair/Zenith CH Series represents one of the most successful and widely built families of homebuilt light aircraft in the world — a range of proven, all-metal kit aircraft designed by Chris Heintz and manufactured by Zenith Aircraft Company of Mexico, Missouri. The CH Series spans designs from simple two-seat sport aircraft to capable four-seat touring planes, all sharing a philosophy of straightforward construction from aluminum sheet and rivets that makes them accessible to amateur builders of all experience levels. With thousands of examples flying worldwide, the Zenith CH Series is a benchmark of the modern homebuilt aircraft movement. On Airplane Trade, completed CH Series aircraft are bought and sold by members of the sport aviation community who value practicality, economy, and genuine flying performance.

About Chris Heintz and Zenith Aircraft

Chris Heintz is one of the most prolific and influential designers in the history of kit aircraft. Born in France and trained as an aerospace engineer, Heintz founded Zenair Ltd. in Canada in the early 1970s before relocating operations to the United States as Zenith Aircraft Company. His design philosophy prioritizes structural efficiency, ease of construction, and docile handling — qualities that have made his designs popular with builders ranging from first-timers to experienced aviators. Heintz's approach uses standard aluminum sheet metal, riveted construction, and factory-prefabricated components to allow builders to complete aircraft in a home workshop with basic tools, achieving airworthy results reliably and economically.

Key Models in the CH Series

• CH 601 / CH 650 Zodiac — Side-by-side two-seat low-wing sport aircraft; one of Zenith's most popular designs; wide speed range and excellent cross-country capability; typically powered by Jabiru, Continental O-200, or Rotax 912 engines
• CH 701 STOL — The iconic Zenith short takeoff and landing aircraft; high-wing two-seater designed for backcountry and bush operations; can operate from extremely short and unimproved strips; Rotax or Continental powerplants
• CH 750 STOL — An updated, larger version of the 701; side-by-side seating with wider cabin; improved speed and payload; one of the best-selling kit aircraft in recent years
• CH 801 — Four-seat STOL utility aircraft; designed for backcountry and utility operations with significant useful load; Lycoming O-320 or O-360 typical
• CH 2000 / Alarus — Two-seat trainer developed with Aviation Industry Corporation; certificated under FAA Part 23 in some versions

Construction and Materials

All Zenith CH Series aircraft use 6061-T6 aluminum alloy sheet for primary structure, joined with standard aircraft-grade solid and pull rivets. Pre-punched and pre-formed kit parts dramatically reduce layout time, and Zenith's comprehensive builder support — including construction manuals, video tutorials, and an active online community — gives builders the resources to complete their projects successfully. Key construction features include:

• All-metal airframe — No wood, no fabric; aluminum structure is durable, repairable, and resistant to UV and moisture degradation
• Riveted construction — Standard technique for light aircraft; learnable by any motivated builder with basic hand tools
• Pre-punched and pre-formed components — Zenith's CNC-cut kit parts ensure consistent fit and reduce builder time significantly
• Modular design — Wings, fuselage, and tail surfaces can be built independently and assembled into the complete aircraft

Typical Performance (CH 750 STOL)

• Engine — Rotax 912ULS (100 hp) or Continental O-200 (100 hp)
• Maximum Speed — Approximately 120 mph (193 km/h)
• Cruise Speed — Approximately 100–110 mph (161–177 km/h)
• Stall Speed — Approximately 38 mph (61 km/h) — exceptional STOL performance
• Takeoff Roll — As short as 150 ft (46 m) under ideal conditions
• Range — Approximately 500–600 miles (805–966 km)
• Useful Load — Approximately 500–600 lbs (227–272 kg)
• Seats — 2 (side-by-side)

Buying a Zenith CH Series Aircraft

As Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft, Zenith CH Series planes require the standard EAB purchase evaluation:

• Builder's log verification — Confirm the aircraft satisfies the FAA's 51% amateur-built rule and that an airworthiness certificate was properly issued
• Construction quality inspection — Engage an A&P familiar with aluminum construction to inspect rivet quality, structural integrity, and control system rigging
• Engine and firewall-forward — Verify engine logs, AD compliance, and proper installation of the engine mount, baffles, and cowling
• Avionics and electrical — Check wiring quality, circuit protection, and instrument calibration
• Annual condition inspection currency — Confirm the most recent condition inspection was completed by a qualified A&P or FAA-authorized repairman

Buy or Sell a Zenith CH Series on Airplane Trade

Airplane Trade is the ideal marketplace for Zenith CH Series buyers and sellers. Whether you have completed a CH 750 STOL bush plane or are ready to move your CH 601 Zodiac to a new owner, our platform connects you with a worldwide community of sport aviation enthusiasts. Post your aircraft with complete documentation, photos, and pricing to reach qualified buyers, or browse current listings to find the Zenith design that fits your flying mission. Start your search today on Airplane Trade.