Zenair/Zenith STOL Series for Sale — Buy or Sell CH 701 and CH 750 Bush Planes
The Zenair/Zenith STOL Series — encompassing the legendary CH 701 and its successor the CH 750 — stands at the very pinnacle of homebuilt short takeoff and landing aircraft design. Created by Chris Heintz and produced as kit aircraft by Zenith Aircraft Company of Mexico, Missouri, these aircraft have earned a global following among backcountry pilots, bush flying enthusiasts, and sport aviators who demand the ability to operate from short, rough, or unimproved airstrips that would be impossible for conventional aircraft. With remarkable low-speed performance, rugged all-metal construction, and outstanding pilot visibility, the Zenith STOL Series is among the most capable and best-loved light aircraft in the experimental aviation community. Airplane Trade connects buyers and sellers of Zenith STOL aircraft through a trusted marketplace built for sport and backcountry aviation enthusiasts.
The CH 701: The Original Zenith STOL Icon
First introduced in 1986, the Zenith CH 701 rapidly became one of the most popular homebuilt designs in North America and beyond, ultimately becoming the best-selling kit aircraft in history with thousands of examples registered and flying in over 50 countries. The CH 701's defining characteristic is its exceptional STOL performance — with the high-lift wing developed by Heintz, the aircraft can operate from grass strips as short as 150 feet (46 meters) under ideal conditions, making it equally at home on a farm field, a gravel bar alongside a remote river, or a ski slope in winter. The high-wing configuration provides exceptional downward visibility for pilots, and the wide cabin doors make entry and exit effortless even from the low-slung fuselage. The CH 701 is an aircraft of great simplicity — a quality that translates directly into low operating costs and easy maintenance in the field.
The CH 750: The Evolved STOL Standard
The Zenith CH 750, introduced in 2008 as a successor to the CH 701, expanded on the original design with a wider fuselage, improved cabin comfort, higher gross weight capability, and a more refined aerodynamic profile while retaining the extraordinary STOL performance that made the 701 famous. The CH 750 features:
- Wider cockpit — Side-by-side seating with noticeably more shoulder room than the 701
- Improved useful load — Higher gross weight allowance for two adults plus baggage and full fuel
- Better cruise performance — Refined wing and fuselage shaping improve cruise efficiency over the 701
- Same STOL character — Retains the low stall speed and short-field capability that defines the Zenith STOL experience
- Engine flexibility — Compatible with Rotax 912, Continental O-200, Jabiru 3300, and other common powerplants
Performance Specifications
CH 701 (Rotax 912 UL, 80 hp)
- Maximum Speed — 110 mph (177 km/h)
- Cruise Speed — 87 mph (140 km/h)
- Stall Speed — 27 mph (43 km/h) — extraordinarily low
- Takeoff Roll — 150 ft (46 m) in light wind conditions
- Gross Weight — 1,190 lbs (540 kg)
CH 750 (Rotax 912 ULS, 100 hp)
- Maximum Speed — 120 mph (193 km/h)
- Cruise Speed — 105 mph (169 km/h)
- Stall Speed — 38 mph (61 km/h)
- Takeoff Roll — 200 ft (61 m)
- Gross Weight — 1,320 lbs (599 kg)
- Useful Load — Approximately 520–600 lbs (236–272 kg)
Construction and Materials
Both the CH 701 and CH 750 are constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy sheet using standard aircraft rivets — the same materials used in mainstream certificated aircraft. Zenith's CNC-machined and pre-punched kit components ensure consistent fit and accurate alignment, dramatically reducing builder time compared to plans-built construction. The all-metal airframe is durable, straightforward to inspect, and repairable in the field with basic tools and materials available from any aviation supplier. The high-wing strutted configuration simplifies wing attachment and provides inherent structural robustness for rough-field operations.
What to Evaluate When Buying a Zenith STOL Aircraft
- FAA Airworthiness Certificate — Verify the E-AB certificate was properly issued with the correct operating limitations document
- Builder's log — Confirm the 51% rule was satisfied; inspect photos of construction stages if available
- Rotax or Continental engine condition — Verify hours, maintenance records, and AD compliance; Rotax engines have specific maintenance intervals
- Control system rigging — Check flap, aileron, and elevator travel against operating limitations; verify freedom of movement with no binding
- Landing gear condition — Inspect bungee cord or spring gear for wear; check wheel alignment and tire condition
Buy or Sell a Zenith STOL Series Aircraft on Airplane Trade
At Airplane Trade, we serve the growing community of backcountry and STOL aircraft enthusiasts with a marketplace designed for serious aviation buyers and sellers. Whether you are offering a completed CH 701 bush plane or searching for a CH 750 to begin your backcountry adventures, our platform connects you with motivated counterparts worldwide. List your aircraft today with full documentation and photography, or browse current Zenith STOL listings to find your next adventure machine.