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2009 Zenith Zodiac CH 650
- January 9, 2023
Zenair/Zenith Zodiac Series for Sale — Buy or Sell CH 601 and CH 650 Sport Aircraft
The Zenair/Zenith Zodiac Series — encompassing the CH 601 and the refined CH 650 — represents Zenith Aircraft Company's flagship line of cross-country sport aircraft: fast, comfortable, fuel-efficient side-by-side two-seaters that combine the economy of a homebuilt with the performance of a certificated light sport aircraft. Designed by Chris Heintz and manufactured as kit aircraft by Zenith Aircraft Company of Mexico, Missouri, the Zodiac series has earned a devoted following among pilots who want genuine cross-country capability in an all-metal homebuilt they can maintain themselves. On Airplane Trade, completed Zodiac Series aircraft are bought and sold by members of the sport aviation community who value speed, efficiency, and elegant design.
The Zodiac Lineage
The Zenith Zodiac began with the CH 601 Zodiac, introduced in the late 1980s as Zenith's answer to the demand for a fast, sporty cross-country homebuilt. The CH 601 featured a low-wing configuration, side-by-side seating, and a distinctive swept-vertical-tail profile that set it apart visually from other homebuilts of the era. The design evolved through multiple variants:
- CH 601 HD — The "Heavy Duty" variant with strengthened airframe and increased gross weight capability
- CH 601 XL — An updated design with a wider cabin, improved aerodynamics, and compatibility with modern powerplants including the Rotax 912 series
- CH 650 — The latest evolution; incorporates lessons from thousands of flying Zodiacs; features improved wing design, updated fuel system, refined cabin ergonomics, and compatibility with LSA-class powerplants; the current production Zenith sport aircraft
Design and Construction
Like all Zenith aircraft, the Zodiac Series uses proven all-metal aluminum sheet construction with standard riveted joints and pre-punched, pre-formed CNC components from Zenith's kit program. The low-wing configuration provides an excellent platform for efficient cruise flight, and the wide side-by-side cabin gives pilots and passengers a genuinely comfortable environment for extended cross-country trips. Key design features include:
- All-metal airframe — 6061-T6 aluminum throughout; durable, repairable, and UV-resistant
- Low-wing configuration — Optimized for cruise efficiency and a modern, sleek appearance
- Wide cabin — Side-by-side seating with generous shoulder room; comfortable for adult pilots of varying size
- Slotted flaps — Provide excellent low-speed lift for short-field operations while maintaining clean cruise performance
- Engine compatibility — Designed for Rotax 912 series (80–100 hp), Continental O-200, Jabiru 2200/3300, and other common sport aviation powerplants
Performance Specifications (CH 650 with Rotax 912 ULS)
- Engine — Rotax 912 ULS, 100 hp
- Maximum Speed — 145 mph (233 km/h)
- Cruise Speed — 128 mph (206 km/h) at 75% power
- Stall Speed — 44 mph (71 km/h) flaps extended
- Range — Approximately 600–700 miles (966–1,127 km) with standard fuel
- Rate of Climb — Approximately 800–1,000 ft/min
- Gross Weight — 1,320 lbs (599 kg)
- Empty Weight — Approximately 750–820 lbs (340–372 kg)
- Useful Load — Approximately 500–570 lbs (227–259 kg)
- Fuel Consumption — Approximately 5–6 gallons per hour (Rotax 912)
- Seats — 2 (side-by-side)
Ownership and Operating Economy
The Zodiac Series is known for exceptional operating economy. The Rotax 912 engine — the most popular powerplant choice for Zodiac builders — burns approximately 5–6 gallons per hour of automotive or aviation gasoline, dramatically reducing fuel costs compared to certificated aircraft with Lycoming or Continental engines burning 8–10 gph. Rotax engines have a 2,000-hour TBO, far exceeding the typical 1,400–1,800 hours of comparable aircraft engines, and Rotax service is well-supported by trained shops across the United States, Canada, and Europe. The all-metal airframe requires no fabric replacement and tolerates outdoor storage better than fabric-covered designs.
Buying a Zenith Zodiac: Evaluation Guide
- Airworthiness certificate type — Verify whether the aircraft is registered as Experimental/Amateur-Built or as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA); this affects operating privileges and maintenance requirements
- Builder's log completeness — A complete builder's log with photographs of each construction stage provides the best assurance of build quality
- Rotax engine maintenance — Rotax 912 engines have specific mandatory maintenance intervals (gear oil changes, spark plug inspection, etc.) that differ from traditional aircraft engines; verify currency
- Wing rivet inspection — Inspect for any signs of cracking, improper dimpling, or corrosion around rivet holes, particularly in the wing root area
- Control rigging — Verify aileron, elevator, and flap travel matches operating limitations; check for smooth, friction-free movement
Buy or Sell a Zenith Zodiac Series on Airplane Trade
At Airplane Trade, we connect sport aviation enthusiasts with the aircraft they are searching for. The Zenith Zodiac Series represents outstanding value in the homebuilt market — fast, economical, and elegantly designed. Whether you are selling your completed CH 650 or searching for a CH 601 XL to begin your cross-country flying adventures, our marketplace puts you in direct contact with motivated buyers and sellers across the globe. Post your Zodiac today or browse current listings to find your perfect sport aircraft on Airplane Trade.