Kit Airplanes for Sport Pilots from Zenith Aircraft CompanyZenith Aircraft Company is in the exclusive business of designing, developing and manufacturing kit aircraft.
Zenith Aircraft Company holds hands-on workshops at its factory to give potential builders the opportunity to learn all about building your own kit aircraft. The annual Open Hangar Day has become a popular event for owners and enthusiasts to fly-in and visit the factory and meet with fellow builders. Below you will find a list of available airplane kits from Zenith Aircraft. Just click on a model name to see a description of the kit. The Zenith Zodiac CH 650 can be found further down on this page.
What is a kit aircraft? A kit aircraft is defined by the Federal Aviation Adminstration (FAA) as "experimental," a category that was originally created so that aircraft manufacturers could perform test flights on their prototype aircraft. The experimental category has evolved over the years and now includes a sub-category for amateur-built aircraft (FAR 21.191(g)): "Operating an aircraft the major portion of which has been fabricated and assembled by persons who undertook the construction project solely for their own education and recreation." In other words, the kit buyer is the builder or manufacturer of his or her aircraft. The key is "major portion," meaning that you, the builder, must perform 51% or more of the actual aircraft fabrication and assembly (the FAA has determined that Zenith Aircraft's kits meet the "51% rule"). Other key key words are "education and recreation," meaning that you don't qualify if you build your aircraft for commercial purposes. Once a kit aircraft has been completed and registered, the FAA inspects it before it issues an airworthiness certificate (this is a routine inspection of the aircraft, and not an approval process). Once flying, the main operating restriction is that it can't be used for compensation or hire. The builder can also get a "repairman's certificate" that allows him or her to perform all the maintenance on that particular aircraft. For additional information and details, contact the FAA or EAA. Of course, if you're not in the United States, consult the appropriate civil aviation authority rules. Note: Kit aircraft are not FAA approved. As experimental aircraft the approval of the designs or assemblies is not required by the FAA or any other entity in the United States. (It's the main reason we've seen so much innovation and many new designs in the industry, but it's thus important that you research a design before buying a kit and building and flying it).
We recommend highly that you join the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). This is an organization devoted to sport aviation and homebuilt aircraft, which offers excellent resources and support to builders. All of our kits are built exclusively from all-metal (aluminum alloy) construction. While each construction type (tube & fabric, composite, etc.) has its relative advantages, aluminum alloy construction continues to be the dominant aircraft construction material. Aluminum alloys' unique combination of properties make it one of the most versatile engineering and building materials in existence: Chris Heintz has stated that the more experience he gains with aluminum alloy construction, the more he recognizes the medium as the best overall aircraft building material, especially for amateur kit builders. While it's true that some all-metal kit aircraft require more skills and tools and higher construction times, Heintz designs have been developed over the past two decades for unparalleled ease of assembly - with very minimal required skills and tools and short assembly times. For most owners, an aircraft is a long term investment. An all-metal aircraft provides proven durability and lower maintenance costs than fabric-covered or composite aircraft. The official "build" time for our kits is approximately 500 hours. While this figure may seem optimistic, it's actually quite reflective of actual build times. In putting one of our kits together, you're simply lining parts up, drilling and riveting - all of the actual parts manufacturing is done for you at the factory.
Based on the Zenith Aircraft Zodiac CH 601 XL model introduced in 2001, the new ZODIAC CH 650 has been developed specifically to meet the FAA's Sport Pilot / Light-Sport Aircraft category, and offers maximum performance and capability possible under the new FAA category. With new and updated features and modern styling, the Zodiac CH 650 replaces the Zodiac XL model. Zodiac CH 650 LSA, powered by the 100-hp Continental O-200 engine New aircraft models, like the Zodiac CH 650 and the new STOL CH 750, keep Zenith Aircraft Company at the forefront of the light aircraft industry. This newest model introduces refinements that compete directly with European imports in the Light Sport (LSA) marketplace, while still offering an exceptional value and choices, allowing builders to construct the Zodiac CH 650 from complete kits, component kits, or even from plans-only, and offering kit builders a wide selection of engine choices to power their aircraft. Note: Zenith Aircraft is currently updating their website to reflect the new ZODIAC CH 650. Most of the information contained on the Zodiac XL design is the same as that for the newer CH 650 model. Simple and quick to build — easy and fun to fly! The new ZODIAC CH 650 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. Build the new Zenith Aircraft ZODIAC CH 650 from:
The information and photos, on this site, have been used with the consent of Zenith Aircraft Company. Any reproduction of text or photos, without the consent of Zenith Aircraft Company, is strictly prohibited.
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