Zenith Kits

The Zenith Aircraft company is the Kit plane side of the Heintz family's aircraft. They offer 2- and 4-place aircraft in high-wing and low-wing models.

The Zodiac family of aircraft are the low-wing planes including the 2-place Zodiac CH 601 XL and the 4-place Zodiac CH 640. Silver Sky Aviation currently has a 601 in their fleet. They love it as a trainer and say it's great for cruising as well. Its low wing and bubble canopy mean great visibility, even enough for formation flying. It's also IFR capable. It allows several engine options with firewall forward kits meaning it's economical to build and operate. Theirs has no problem lifting two adults and half-full gas tanks on a 110 degree summer day in Phoenix. Since it's only using a 100 hp engine, you'll need to stop and stretch your legs long before you get through that half tank of fuel.

The CH 640 is geared toward Lycoming O-320 and larger engines and is intended to offer a 4-place kit aircraft at less cost and complexity than the Lancairs. (For many people, the only other 4-place kit that comes to mind is the RV-10.)

While the Zodiac 601 XL has no problem operating on dirt or grass, there is another option. From what I've seen so far, it appears that the STOL CH 701 is the ultimate back country machine of light sport aircraft. What else could you call a plane that can lift off from 120 feet of grass on a 100 hp engine? The Arizona Pilots Association is working to preserve back country strips in the state; having a few CH 701s around would definitely help those types of strips get more use.

Sound like fun? Don't forget there is also a popular option to equip the 701 with amphibious floats!

If you like the sound of this level of performance, but want something with more than two seats, take a look at the 4-place STOL CH 801.

So, you ask, these sound great, but what's the bottom line? This is one of the best parts! Keep reading - I break it all out on the next page.