STOL CH 801 - Frequently Asked Questions...

What engines can I install in the STOL CH 801?
	The STOL CH 801 is designed to accommodate many different engine types, ranging in power from 150 to 220 hp. The maximum recommended engine weight (installed) is 440 lbs. Zenith Aircraft Company recommends and supports the 180-hp Lycoming O-360 as the standard engine, and offers firewall-forward accessories for installing this engine (engine mount, cowl, exhaust system, propeller, etc.). We recommend the Lycoming engine because it is a proven and reliable aircraft engine. Also, there are many sources for buying a Lycoming engine: There is a large market for used and rebuilt Lycoming engines, or one can be purchased factory-new. While other engines can be installed, such as Subaru automotive engine conversions, Zenith Aircraft does not directly support any other engine installations at this time. Other engines will affect performance and weight of the aircraft. Choosing an engine is a difficult decision for most builders. However, we recommend that you don't purchase the engine until you need it (once the airframe is assembled). This means you don't have to pay for it until you need it, and also allows you to spend the time to properly research which engine to install in your STOL CH 801. If you're planning on buying a used engine, you'll have plenty of time to search around for one...
How much will it cost by the time I have the STOL CH 801 flying? What's not included in the kit?
	Total cost of building a STOL CH 801 depends on a number of different factors. The STOL CH 801 kit is complete (includes wheels, hydraulic disk brakes, electric trim tab, electric flaps, all basic hardware, etc.). However, the kit is "firewall-back" (no engine and accessories), and does not include flight and engine instruments, avionics, paint, and upholstery. Therefore, in addition to the price of the complete kit, you'll need an powerplant package (firewall-forward), instruments and avionics, paint and upholstery. The cost of these additional items varies a lot. We estimate the price of a completed and flying STOL CH 801 to be between $30,000 (used engine, basic instruments) and $50,000+.
Do you offer floats for the STOL CH 801?
	As an off-airport sport utility plane, floats are going to be a popular option for the STOL CH 801. Czech Aircraft Works has developed straight and amphibious floats for the STOL CH 801. Based on the proven all-metal "Zenair floats," the #2200 floats will be made available factory-assembled with rigging for the STOL CH 801.
Do you offer a folding wing option for the STOL CH 801?
	Due to the large size of the aircraft (it's a real four-seater), we currently do not offer a folding wing option. The aircraft is large to tow on a regular basis, and the standard wings are easy to remove. We prefer not to offer an option or feature that is not practical or user-friendly. Being an all-metal airplane, the STOL CH 801 can be continuously be tied-down outdoors.
Can I build the STOL CH 801 from plans-only (blueprints)?
	While many other Zenith Aircraft designs can be scratch-built from the drawings and manuals, the STOL CH 801 must be built from the factory kit. Designer Chris Heintz has decided not to offer blueprints for sale because: There is diminishing demand for blueprints - most builders prefer to build from a factory kit. Building from a kit requires a lot less time, skills and tools, and is thus often more economical than scratch-building an airplane from plans. With the small market for blueprints, we have decided not to spend the resources to develop detailed blueprints for builders, but to devote our resources to creating detailed and illustrated step-by-step assembly manuals. Chris Heintz has also been dismayed at the number of illegal copies made of his aircraft around the world. While imitation may be flattering, it's also a rip-off (especially when resold as Zenith kits or completed aircraft), and blueprints only help those who want to copy Heintz' designs.
How long will it really take me to build a STOL CH 801? Should I double the estimated build-time factory number?
	We estimate construction time for the STOL CH 801 to average about 750 hours. Since this is not our first kit by any means, we believe this to be a very representative figure, based on our previous experience. Of course, averages are made to be broken, but we expect many individual builders will spend less time than that in completing their STOL CH 801. The estimated build time does not include time to install custom engines - this alone can take a few hundred hours.
I am a first-time builder and am looking for a four-place utility plane that can have floats or skis as an option. Is this too big of a project for a first time builder?
	While it's a four-seater, the STOL CH 801 requires less time, tools and skills to build than most 2-seat kits on the market today. Most of our builders are first-timers, and the overwhelming majority successfully complete their project. We highly recommend our factory workshops to first-time builders - where you can gain hands-on building experience before committing yourself with a full kit.
I want one, but I don't have the time right now nor the space to build... Can I get assistance as a builder to get the STOL CH 801 flying sooner?
	Zenith Aircraft Company is a kit manufacturer, and we do not offer assembled aircraft for sale, nor do we have facilities at our factory for customer projects. However, the are companies that offer professional builder assistance and facilities.
Rather than financing the complete kit, I plan to purchase in components (buy as I build). What order would you recommend obtaining them? What's the extra cost?
	Many builders purchase component kits to "buy-as-they-build." This makes a lot of sense as you can only work on one section at a time. Recommended sequence for component kits: Tail Wings (and optional wing tanks, if applicable) Flaperons and slats Fuselage Gear, Controls, etc. Engine, Instruments, etc. It's best to build the wing and tail sections first - once they're assembled they can be moved out of the way (along a wall, etc.) unlike the fuselage that take up more space in your workshop. There's a slight additional cost when purchasing component kits instead of the full kit (to cover handling), but each component kit is subject to crating and shipping charges, unless it is picked up at our factory. If being shipped, it may be more economical to order the full kit as a single package.

Note: The answers provided above are opinions only, and may not represent the opinion of the designer of the aircraft.
Prices, availability and equipment are subject to change without notice.