The ZODIAC XL is a popular all-metal ZODIAC kit
aircraft series from aeronautical engineer Chris
Heintz, offering more performance and many standard features
specifically for Sport Pilots. Introduced in 2001, the ZODIAC XL
model was developed with the
FAA's Sport Pilot /
Light-Sport Aircraft category in mind, and offers maximum
performance and capability possible under the FAA category. The
ZODIAC CH 650 model
was introduced in 2008 as a second-generation light sport aircraft
design with sleek new styling and numerous new
and updated features.
Simple and quick to
build — easy and fun to fly!
The ZODIAC 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 your own Zodiac from:
- Complete Kit:
Everything you need to build your own Zodiac...
- Component (Section) Kits allow you to "buy-as-you-build"...
- Plans-Only:
Detailed precision CAD
Drawings and Photo
Assembly Manuals permit you to "scratch-build" the entire
aircraft (parts and components can be purchased individually).
- Starter Kit: The rudder starter kit
allows you to gain hands-on experience while actually starting to
build your own aircraft... for just $300.
- Fly Away: Buy the
American-made factory-assembled certified ZODIAC S-LSA Light Sport
Aircraft from AMD. IFR certified model
available.
A feature story in the annual 2007 FlightTest magazine (Loop.aero
in the UK) concludes that with the Zodiac, "...a
relatively low tech aircraft, built traditionally, can still deliver
hugely enjoyable flying and take you places for very little
money."
The ZODIAC is easy and affordable to build
and fly, yet it's an airplane you won't easily outgrow: The ZODIAC is the perfect project
for the first-time builder and the demanding sport pilot, bridging the gap between
performance flying and affordable costs.
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Kitplanes
magazine writer Rick
Lindstrom took tool in hand to create a dream machine, as he reported in the
June to December 2007 issues of Kitplanes magazine:
"Zenith's fast-build
kit greatly exceeded our expectations for completeness and component
quality."
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Zodiac Cover
Story:
The Zodiac was
featured on the cover of EAA
Sport Pilot & Light-Sport Aircraft magazine (December 2006
issue).
The Zodiac CH
601... Have It Your Way. Ready-to-fly, ready-to-build, or
IFR capable
by Dan
Johnson (pages 24 - 31).
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"Since its introduction in 1984, the Zodiac
CH601 series has become very popular with first-time builders and low-time pilots" says
Heintz. "The new Zodiac model is designed to achieve maximum performance and efficiency with
the new generation light aircraft engines: the six-cylinder Jabiru, the 100-hp Rotax 912S,
and Subaru automotive conversions, as well as popular
conventional aircraft engines, such as the Lycoming O-235 and Continental O-200."
The ZODIAC CH 601 XL model introduced a new airfoil and larger wing
area than its predecessor Zodiac CH 601 models, which allowed the aircraft to achieve higher speeds with a
higher payload. With wing flaps, stall speed was kept low for recreational
pilots. The new Zodiac has been configured to take full advantage of its increased useful load:
Larger wing tanks offer a larger fuel capacity (24 US Gal.) resulting in superior
range and endurance, and the baggage area behind the seat has also been
increased.
