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NEW
ZODIAC CH 650
Cabin
Dual
Sticks
Upholstery
Kit
Engines:
ULPower
Jabiru
3300
Rotax
Cont.
O-200
Corvair
Lycoming
Others
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us:
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Home Design Kit Construction |
| LAST UPDATE: June 21, 2016
Subscribe to our mail list for the latest news and periodic updates. |
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Click Here for ZODIAC Online Builder Resources Follow
us on facebook: |
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Visit ZENITH.AERO Online Community for
Zenith Aircraft Builders & Flyers for news and updates from
owners and pilots from around the world.
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Start building your own Zenith
for just $375 at the factory or with the
Rudder Starter Kit Next hands-on workshops held at the factory: |
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25th annual Zenith
Aircraft Open Hangar Days & Fly-In: Friday and Saturday,
September 23 & 24, 2016 at the kit aircraft factory in
Mexico, Missouri! Come for two days of fun activities and
educational seminars! The 25th annual event will feature
new fun social (and flying!) activities and expanded seminars and
workshops over two full days.
See photos from the 2015 Zenith Open Hangar Day and Fly-In, including the STOL competition! |
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New Video: Flying the Zenith CH 650 |
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How do we top last year's highly
successful One
Week Wonder project (where a complete Zenith CH 750 Cruzer was
built in less than seven days at EAA Oshkosh AirVenture)? EAA has announced their "Give Flight" project where five (5) complete sets of wings will be started during the week at Oshkosh by various EAA Chapters (to be taken home after the show to become part of a group-built airplane). We're thrilled that EAA has asked Zenith Aircraft to provide three sets of wings for the Give Flight project. Three new Zenith aircraft (two Zenith CH 750 Cruzers and one Zenith CH 650) will be started at Oshkosh this summer with the help of volunteers! If you're a Zenith builder (or want to learn) please join us in building and teaching others about the joys of aircraft kit building! |
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Second edition 2015: We've published a new Zenith Aircraft magazine, chock-full
of information on building and flying your own Zenith. This free
48-page full color magazine provides an excellent introduction to
the world of recreational flying and kit aviation, and covers all
Zenith aircraft kit models, including the STOL CH 701. Contact
Zenith Aircraft Company to have one mailed to you.
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EAA
Experimenter magazine (March
2015): Bob Rychel's two Zenith planes: "Two Planes in Three Years"
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One
Week Wonder Time Lapse Video | One
Week Wonder Summary Video Watch as the entire One Week Wonder Zenith CH 750 Cruzer comes together in just 45 seconds! |
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Five Zeniths CH 650 (and CH601XL-B), all powered by Corvair engines, at the 2014 Zenith Open Hangar Day and Fly-In (September 20, 2014) |
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Lynn Dingfelder in his Corvair-powered Zenith CH 601XL-B competing in the Zenith STOL competition, at the 2014 Zenith Open Hangar Day and Fly-In (September 19, 2014) |
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Summer 2014: We've published a new
Zenith Aircraft magazine, chock-full of information on building and
flying your own Zenith. This free 48-page full color magazine
provides an excellent introduction to
the world of recreational flying and kit aviation, and covers all
Zenith aircraft kit models, including the Zenith CH 650. Contact Zenith Aircraft Company
to have one mailed to you.
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One Week Wonder
- Oshkosh 2014
What an awesome week it
was! Thank you to all who helped with this project, especially
the volunteers and sponsors! |
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Chris Heintz
joined Zenair Ltd.
to celebrate its 40th anniversary on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the Zenair factory at Huronia Airport in Midland, Ontario, Canada.
Photos from the event: Facebook photos | More Photos |
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Zenair
Ltd. (Canada) Marks 40th Year in 2014: One of North America's leading manufacturers of recreational aircraft kits is turning 40 this year. Zenair Limited was founded by Chris Heintz in his 2-car garage in 1974... More |
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Follow-Up: Photos from the 2013 Open Hangar Day (from September 20 & 21) | |||
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Video Clip and photos from the 2013 "Fly In to Summer" Open Hangar Day and Builder Fly-In Gathering at the Zenith Factory (June 22, 2013). | |||
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The new Zenith
CH 750 Cruzer on the cover of EAA
Experimenter
magazine, June 2013 issue (Vol. 2 No. 6): "The Zenith 750 Cruzer" Pages
14 - 19,
cover story by Budd Davisson:
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First
Flight Video: Frank and Dave's completed Zenith
CH 650 B with the 130-hp ULPower
UL350iS engine.
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Check out the new Zenith CH 750 CRUZER aircraft. Zenith's latest design is based on the STOL CH 750 but optimized for more speed, and features a new wing design (without slats) and an all-new tail. | |||
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Updated New
X-Plane
10.20 Flight Simulator files for the Zenith CH 650 (now supports
64-bit computing!).
Fly the Zenith cruiser from your armchair! |
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On the cover of Volez! magazine (French Flying), Issue 177, February 2013. Cover story with a 12 page feature story on designer Chris Heintz and the Zenith CH 650 and the four-seat CH 640 cross-country cruiser. |
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October 2013: New Builder Completion Photos: 127 pages of just some of the
hundreds of completed and flying Zodiac projects!
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On the cover of CONTACT!
magazine, Issue 105, cover story and joint "Zenith
/ Corvair" issue, with 8
separate articles on Zeniths. |
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On the cover of AVIASPORT magazine (from France), September 2012 issue, cover story: "Zenair CH 650E (European model): The latest light sport aircraft from Chris Heintz." |
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Follow-Up
from Zenith Aircraft Company's 20th anniversary / Open Hangar Day
& Fly-In held this past September 21 & 22, 2012 Thanks to great weather and great company we had a wonderful Open Hangar Day and Fly-In to celebrate Zenith Aircraft Company's 20th anniversary. |
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Video Flight Review: This is a new video clip from France of the new European CH 650 (powered by Rotax 912 ULS). | |||
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August 17, 2012: Zenith builder and pilot Earl Downs reports that he's just recently received a FAA Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) to provide commercial training in the Zenith that he built himself: Earl is a CFI and a sport pilot designated flight test examiner who built a Zenith Zodiac CH 601 XL-B, and he is now approved for training in his Zenith. For more information Earl can be reached in the evening (central time) at 918-840-2200 or email. He is based out of Cushing, Oklahoma. |
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EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh) 2012 follow-up report. Five video clips and photos of the many Zenith activities at AirVenture 2012... Read more... | |||
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Video Clip from Zenith.Aero:
Flying the Zenith CH 650 cruiser on a Hot Day: Flight Testing the UL Power UL350iS Engine Cooling |
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From Zenith.Aero:
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On the cover of KITPLANES magazine, June 2012 issue, cover story: "Simply Advanced" Cover story and flight review by Marc Cook, pages 8 - 17. "New to the CH 650 B is a canopy that provides excellent visibility even for tall pilots. It's a comfortable cabin for two..." |
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The Zenith CH 650 on the cover of Pilot
magazine
PILOT magazine, May 2012 issue, cover story: "Zippy Zodiac" Cover story and flight review by Dave Unwin, pages 26 - 32. " I liked the CH650 a lot ...it offers exceptional value for the money." |
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The new Zenith CH 650 with the UL350iS engine, on the cover of Spain's Avion & Piloto magazine (June 2012). | |||
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New Video Clip:
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Flying the CH 650 with the new UL Power UL350iS engine cowl | |||
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Kitplanes
on Facebook: Kitplanes
magazine photo previews of upcoming flight review of the Zenith CH 650
cruiser.
"Piloting the CH 650 is Roger Dubbert (Zenith demo pilot) with passenger Joyce Fort (Zenith office manager)" |
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The UL Power Firewall-Forward (FWF) kit package from Zenith Aircraft Company. Shown here: The 130-hp UL350iS powerplant in the CH 650 cruiser. | |||
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| New 3rd edition Zenith CH 650 Drawings (2/2012). Builders: Click here for details. | ||||
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New Video Clips:
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New video report on Zenith from AircraftReporters.tv Dan Johnson interviews Zenith Aircraft Company's Roger Dubbert about the full line light sport aircraft kits from Zenith, including the CH 650. |
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Video Clip: From Russia with Love... Flying the Zodiac in Russia, as seen from the wingtip. | |||
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Zenith Aircraft Company and UL Power North America announce availability of complete firewall forward kits for the UL Power engine following the successful installation and testing of the 130-hp UL350iS powerplant in the CH 650 cruiser. Details on the UL Power engines and firewall-forward kit | |||
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Photos and follow up report from the 20th annual Zenith Aircraft Open Hangar Day and Builder Fly-In Gathering (held on September 17, 2011) | |||
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From the
zenith.aero
online community for builders and flyers:
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Roger Dubbert with the CH 650 aircraft, equipped with a brand new UL350iS engine installation and cowl. More photos. | |||
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New Video Clips in HD: Cabin views: Flying the CH 601 / CH 650: Notice the exceptional visibility and the shoulder / elbow room. | |||
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New Video Clips in HD: Scenic flight in the CH 601 / CH 650. | |||
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Updates from EAA AirVenture 2011: | |||
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Video
Clip: Great views of the CH 601 / 650 at work with flight instruction from Buzz Air Flight Academy in Nevada. Call Aumie or Buzzy for more information. Tel. 775-781-4411 |
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The
July 2011 issue of
Aviation Consumer magazine has a feature story / flight report
on the CH 650 LSA: "Based
on the CH601, the design is sporty and fast and has a new, beefed-up wing
structure."
Aviation Consumer editor Paul Bertorelli writes that "The CH650 has
superb cockpit visibility... The baggage compartment, which is adequate if
not generous, is an easy-to-access shelf behind the two seats. That
makes it perfect for grabbing stuff during cross-country flight."
He concludes that "...the CH650 seems like an honest, straightforward
low-wing cruiser..." and that kit manufacturer Zenith Aircraft Company
"stands behind what is designs and builds." Excerpted from Aviation Consumer magazine, July 2011 issue, pages 13 - 16. Read more press reviews. |
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First
Flight Video Clip | New: Second
Flight Video Clip
Sweet Flyer! See Zenith's new factory demonstrator CH 650 fly behind UL Power's UL350iS engine and with the dual Dynon SkyView panel See it fly! Click here to view the video in full HD |
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Zenith's new factory
demonstrator CH 650
with UL Power's new powerful yet lightweight UL350iS
engine: This four-cylinder, direct-drive air-cooled
engine puts out 130-hp with an installed weight of
just 172 lbs., and features full FADEC (full authority
digital engine control) with multi-point electronic
fuel injection and dual electronic ignition (with
variable timing). Click here for more details on this engine. Hear it and see it! Click here to view a HD video clip. |
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The instrument panel of Zenith's new CH 650 factory demo aircraft features dual Dynon SkyView glass panel multifunction displays. As a sleek cross-country cruiser, the autopilot will be a welcome feature in the CH 650 kit plane on long cross-country flights. | |||
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July 8, 2011: Steve A. and Ron G. (right) each picked up a complete kit of their favorite aircraft yesterday: A CH 750 for Steve and a CH 650 for Ron. Despite the rain, they loaded the two kits in the Budget rental truck for the drive home to Detroit (where the two are GM engineers). By picking up the kit at the factory, Steve and Ron saved both the crating charges and the freight charges, and they were able to share the rental truck fees, while also being able to visit the factory (for the first time) and go up in a demo flight in the aircraft. |
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Zenith.Aero
Video Clip: May 2011: FAA's National Kit Evaluation Team (NKET) visited the Zenith Aircraft Company factory to evaluate and determine that the CH 650 B kit meets the intent of the "51% rule," allowing an amateur-builder to register the plane as an "amateur-built - Experimental" (kit) aircraft (meeting the "major portion" requirement of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations part 21, Certification Procedures for Products and Parts, § 21.191(g). More info |
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From the
zenith.aero
online community for builders and flyers: Two Zodiac aircraft flying cross county Dave Gardea's Corvair-powered CH 650 B: First Flight Video and Photos |
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Kitplanes.com
Video Clip from Sun'n Fun 2011:
Zenith introduces the ULPower engine on the sleek new CH 650. The ULPower engine is a lightweight direct-drive, air-cooled engine with full FADEC. |
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From the
zenith.aero
online community for builders and flyers:
March 2011: |
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1/25/2011: FAA has re-evaluated
the Zodiac CH 601 XL kit changes, specifically the 6-ZU Upgrade
Package and confirmed it is eligible in meeting the "51% rule". All
revisions have been evaluated and determined to meet the “major
portion” requirements of 14 CFR, Part 21, § 21.191(g).
Amateur-Built Aircraft Kit Updated Listing (PDF) Note to builders: When registering your kit aircraft with the FAA for the first time use the model name as it appears on the FAA listing of aircraft kits ("Zodiac CH 601 XL"). Do not add "B" to the name when registering, as this will not match the information on file and may cause delays. |
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From the
zenith.aero
online community for builders and flyers: Michael Herder's First Flight Video |
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Video Clip: Pre-flight walkaround the Zodiac CH 650 See also: Flying the Zodiac CH650 and the Zodiac CH601XL with Paul
Hamilton. |
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Flight Test Report: |
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From Zenith.Aero: |
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From the
zenith.aero
online community for builders and flyers: Photo gallery: Steve and Woody's Grand Adventure |
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From YouTube, a great video clip of a Zodiac CH 601 flight. | |||
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First flight Video Clip: Zodiac CH 601 XL B built and flown by Rich Vetterli |
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Video Clip: New Video Clip: Simulation Flight Training - Comparing an Actual Airplane (the Zodiac) to a Flight Simulator (X-Plane) |
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June 2010: From Zenith.Aero: Heintz brothers Mathieu and Sebastian visit two Caribbean flight schools that use Zenith for flight instruction: STOL CH 701 on Zenair amphib floats, and Zodiac low-wing tricycle gear.
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Aero-TV
Video Clip: Zenair's Matt Heintz discusses the Zodiac CH601XL upgrade package and the future of the Zodiac series design... (from the Sebring LSA show in January 2010). |
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We're flying again! 12/28/09: Following the installation and completion of the Zodiac XL Upgrade Package kit, we're flying our demonstrator Zodiac XL once again! 1/14/10: |
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| November 7, 2009: FAA Issues Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin: Zodiac CH 601 XL and CH 650: Updates and news on this important topic, and the Upgrade Package kit offered by Zenith Aircraft Company. | ||||
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| Zenith Aircraft Builders & Flyers: Join the new ZENITH.AERO Online Community | ||||
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September 3, 2009: Tom Poberezny, EAA's president and chairman, visits the Zenith Aircraft factory in Mexico, Missouri. |
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Photos from Zenith Aircraft
Company's 18th annual OPEN HANGAR DAY and
Fly-In Gathering held on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at
the factory. |
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Cover story / Flight test report: Zenair CH 650 E: Flugel magazine (Germany), Volume 2, 2009, Flight Test Report : "Zenair CH 650: US - European LSA (Light Sport Aircraft." Cover story. |
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May 2009: "On April 18th my brother David and I left Santa Rosa, California heading east over the snow covered Sierra Nevada mountains on an adventure of a lifetime. We left with great confidence in my sturdy Zodiac XL. After all, last year it had safely taken me and my brother Alan to Oshkosh, why would it behave differently on this trip?
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Zenair Europe's Zodiac CH 650 (powered by a 100-hp Rotax 912 ULS engine) at AERO Friedrichshafen on April 4, 2009. AERO Friedrichshafen (in Germany) is the showcase for new products for the European sport aviation scene. |
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The European "Zenair CH 650E", featured on the cover of Vol Moteur magazine, April 2009. Story on pages 20 - 27 (France). | |||
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Zenith introduces the newest Zodiac model, the Zodiac CH 650 |
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Photos of the lighter European Zodiac CH 650E powered by the 100-hp Rotax 912 ULS engine. |
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The European "Zenair CH 650E", featured on the cover of Aviation Quebec magazine (March 2009 issue) |
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| October 28, 2008: Zenair Europe issues a safety alert / service bulletin to Zodiac pilots and owners in response to the preliminary findings of an investigation into an accident involving a Czech Aircraft Works Zodiac CH 601XL in the Netherlands. Note that this safety alert does not provide new information regarding the aircraft; it requests verification of what should already be in place, namely, proper tension of the control cables. Click here to view the Safety Alert. | ||||
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Video Clip: Gus Warren of FlyWithGus.com flies a Zodiac CH 650 with the new UL260I engine from ULPower | |||
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On October 15, 2008, Barrington Irving took off in Inspiration II, a Zodiac plane built entirely by Miami high school students in the Experience Aviation Build & Soar Summer Program. Barrington Irving is the youngest person and first pilot of African descent on record to fly solo around the world. Read more and watch report from MSNBC. | |||
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Saturday, September 20, 2008: Zenith Aircraft's 17th annual OPEN HANGAR DAY and Fly-In Gathering was a great success, with a lot of sun, planes, food, and great company. Thanks to all who participated and made this a fun event! At right, builders and their planes pose in front of the Zenith factory for the traditional group photo. Thanks to great weather, several dozen Zeniths flew in to the Open Hangar day |
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An outdoor dinner buffet was enjoyed by more than 120 builders and Zenith employees on Friday evening prior to the Open Hangar Day. |
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Workshops and seminars kept builders busy all day. At right, a Dynon Avionics demonstration.
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NEW
Zodiac Horizontal Tail DVD Zodiac Fuselage Assembly DVD - Part 1, 2, and 3 This DVD is a double disk volume in a series of videos being developed by HomebuiltHELP.com to cover the entire build process for the Zodiac kit. To get started, you only need a set of plans and manuals for the aircraft and at least the fuselage component kit. The FUSELAGE Part 1 DVD takes you from the very beginning steps to completing the rear section, the floor, and the firewall components of the aircraft fuselage. Click here for more DVD's from HomeBuiltHELP.com |
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 March 2008 issue of Plane & Pilot magazine Zenith Zodiac XL Pilot Report : "The Zenith of LSAs: Zenith Aircraft of Mexico, Missouri build durable, all-metal, light-sport aircraft with an emphasis on fun," by Bill Cox, photos by James Lawrence, pages 66 - 68. "Flying the Zodiac 601 XL is more reminiscent of a normal-category machine than an LSA [light sport aircraft]. The semi-bubble canopy hinges at the front and opens to reveal a wide comfortable office. Elbow-to-elbow, the 601 XL measures 44-inches, so it's plenty big for two folks, actually as broad as a Cessna 206." |
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Volez! magazine, June 2008, Zodiac XL Cover Story (France). | |||
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Zodiac CH 650, introduced at EAA AirVenture (July 2008) | |||
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From the
zenith.aero
online community for builders and flyers: |
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Photos from Zenith's "Spring into Summer" Fly-In Gathering: June 21, 2008, at the Zenith Aircraft in Mexico, Missouri |
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Aero-TV.net -
Friday, 29 February, 2008. Zodiac XL builder Mike Sigman Talks About
His Personal LSA Aero-TV talks to Mike Sigman, a builder, pilot and owner of a Zodiac 601XL about his personal choice for an LSA... how it went together during the building process, and now that he was finished -- how he liked it all. Mike explained how he was looking for a cross-country aircraft that was good on fuel, dependable and reasonably priced. He wanted to build 'all-metal,' but he did NOT want to buck rivets (the Zodiac uses the Avex 'pop' riveting system), and finally, he wanted a Jabiru engine for the front end... and thereupon decided upon the Zodiac. Click here to view the interview. |
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Glider towing with the Zodiac | |||
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November 19, 2007: Measuring 6-feet 9-inches tall, Ron Steele (right) towers over Zenith demo pilot Roger Dubbert (six feet). Ron visited the Zenith Aircraft factory recently from Virginia to try-on the Zodiac for size and for a demo flight and factory tour. Though head room was limited, Ron and Roger were able to fit in the 44-inch wide cabin well enough for a demo flight. | |||
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Quality
Sport Planes of northern California held its Fall 2007 Open House
on Saturday, October 13. Michael Heintz of Quality Sport Planes
reports that the event was a great success with an excellent turnout
of both planes and people!
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October 2007: Roberto Brito of AirFox (near Sao Paulo, Brazil) hosted a three-day workshop for builders in Brazil (Oct.12 - 14, 2007) to gain hands-on experience in scratch-building their own Zodiac aircraft. | |||
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Zenith president Sebastien Heintz (right) made a surprise visit to the workshop in Brazil to meet with builders and to fly Roberto's beautifully built custom Zodiac XL.
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Zenith Aircraft
Company's 16th annual OPEN
HANGAR DAY and Fly-In Gathering held on Saturday, September 29, 2007, was a
great success with dozens of aircraft flown in and hundreds of active
participants!
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Zodiac
XL Kit - Tips and Techniques: A video guide to help jump start
construction of the popular Zodiac XL aircraft kit Get your Zodiac XL kit aircraft finished and in the air - now even faster! The instructional DVD from HomebuiltHelp.com explains and demonstrates many common construction tasks. If you're currently building, or thinking about starting a project, this is a highly recommended DVD. |
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KITPLANES Magazine Builds a ZODIAC XL Kit, Part 7, December 2007 issue: Writer Rick Lindstrom concludes the saga of building and flying his Zodiac XL kit plane in the final installment of this seven part series on building and flying his own Zodiac XL: "I purchased a kit from a well-respected and seasoned company that provides a superior level of support." |
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KITPLANES Magazine Builds a ZODIAC XL Kit, Part 3, August 2007 Issue: Kitplanes magazine writer Rick Lindstrom continues the saga of building and flying his Zodiac XL kit plane in this third installment, as he reports in the August 2007 issue of Kitplanes magazine |
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KITPLANES Magazine Builds a ZODIAC XL Kit, Part 2, July 2007 Issue: Writer Rick
Lindstrom reports on building and flying his dream airplane, as he
writes in the
July
2007 issue of Kitplanes magazine: "A Sign
of the Zodiac (Part 2)"
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KITPLANES Magazine
Builds a ZODIAC XL Kit, Part 1, June 2007 Issue: Writer Rick Lindstrom took tool in hand to create a dream machine, as he reports in the June 2007 issue of Kitplanes magazine: "A Sign of the Zodiac (Part 1)"
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June 2007: Load testing the ZODIAC
XL
airframe
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Recreational Flyer, the magazine of the Recreational Aircraft Assoc. of Canada, March - April 2007 issue, cover story: "Wings for the People: Chris Heintz' Superb Zodiac," by Gary Wolf, pages 22 - 29. "The Zenith Zodiac was introduced in 1984, and 25 years later is still selling strongly... a simple all-metal plane that provides good performance is perennially appealing to builders and pilots." | |||
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 Earl Downs seated in the Zodiac XL
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The May 2007 issue of EAA
Sport Pilot magazine features a story by Earl Downs on the
importance of a factory visit before buying an aircraft. Following a visit to
the Zenith Aircraft factory in Mexico,
Missouri, he states: "My overall impression of the plant was one of
efficiency, cleanliness, and competence. I also came away feeling I had
the skills needed to turn the work of these craftsmen into a finished
airplane, and that [my wife] Mimi and I would have fun while
building." Earl Downs concludes: "My visit to the factory was worth every bit of what it cost, and I accomplished my mission goals. A build project involves a long-term relationship with the factory, and the only way to be sure is to test it out." Downs subsequently ordered a Zodiac XL Kit, which he picked up (at the factory) in early May. Aviation writer Earl Downs started flying more that 50 years ago and progressed to become an airline transport-rated pilot and served with the training department of a major airline for 23 years. He has logged thousands of hours flying and instructing in light airplanes and is a recognized aviation writer with EAA Sport Pilot and AOPA Flight Training magazines. In 2004 he co-wrote the popular book titled "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Sport Flying" and is the current publisher and owner of The Oklahoma Aviator. Centrally located in the
United States, Zenith Aircraft Company is situated 90 miles west of St.
Louis. The Zenith factory is situated on the Mexico
Airport (MYJ), making it easy to fly-in to visit. The facility is
open Monday to Friday, and factory tours and demo flights are available
by appointment. Before making travel arrangements to visit the factory, please
make an appointment by calling 573-581-9000. Zenith Aircraft Company
also schedules factory workshops
throughout the year and holds an annual Open
Hangar Day fly-in. |
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| From Quality Sport Planes' Open House and Regional Fly-In (May 5, Cloverdale, Calif.): | ||||
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West coast representative Quality Sport Planes LLC held an Open House and Regional Fly-In held on Saturday, May 5, 2007 (Cloverdale, Calif.) |
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Builders and enthusiasts examine the high level of completion of a Zodiac XL Kit. Click here for more photos |
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| From the Sun'n Fun fly-in (April 17-23, Lakeland, Florida): | ||||
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Rick Lindstrom’s shiny new
Zodiac
XL drew a lot of attention at the Zenith booth during Sun'n Fun. This
is the aircraft that Rick built from a Kit and chronicled the construction in Kitplanes
magazine.
Lindstrom says his 601 cruises at 105 knots while burning under 6 gph. Follow the story of Lindstrom’s project beginning in the June issue of KITPLANES®. |
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Great
food and great company! |
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A new factory-produced ZODIAC
XL S-LSA for Sport Pilots.
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New European Zodiac In its April 2007 issue, French aviation magazine "Aviasport" reports on the new European Zodiac XL |
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March 2007: Nicholas Heintz test flies the new European ZODIAC XL, powered by the Rotax 912S engine. The new model, manufactured and supported directly by Zenair, introduces some new (and lighter) features for the European market. Details about the Zodiac XL ULM. | |||
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Zodiac in Action: Wingtip
cam - unusual attitude!
Video Clips from around the world on building and flying the Zodiac: |
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Zodiac Cover Story:
The Zodiac XL was recently featured on the cover of EAA Sport Pilot & Light-Sport Aircraft magazine (December 2006 issue).
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Zodiac XL featured in
great new book: GO! The Whole World of Transportation by DK Publishing. Available now for about $18 from Amazon.com |
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January 2007:
Picking up a Zodiac kit at the factory, and loading it on a flatbed trailer. |
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With the help of Zenith's new 12' x 4' CNC router, the standard Zodiac kit now includes many precision CNC pre-cut and pre-drilled skins and components, and also includes new updated CAD Drawings and Photo Assembly Manuals.
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Great new views of the
ZODIAC assembly (3D CAD renderings).
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Photo galleries and details of the certified factory produced ZODIAC S-LSA | |||
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July 2006: Thinner fiberglass wheel fairings increase aerodynamics, and give the ZODIAC a sleeker look. |
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Zenair Press Release (July 28, 2006): Zenair Ltd. announced that it has terminated its longstanding license agreement with Czech Aircraft Works, under which the ZODIAC designs were produced in the Czech Republic for the European market. The aircraft will continue to be available in Europe through the established Zenair dealer network, with kits coming from Zenith Aircraft Company (Missouri, USA) and assembled aircraft from Zenair Ltd. (details) |
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EAA Sport Pilot
magazine: |
Train for your checkride
in the ZODIAC XL using FlightSim aircraft files, as reviewed in the June 2006 issue
of Sport Pilot magazine.
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May 2006: AMD's production light sport aircraft (S-LSA) Zodiac XLi expands "operating instructions" to include Night and IFR operations. Click here for details. | |||||
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Made in the USA:
Producing the ZODIAC XL factory-built S-LSA
aircraft powered by the Continental O-200 engine.
AMD (in Eastman, Georgia) |
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Click here to view a FlyCorvair.com video of the Corvair-powered ZODIAC XL. | |||||
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Sun'n Fun
2006: The 2nd
Annual "Webmasters BBQ" was a great success, hosted by the www.ch601.org
and www.ch701.com
webmasters.
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Popular
Mechanics magazine (April 2006 issue): "How I learned to
Fly in a Week" by Davin Coburn. The writer obtains his sport
pilot certificate in eight days in a Zodiac XL S-LSA trainer.
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February 20, 2006 - EAA's latest Sport Pilot Tour stop drew several hundred aviation enthusiasts to Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona, to learn more about opportunities in the growing sport pilot/light-sport aircraft community. | |||||
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from EAA
Hotline (December 16, 2005, Volume 5, Number 57): Special Airworthiness Certificate For S-LSA Zodiac CH 601 XL AMD has received a Special Airworthiness Certificate for the Zodiac CH 601 XL. AMD completed all of the documents, flight-testing and quality control requirements with assistance from Zenair Ltd, and the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA). The all-metal Zodiac features a Continental O-200, 100-hp engine and Sensenich propeller. The original model was designed in the early ‘80s, and reengineered in 2001 as the CH 601 XL. |
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AMD starts deliveries of the Zodiac XL S-LSA aircraft in December 2005. |
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Panel includes a Dynon EFIS (Electronic Flight Information System) and EMS (Engine Monitor System), autopilot, and Garmin stack. | |||||
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This
radio-controlled scale model of the ZODIAC XL is now available
directly
from Zenith Aircraft Co.
This is a 1:5 scale (60-inch) model that is sold as a firewall-back
"almost ready to fly" (ARF) kit.
Read the review from RC Universe Magazine and download videos:
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AMD Zodiac XL S-LSA test
aircraft with a Continental O-200 powerplant and Dynon EFIS (Electronic Flight Information System) and
Engine
Monitor System.
Notice the boom on the left wing for testing and calibrating airspeed figures for LSA certification.
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Continental O-200 engine
installation.
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Zodiacs at Zenith's 14th annual Open Hangar Day |
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July 2005: X-Plane Zodiac XL flight simulator aircraft files now available from 2V2 Sim Aircraft Company |
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Sun'n Fun 2005: Flight Crafters Builder Assistance Center (of Tampa, Florida) sponsored a week-long workshop on building the ZODIAC kit. |
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Sun'n Fun 2005:
The FAA
approved the first factory-assembled CH 601 as an ELSA at the 2005 Sun'n
Fun Fly-In. Continental O-200 powered ZODIAC XL with a Dynon equipped EFIS (Electronic Flight Information System) and EMS (Engine Monitor System). |
| David Henry Wins EAA Land-A-Member Zodiac XL Kit | |
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January 12, 2005 (from EAA): David Henry, a 24-year EAA member from Perry, Oklahoma, is the lucky winner of a complete, ready-to-build Zodiac XL kitplane and Rotax 912S powerplant package through the 2004 EAA Land-A-Member contest. "Holy cow!" Henry exclaimed when EAA President Tom Poberezny called on Tuesday to deliver the good news. "I am tickled to death, thank you so much!" Just to verify his good fortune, Henry then asked, "You want to run that by me again?" Click here for more details from EAA. |
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David
Henry attended Zenith's factory workshop on to
gain hands-on building experience.
At left, Mr. Henry is shown drilling the rear skin of the rudder assembly. |
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Gleim
Publications now offers a Sport Pilot Kit designed to help
expedite training for the sport pilot certificate. They offer a
complete training program at an affordable price, with user-friendly
self-study materials that are carefully designed to make it easy to
learn and understand. |
The January 2005 issue of KITPLANES magazine profiles designer Chris Heintz in a cover story by Tim Kern (pages 12 - 19). "Zenith designer Chris Heintz has combined innovation and forthrightness to achieve success."
October 2004:
Designer Chris Heintz is profiled in the October 2004 issue of Kitplanes magazine: “The Top 20 – Meet the most influential figures who have shaped the homebuilt aviation industry” by Rick Lindstrom (pages 59 – 63):
“The Zenith philosophy helps customers all the way through flight testing, ensuring that the completed kit will meet expectations and fly safely as well. Zenith’s goal? Happy customers."
“You must use creativity and responsibility together to build airplanes,” Heintz says. “And considering the past 30 years, I have not wasted my life”
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Load testing the Zodiac XL airframe for LSA certification. |
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Corvair-powered
ZODIAC XL at EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh).
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Demo pilot Roger Dubbert and the ZODIAC XL at the Arlington NW EAA Fly-in: July 10, 2004, Arlington, Washington |
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ZODIAC at the EAA Membership tent at Sun'n Fun 2004, as part of EAA's Land-a-Member program. |
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KITPLANES
magazine, January 2004 issue. Cover story:
"Easy to Build, Fun to Fly: Which Zenith is Right For You?"
by Dave Higdon. Pages 8 - 15. Comparison of the ZODIAC XL and
the STOL CH 701 designs:
"The bottom line: Hands down, both airplanes easily fulfill
their respective missions. Best of all, they do so with flying
traits that should challenge few pilots of average competence."
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FlightSim aircraft files for the ZODIAC CH 601 series.
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Flying in New Zealand... landing on the beaches and flying over the glaciers... Click here for great new photos. |
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Viktor Strausak of Switzerland writes:
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| Builder Story: "Tim Garrett designs military fighter planes by day and is building his own airplane in the basement of his home by night, all while battling multiple sclerosis." | |
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July 2003:
Dual Control Sticks now available for the ZODIAC XL
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Tailwheel Gear Configuration for the ZODIAC XL
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ZODIAC XL school
project in Washington
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July 2003: Dave K., of Bright, Ontario, completed his Lycoming powered ZODIAC XL in "11 months and 11 days." He reports: |
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June 2003: Congratulations to Chip Erwin and his ZODIAC XL amphibian for winning the 2003 Piccola Schneider Cup seaplane race. Click here for details and pics. |
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Brian Clark, managing
editor of Kitplanes
magazine reports on attending Zenith’s factory
workshop in the July 2003 issue of Kitplanes magazine: He concludes
that it’s "…a worthwhile investment to attend a workshop
before making the larger decision of whether to build the kit." "Try Before you Buy" by Brian Clark, pages 54-57. Read the full story in the July 2003 issue of Kitplanes magazine. Details about about factory workshops. |
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July 2003: Click here for the latest photo gallery / builder photos. |
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March 2003:
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March 2003: "PLEIN VOL" magazine features the ZODIAC XL in a cover story (Quebec, April 2003 issue). |
| February 2003: | |
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Sightseeing in Europe with the ZODIAC XL |
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ZODIAC XL
builder completions.
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Photos of the
ZODIAC XL Amphibian
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| General
Aviation News magazine, August 5, 2002. "Pilot's
Report: Zenith Aircraft's Zodiac series" Cover story, pages 34 - 37.
Excerpt:
"Vigorous
performance:
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Patriotic ZODIAC XL powered by the Jabiru 3300 on amphibious floats. |
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Photos of Zenith Aircraft's demo ZODIAC XL powered by the Jabiru 3300 engine.
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- May 2002 issue of Kitplanes magazine: "Zodiac Stars: Two new Chris Heintz designs improve an already impressive lineup," by Howard Levy, pages 18 - 24, Kitplanes magazine.
The first European ZODIAC XL in an air-to-air photo-shoot with the STOL CH 801:
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July 2001: Jabiru 3300 engine installation in the
ZODIAC XL at Oshkosh AirVenture 2001.
Click here for more AirVenture photos. |
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July 2001: Photos of the Jabiru 3300
engine installation in Zenith Aircraft's factory demo ZODIAC XL.
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ZODIAC XL Kit Eligible for Airworthiness Certification.
April 6, 2001: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completed evaluation of the ZODIAC XL kit and determined that the kit, as evaluated, met the intent of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 21, Section 21.191(g). The FAA notes that the evaluation should not be construed as meaning the kit is FAA CERTIFIED, CERTIFICATED, OR APPROVED.
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Photos of Zenith
Aircraft Company's demo ZODIAC XL, powered by the 100-hp
Rotax 912S.
The ZODIAC XL's weight and performance will allow it to be operated under the new FAA Sport Pilot category. |
December 2000: CustomPlanes magazine flies the ZODIAC XL. Click here to read the flight report.
"It runs fast, carries a decent load and offers a comfortable cabin. As you might expect from a designer who has several certificated airplanes to his credit, it flies with no surprises, just as it should."
Click here for "old" updates
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