Zenith CH 601 Zodiac

Zenith Aircraft · Canada · first flew 1984 · light aircraft

The Zenith CH 601 Zodiac is a side-by-side, low-wing, all-metal homebuilt kit aircraft developed from Chris Heintz's earlier CH 200 design. Its straightforward sheet-aluminium construction makes it accessible to first-time builders.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	5.7 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

low-wing all-metal construction with distinctive corrugated wing skins
side-by-side seating under a large one-piece canopy
fixed tricycle undercarriage with spatted mainwheels

The corrugated lower wing surface, large single-piece bubble canopy, and compact low-wing profile distinguish the CH 601 from composite competitors.

Specifications

The Zenith CH 601 Zodiac has a length of 5.7 m (19 ft).
It has a wingspan of 7.9 m (26 ft).
Its maximum speed is 220 km/h (137 mph).
Typical crew: 1-2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Chris Heintz designed the CH 601 as an evolution of his earlier designs, and Zenith Aircraft of Mexico, Missouri began marketing the kit in the mid-1980s. The corrugated aluminium wing skins are a hallmark of the Heintz design philosophy, providing rigidity without heavy internal structure. Both Rotax and Jabiru engines are commonly fitted.

Variants

The CH 601 XL introduced a wider fuselage and revised wing for improved handling; the HDS (High Drag System) variant added large slotted flaps.

Where you'll see it

A number of CH 601s fly on the UK LAA permit system, appreciated for their metal construction, ease of inspection, and economical cruise performance.

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