Zenith CH 701 STOL

Zenith Aircraft · Canada · first flew 1986 · light aircraft

The Zenith CH 701 STOL is a high-wing, all-metal ultra-STOL kit aircraft capable of operating from very short and unprepared strips. Full-span leading-edge slats give it docile handling at extremely low speeds.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	very short and stocky fuselage with side-by-side open or enclosed cockpit
T — Tail	Conventional

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

Spot it by:

high wing with prominent leading-edge slats along full span
very short and stocky fuselage with side-by-side open or enclosed cockpit
fixed tricycle gear with large low-pressure tyres

The distinctive full-span leading-edge slats, stubby fuselage, and very high-lift wing profile set the CH 701 apart from other high-wing kit aircraft.

Specifications

The Zenith CH 701 STOL has a length of 5.74 m (19 ft).
It has a wingspan of 8.23 m (27 ft).
Its maximum speed is 155 km/h (96 mph).
Typical crew: 1-2.

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

History

Chris Heintz developed the CH 701 specifically for backcountry and bush operations, first flying it in 1986. The design uses the same corrugated aluminium panel construction as the rest of the Zenith range, making it straightforward for amateur builders. Its low stall speed of around 45 km/h makes it one of the slower kit aircraft available.

Variants

Later variants include the CH 750 Cruzer, which broadened the fuselage and raised cruise speed while retaining STOL capability.

Where you'll see it

The CH 701 is flown in the UK under LAA permit, where it suits owners seeking access to short farm strips; its simple metal construction eases annual inspection.

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