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Builds & Flies the ZODIAC

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• Click here to access the photo libraries with hundreds of photos of completed Zodiac projects
• Click here for a summary of Zodiac press reviews
• Video Clip: Building and Flying your Zenith Aircraft kit  (2:57 min.  / 5.3 MB)

"It flew flawlessly. I think the hardest part of the building process was the anticipation of completion so I could fly for the first time. Factory support was excellent..." B.J. Ramsey, Springfield, Illinois (excerpted from EAA Sport Pilot magazine, June 2006)..

"This is N7444Z, my Zodiac CH 601 HDS with a Rotax 912UL and GSC three-blade prop. Construction time was about 750 hours with excellent support from the factory. First flight was August 2000 and I now have more than 110 hours on the tach.  This aircraft is everything Chris Heintz claimed it would be: very docile and safe.  At age 78, I'm really enjoying the flying - especially of many Young Eagles!" W.R. "Buzz" Stephenson, Grayling, Michigan (excerpted from EAA Sport Aviation magazine, February 2002).

I started the Zodiac 601 HDS in December of 1999 from components purchased from Zenith Aircraft. It was a rewarding experience using all my construction, mechanical and electronic skills to produce the Zodiac. It was built in our two car garage over the next 3 years. It has the Rotax 912 engine and has a full IFR panel along with an EIS and a GPS. David Brough, Gilbert, AZ

You have a great kit... I'm buying more than just a box full of parts. I'm particularly pleased with this project because, from talking to other builders, I'll be flying while they're still building. I'm not a mechanic, I'm a pilot. I couldn't imagine better support from the factory - it is a pleasure working with you.

ZODIAC CH 601 HDS kit builder Sunny B. of Littleton, Colorado

I received my 601 HD kit on July 20, 2001 and flew it officially for the first time today. I built this aircraft in seventeen weeks. This was actually about 650 hours. Five hours each week day and about fourteen hours each day of a weekend. I built the engine, engine mount and cowls whilst I was waiting for the kit to arrive from the U.S. Beven Dryden, Zodiac CH 601 HD builder in Brisbane, Australia

The instructions are very good and the kit parts are excellent - to exact dimensions. As a retired engineer, the kit provides an excellent hobby and challenge.

ZODIAC kit builder Vernon Lewis of Zionsville, Indiana

Our ZODIAC CH 601 HDS, N61PG, was started in September of 1998 and completed in August 1999. From the first flight on the bird has flown great. Our thanks to Zenith Aircraft for a great kit and excellent technical support. G.H., Mexico, Missouri (excerpted from EAA Sport Aviation 5/00)

This is a picture of my Zenith CH 300 built in 1983 with over 800 hours flying time - have made a cross-Canada flight; flown to Oshkosh 11 times, twice to Sun'n Fun, and lots of beautiful flights around the country. The ZODIAC CH 601 was built by some members of our EAA chapter in Saguenay, Quebec.
The engine is a Lycoming O-235, 115 hp.  We made custom canopies on both.  We are very happy with our aircraft and look forward to more happy flying.  Bravo to Chris Heintz for super aircraft designs. Yvon Tremblay, Jonquiere, Quebec

We bought the kit in December 1996, and finished it in May 1998. We had no problems building the kit, and now we have over 60 hours on our ZODIAC! Karl Bauml, of Heuhlingen, Germany (9/98)

It took three years to complete this project [built from plans-only].  Power is from an 85-hp Continental engine.  The factory help was good. It is a very responsive aircraft, and it flies great. Marion Williamson and Lenard Sandloop, Chesapeake, VA (excerpted from Kitplanes 9/98)

Flying your factory demonstrator, I found the aircraft to be responsive and a real pleasure to fly. I look forward to completing and flying mine.  So far, I've found construction to be easy.

ZODIAC kit builder Marvin Euchner of Flower Mound, Texas

I have already enjoyed 50 hours of cross-country flying in my ZODIAC.  It took me a year and 4 months to complete the project.  I am very proud of my airplane.  It is beautiful to look at and a delight to fly.
Support from the factory was great.

• ZODIAC CH 601 HDS kit builder Henrique Anes Goncalves (Portugal)

My wife and I very much enjoyed seeing the "troops" at your display area at Oshkosh. The dinner was a great opportunity for all of us to get together. It is a most welcome, enjoyable event. It was a great addition to our experience. It is a personal touch that is missed by most manufacturers. Wayne Beattie, Connecticut, Super ZODIAC N601WB, 100 hours and enjoying every minute.

I'm only a month or so into the project but this is one of the most exciting experiences I've ever done! I've built and/or helped build several homes and this is very similar to a project of the same magnitude. If you do plan to build your own plane, this is by far the best kit plane on the market - especially for a first time builder. Relatively; quick to build, low cost, easy - all metal / blind rivets, great performance, and great support - both factory and builders.
If possible, visit the factory in Mexico, Missouri or find some with a Zodiac you can take a demo ride in, even if you have to pay. I was sold within the first thousand feet while climbing out of Mexico airport - what a thrill! - Jim

The drawings and manuals are better than most others I've seen. The quality of the kit is very good compared to other kits, and the construction is easier than I am making it - I tend to make it more complicated than it is. I like the simplicity of your kit.
Flying the aircraft: "impressed with the handling, and felt right at home in it."

• Super ZODIAC CH 601 HDS kit builder Bert Wills, Fallbrook, California:

The drawings are particularly good, and the quality of the kit is good... it has been a lot of fun to build, almost addictive. The simplicity of the design and the lack of special tools has contributed to this... the simplest kit to build on the market ...a good trainer for my children.

• Super ZODIAC kit builder Brian Roach of Woodland, Calif:

Calls to the factory with questions have been very friendly, prompt, and helpful. I chose to build this aircraft because it's nice looking, performs well, and all-metal construction.

• Super ZODIAC CH 601 HDS plans-builder David Allen, Charlotte, NC

I chose to build this airplane because I wanted an all-metal airplane that would be easy to build, and have a long life. The quality of the kit and instructions are excellent, as well as the factory support. My time is spent building, and not de-ciphering the plans.

• ZODIAC CH 601 HD kit builder Richard Kissel of McIntyre, Pennsylvania

This is my second home built, the first was an Avid. My build time was about 700 hours. I have a near IFR panel and was still able to complete it in aproximately 700 hours. As far as the quality of the kit, it was outstanding. Great people to do business with!  You will not be disappointed with Zenith, great people.
The kit came from the factory on the exact day that it was promised, and it was a pleasure to assemble.  The factory was extremely helpful with our questions. We chose an NSI EA-81 engine.  Don and Linda Woodley, Independence, Oregon

The kit and parts are excellent, and were adequately crated and packed to ensure safe delivery. I am confident that Zenith will be there to back me up when I need advice and materials - my questions have always been answered immediately with no delay. I am very pleased and enthusiastic ...allows me to construct a quality, well performing aircraft on my own with normal shop skills and tools. I watched one being built at Sun'n Fun, and what decided me on this kit was the airshow attendees' comments about the plane's attractiveness.

• ZODIAC CH 601 HD kit builder Randy Vanselow, Mars Hill, NC

"I completed my Zenith Zodiac 601HD with Rotax 912 over a one-year period and 1,100 hours of work including many modifications, avionics, upholstery, and paint - all done by me for the first time. The airplane is a delight to fly, but I really miss the building! I can't recommend the experience more highly: Great design, great support at Zenith, and for me the perfect mix of structural integrity, simplicity, and freedom to innovate."

ZODIAC CH 601 HD builder Brent Battles (North Carolina)

"I chose to build this aircraft because of the good performance, ease of construction and the affordable price. The kit and factory support have been excellent."
Flying the ZODIAC: "Yippee!"

• Super ZODIAC kit builder John Shufflebarger, Lakeland, Florida

One of the reasons I chose to build the ZODIAC was because Zenith Aircraft was the only kit manufacturer I talked to that would really spend time talking to potential customers at Oshkosh. The others all seemed indifferent until you got out your checkbook

• ZODIAC plans-builder Dave Brehm of Altoona, Wisconsin

We started to dream our Zenair 601 UL project two years ago and we completed it within six months. We have built the "White Bird" from the drawings. It's powered by a Verner 1400 engine (76 Kg - 80HP !!!). We have spent more than 100 delightful hours in the air. We feel that the performance is excellent. I love flying and aerial photography. 

• ZODIAC plans-builder Huba BAJUSZ, Szeged, Hungary

"I'm building the ZODIAC because it met all the parameters I was looking for: speed, high useful load, wide and comfortable cabin. Support is very good and the kit is excellent"
Flying the ZODIAC: "Awesome!!!"

• ZODIAC builder Dr. F. Thomalla, Louisiana, MO

...Chris Heintz is a top designer. I like the simplicity and safety aspects of the design and the aluminum construction. The Zenair newsletter is good - I read each issue completely.

• ZODIAC CH 601 HD builder Gene Hitney of Chino Valley, Arizona

Let me congratulate you for doing a superb job on the CH 601 drawings and kit design.  The whole project thus far has been a fabulous experience, for which I thank you.

• ZODIAC CH 601 builder Carlo Dimambro of Sutton, Ontario

My wife and I enjoyed meeting you and your employees when we visited your plant on 18 March to pick up my airframe kit. We were both impressed with your operation at Zenith Aircraft and the friendly welcome we received. Linda gave us a first class tour and every employee we talked with was great. Roger was most helpful in aiding me in loading the kit into my truck and Travis did a first class job of making the desired modification on the wing tanks.
Kind of odd that I had purchased a Zenith aircraft, but had never flown in one. Thus we both enjoyed the demo flight and it reinforced my belief that I had purchased the right experimental aircraft.

• ZODIAC builder Bob Wiley, Arkansas

• Related Topic: ZODIAC Builders on the Web
• Related Topic: Photo gallery of hundreds of builder projects
• Video Clip: Building and Flying your Zenith Aircraft kit  (2:57 min.  / 5.3 MB)

The above are selected and condensed responses from builder letters, builder surveys and other sources. The information published above may not be representative of all builders' aircraft building and flying experiences.

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