SPORT PILOT Information

ZODIAC XL Kit Information

Certified Production Aircraft (S-LSA) from AMD

ZODIAC XL S-LSA Certified Production Aircraft from AMD

AMD produces the certified ZODIAC XL Light Sport Aircraft (S-LSA) at its production facilities located south of Atlanta (in Eastman, Georgia). AMD also manufactures the Heintz designed Alarus CH 2000 FAA type-certified trainer aircraft at its certified production facility (this aircraft is IFR and spin certified and was the first general aviation aircraft granted with a STC for airbag seat belts).

Unlike imported east-European "grown-up ultralights" and new unproven designs (often from start-up companies), AMD's ZODIAC XL S-LSA in based on the very successful and proven Zodiac design from aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz, and manufactured in the United States by an established light aircraft manufacturer . Additionally, the ZODIAC XL S-LSA is equipped with a US-made Continental O-200 engine (certified to FAA FAR part 33) and Sensenich propeller. Unlike many imports, readily-available general aviation parts and components are used (wherever possible) so that spare and replacement parts can easily be obtained.

"Sebring Sport Aviation Expo 2007: Oh, The Planes!"
January 19, 2007, Aero-News Network, by Managing Editor Rob Finfrock

"...the all-metal Zodiac is resolutely low-tech by comparison [to composite imports], an excellent example of designer Chris Heintz's philosophy to "keep it simple and keep it light." That, and another axiom -- "if it works, don't fix it" -- have served the design well on the homebuilt market, and also simplified the entry of the S-LSA certified model into the light sport segment.
"Something of a rarity is the certified Zodiac's powerplant of choice: a FAR 33-certified Continental O-200, same as you'll find in Cessna 150. Unlike the Rotax 912s seen on several other entries, the trusty 100-horse Continental is a rather conventional, low-revving engine, that also carries the added advantage of service availability: nearly any mechanic you'd ever see will be able to work on it.
"Unlike several LSA competitors, the Zodiac I flew also sported a true, full-sized, classic-six steam gauge arrangement, front-and-center, with engine instruments to the right. Anyone transitioning from an older Cessna or Piper should feel right at home with this layout (although glass flight instrumentation is one of many options available.)
"As far as flying impressions, I felt the Zodiac flew like a heavier plane... due mostly to its somewhat more deliberate response in turns... The Zodiac was quite eager to please, though... and to me, the slower control responses were quite comforting and familiar. In fact, it seemed to fly much like the trusty old Skyhawk does, albeit in a low-wing.
"The word that comes to mind repeatedly when contemplating the Zodiac is "honest": honest construction, honest presentation, and honest flight characteristics."

- Excerpted from "Sebring Sport Aviation Expo 2007: Oh, The Planes!"
by Rob Finfrock, Aero-News Network, January 19, 2007.

AMD also offers the ZODIAC XLi model with a FAA certified airframe for VFR night and IFR operation: The Zodiac XLi model includes additional equipment such as heated pitot/static electric heater elements, alternate static switch, lightning protection including lightning deflectors and lightning grounding, back-up electric system, TSO'd gyros, pilot de-icing window, wing tip strobes, wing tip and tail navigation lights, taxi and landing lights, cabin light, and much more. This equipment is installed to meet and/or exceed FAR Part 23 requirements as well as FAR 91.205. The Airframe meets FAR 23.867 (Electrical bonding and protection against lightning and static electricity) and FAR 23.954 (Fuel system lightning protection).

Additional available safety features include SRS airbag seatbelts, temper foam seat cushions, and ballistic recovery chute. Click here for more details.

ZODIAC XL S-LSA custom panel, dual control sticks.
A clean and simple, yet very complete, custom glass panel.

AMD has extensive experience with avionics installations and customizes each ZODIAC XL S-LSA panel for every customer.

ZODIAC XL S-LSA aircraft manufactured by AMD:

ZODIAC XL instrument panels:

	ZODIAC XL S-LSA with a Continental O-200 engine and Sensenich propeller.
	ZODIAC XL S-LSA
	ZODIAC XL S-LSA
	ZODIAC XL S-LSA with a Continental O-200 engine and Sensenich propeller.
	ZODIAC XL S-LSA
	Two ZODIAC XL S-LSAs flying formation.
	Certification flight testing the ZODIAC XL S-LSA.
	ZODIAC XL S-LSA
	Another factory-built ZODIAC XL S-LSA with new wheel fairings.
	Silver Sky Aviation of Phoenix, Arizona has added a Zodiac XL S-LSA to its flight line. The aircraft is being used there for basic instruction, transition training, flight reviews and check rides.
	Click here for a home video tour of the AMD factory.
	ZODIAC XL S-LSA powered by the Continental O-200


	ZODIAC XL S-LSA powered by the Continental O-200
	Flight training in the ZODIAC XL S-LSA.

	The Zodiac XL is the ideal sport cruiser for both local sightseeing and cross-country flights. View video clip of this aircraft

	Producing the ZODIAC XL S-LSA aircraft at the AMD factory in Eastman, Georgia (south of Atlanta).
	AMD started deliveries of the Zodiac XL S-LSA aircraft in December 2005.
	ZODIAC XL parts manufacturing.

Custom panel with dual Dynons and Garmin 396

Contact AMD directly for information on the ZODIAC XL S-LSA aircraft:

AMD
Heart of Georgia Regional Airport
415 Airport Road,
Eastman, Georgia 31023 USA
Tel: (478) 374-2759
Fax:(478) 374-2793
Web: www.newplane.com
Email: info@newplane.com

Sales:
John Degonia, sales manager
Tel: 478-374-2759
Email: degonia@bellsouth.net

American made ZODIAC XL S-LSA

Additional information (at AMD's newplane.com website):

Zodiac XL S-LSA Information from AMD
Zodiac XL S-LSA development information (design features and options)
AMD's ZODIAC XL S-LSA Photo Gallery
Zenith Zodiac XL kit aircraft info

Note: In the United States, the Zodiac XL S-LSA is manufactured and represented by AMD. Zenith Aircraft manufactures and sells kits and plans for the Zodiac XL design, but not for factory-assembled Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).

The above information and photos have been supplied by AMD. All specification and performance figures and availability are subject to change without prior notice.

� Zenith Aircraft Company: 2008-02-13