40 Years: Zenith CH 600-series light sport aircraft

Mark flew in to the Zenith kit airplane factory in his 17-year-old Zenith CH 601 XL-B light sport aircraft that he built from a kit, to visit and share about his pride and joy: "I'm so happy I chose this airplane... this airplane has been fantastic!"
Mark and Zenith Aircraft Company's Sebastien Heintz discuss the all-metal low-wing homebuilt aircraft design and how 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the popular Chris Heintz designed Zenith CH 600-series light sport aircraft.
#BuildItFlyIt #zenithaircraft #zenair #zenithair #aircraftsmanship

[@nw6769]

Sebastien - I met your Dad in 1978 or 79 when he arranged a ride for me in the Zenair CH-300 C-GOVK with Red Morris just after he completed the non-stop cross Canada flight Vancouver to Halifax in 1978. I ran into them when they passed through Springbank Airport, Alberta on a cross Canada tour to promote the successful non-stop flight and the Zenair aircraft which I took some pictures for him. I was tickled pink to accidentally come across the exact same aircraft on display in the Canadian National Air Museum in Ottawa when I was there in 2014 still painted in the original Pepsi colours & complete with the Canada map & Edo & Pepsi sponsor decals on the wings.

[@ralphhubbell]

His love for the plane is totally obvious! What a great pair of plane and pilot!

[@brent1041]

I’m very happy with my 601xlb. Bought it at 33 and hope to enjoy it for many years to come.

[@richardturner6278]

Beautiful airplane!

[@IronHideWildfire]

Great video

[@BoringFlightVids]

Still waiting to purchase the rest of the tail for my 650b. Budgeting around ifr training and all. Extremely happy to see the 600 series getting some love.

[@jaimerabins7183]

I built my 650b then got my IFR. You’ll save some money that way. I eventually got all my ratings thru CFII in my 650b.

[@foesfly3047]

I just replaced a 2200 Gen-2 Jabiru with a 3300 Gen-4 and am hoping for long term reliability that matches its excellent performance. Am happy to hear, you were able to update as well.

[@timgarrett203]

Nice polish job! How many hours do you have on her?

[@fly4fun24]

I have to come out of S&F this year with an airplane in my pocket..

[@flyod26]

Any plans to make the 650 kit match hole drilled like you are on the 701?

[@zenithac]

Yes, in the works...

[@laverne5890]

😩 "Promo sm"