Rear Fuselage Assembly: Building the NEW Zenith STOL CH 701 light sport utility kit aircraft

Sneak Peek: STOL CH 701 fuselage assembly, featuring re-engineered kit with extensive final hole size match-drilled parts for simple "Cleco-together" assembly. Jon Humberd and Calvin Heintz put together the rear fuselage assembly of the new "Sky Jeep" kit, explaining how this new kit revolutionizes ease of assembly. This first video provides an early preview of the new STOL CH 701 kit that is being finalized. A number of new features and capabilities (yet to be announced) are included for the new STOL CH 701 light sport aircraft design. We will be providing more details about the highly-anticipated new STOL CH 701 in the coming weeks and months.
Watch the Part Two, Forward Fuselage Assembly: • Forward Fuselage Assem...
Rudder Assembly of the new STOL CH 701: • Assembling the new Zen...
First introduced in 1986, the STOL CH 701 aircraft was developed as an “off-airport” short take-off and landing kit aircraft to fulfill the demanding requirements of both sport pilots and first-time builders. With the STOL CH 701, designer Chris Heintz combined the features and advantages of a “real” airplane with the short-field capabilities of an “ultralight” aircraft. The aircraft features fixed leading-edge slats for high lift, full-span flaperons (both ailerons and flaps), an all-flying rudder, and durable all-metal construction.
While the basic design has remained the same, many significant improvements have been introduced over the years, including a higher useful load, easier and quicker build kits, and more detailed drawings and step-by-step assembly instructions.
Short-field performance is where the STOL CH 701 aircraft truly excels: It is airborne in less than 120 feet of unprepared grass, or 90 feet of hard surface, at gross weight. Rotation is possible by the time full throttle setting is applied, and lift-off can begin at 25 mph (in ground effect, with no wind) - all within less than four seconds from stand still. Of course, any headwind shortens the time and distance required for take off.
The STOL CH 701 was not designed to be just another ‘pretty’ light aircraft, but was engineered to offer outstanding short take-off and landing performance, all-metal durability, and unparalleled ease of construction.
With form following function, the STOL CH 701 looks like a ‘Sky Jeep’, as it is often called by its owners.
Popular since 1986, there are thousands of Zenith STOL aircraft flying around the world! Not many of them can be found at airports - most are operated from short off-airport grass fields, in backyard fields and in remote areas. The aircraft’s all-metal construction makes it suitable for continuous outdoor storage - providing their owners with continuous cost savings (no hanger or tie-down fees).
The STOL CH 701 offers comfortable two-place side-by-side seating in an ergonomically designed 40-inch wide cabin. The cabin interior is designed to provide comfort for two adults. Large doors on either side allow easy access to the cabin from both sides, and can be quickly removed.
A new optional single-piece formed acrylic bubble door is available to maximize cabin width. The door is hinged at the top and each door is domed 3 1/4″ (82 mm.) to provide maximum additional cabin space. The full bubble door provides outstanding side and downward visibility. The door is fitted with the standard locking door latch (at bottom front of each door).
The cabin is fitted with a large instrument panel and dual controls accessible from both the left and right seats. The center-mounted control column (stick) can easily be used from either side, and does not limit visibility of the instrument panel. Dual throttle controls are mounted on both sides of the panel for easy access. The panel measures about 34 inches across by 8.5 inches tall in the center to allow for custom avionics installations.
The dual rudder pedals also steer the nose-wheel, and are equipped with standard hydraulic toe-brakes on the pilot’s side. The baggage area is located directly behind the seats for easy access.
The standard tricycle gear configuration maximizes forward visibility when taxiing, while also providing the added benefit of a level cabin while on the ground, to facilitate access to the cabin and to maximize pilot and passenger comfort.
Unlike other high-wing designs, the STOL CH 701’s wings are positioned above the cabin and fuselage to provide pilot and passengers with superior visibility. The “Above-Cab” wings taper at the wing root to maximize upward visibility while also providing superior side visibility, as the wings are located above the pilot’s head. The large “wrap-around” windows and “Above-Cab” wings allow unparalleled visibility. The standard tricycle gear configuration also allows excellent forward visibility while on the ground - crucial when operated in off-airport fields.
Details: zenithair.net/introduction-st...
#SkyJeep #ch701 #BuildItFlyIt #zenithaircraft #zenithair #zenair #LightSportAircraft #SportPilot

[@philschmidt6685]

When I built my Zenith kit, we measured and cut our skins with snips and filed the edges smooth, measured and marked all of the rivet lines, drilled, clecoed, drilled again, deburred, and finally riveted parts together. Oh, and we walked to school uphill for miles in the snow. My, how things have changed! Great work, guys!

[@LTDan-hu5fq]

I must build one, I am halfway through my Sport Pilot training and I plan to take my time and order the kit in sections so I can spread out the cost over 2 years. The Rudder is on its way! I'm 63! LOL

[@danLP07]

This video may have just helped me sell my spouse on the idea of finally building the plane I've had my eye on for YEARS! 😎👍

[@edwardkelly5625]

THIS VIDEO SOLD ME 100%...GOING TO START PUTTING THE FUNDS TOGETHER....

[@CooterScooters]

Dang it guys! My heart is still set on the CH650, but now I’m going to have to find room for a 701!

[@ManNomad]

90% on buying one now with the match hole cnc design in the next 3-5 years. My guess is it just keeps getting better and better. Thank you so much for supporting affordable airplanes and simplifying versions!

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

The bare airframe itself, would go together so fast. Most of the build time is now going to be in the engine, wiring, accessories, paint etc.... Manufacture drop in harnesses, panels etc.... and the time to put this airplane together would be the fastest kit ever.

[@joseruiz-Joecool]

I hope Zenith sells lots and lots of this new CH701. I have been a big fan of the 701 for a long time. In fact I own a set of plans!

[@jorgmichalowski7954]

Congratulations to the development team at Zenith Aircraft Company! 👍 I'm a bit jealous because the 701 kit for my wife and I is probably one of the old ones. But very happy that it looks like he'll finally be with us in the next few days.

[@flyod26]

I am SOOO excited about this! Thank you Thank you for updating the kit! I WILL buy one of these one day!

[@ozarklanding]

Thought I saw John in the shop while picking up my tail kit this week.

[@amerassi9319]

The explanation is good and the video is great and useful, thank you.

[@MRJSWORKSHOP]

This kit is making me think in building a second 701. Love the time saving⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍🏻🤠

[@clintgosch2306]

Wow! That's slick! Nice work guys!

[@ryanmay9944]

The folks at Zenith are wonderful, so are all the aircraft. Thanks for all you do in aviation 😎

[@wallymurray620]

Wow, great job guys, very exciting! Looking forward to next weeks video, hope this becomes a full series.

[@DIYPackraft]

Great work! I can’t wait to see the rest of the airframe come together!

[@kylewoodfill9875]

Fantastic work guys!! 👏 makes me want to order a new one to remove the imperfections from mine 😂😁 plan is to order a 650 in the future to be able to have a cross country plane paired with my 701 😀

[@tomwesley483]

Awesome guys! Excellent video…a real eye opener for anyone sitting on the fence …your always improving..you make it look so elementary..and it sure looks like it is…….keep up the good work and the fore thinking on always improving. Way cool…..!

[@deingewissen_official]

Impressive!

[@ProfSimonHolland]

very inspiring demonstration. Has this CNC pre drilled assembly been implemented on the whole fuselage and wing build?

[@ryaninman6307]

sold just need the money now

[@braininavatnow9197]

This has to be expensive. All the hard work has already been done. This is generally considered to be the "fun" part because it takes so damm long to get to this point and it usually goes very quickly with few surprises or screw ups. This is tinkertoy level building skills. (Been designing and building with metal and wood for 52 years)

[@marlondelgadillo7444]

Awesome job guys! Is there a chance to see in the near future the same CNC improvement for the 650?

[@foreststewart1968]

As I recall, the 701 kit has been the main hold out, lacking much of the extensive CNC match-drilling of Zenith's other kits. I know that the CH750 & Super Duty kits already feature many of these time-saving features. I believe much the same is true for the current 650.

[@Hamperokken]

If someone was hellbent on dual sticks, center flap handle and manual trim… Would it be doable? Could Zenith advise on how to? If it just had that it`d check ALL the boxes in my book! Kickass little plane anyways! ❤

[@usaerospace6707]

Great aircraft designed by Chris Heintz. I started a CH701 10 years ago and had some questions about the horizontal stabilizer that I purchased and got some smartass answers from the people in the front office so I abandoned my project. I'm sure it wasn't any of the Heintz's. I still think that the CH701 is a good little airplane.

[@zenithac]

Sorry to hear about the less-than-desirable response you experienced from the front office. We take technical support seriously and strive to provide personalized support to all of our builders. We love the opportunity to try again!

[@usaerospace6707]

@@zenithac Thanks for your response. The two people that gave the responses may not work for you anymore. However, the Zenith CH701 is a great little airplane and so is the rest of your product line. Right now, I do not have the time and money to get back into a project like this.

[@ranaarichur4357]

wow

[@tomboalogo]

A similar CH650 video would be appreciated. I’m assuming the same CNC match drilling?

[@dicel87]

Awesome! Any change to empty weight and useful load?

[@jefferyhudson4681]

What is the lead time on a new 701 kit as of today 01/12/2023?

[@c80pilot6]

August 2023

[@darkvador352]

Is the 750 also that dumb proof? Damn Id like to build one in the near future!

[@foreststewart1968]

I recently attended a Zenith rudder-building workshop. I chose a CH750 model. It is a kit that is already updated to being largely pre-match drilled, like you see here. The 701 has been the outlier in that regard, as I understand it... at least until now! 750 kit currently has extensive match drilling.

[@Adam_2034]

😮

[@PalmForge]

What % is the 701 matched drilled now?

[@Vanchick87]

Hello. Tell me, who knows why the fuselage is square? Why can't you make it round, or at least like the 650?

[@stevefeller4266]

Have you ever looked into using a water jet cnc?

[@zenithac]

Yes, every system has its inherent advantages and disadvantages. We really like the high speed routers for their excellent level of finish with relatively thin 6061-T6 aluminium.

[@johnnyjohnson6771]

was there any hole deburring performed on these parts before assembly?

[@markthibault8579]

That's addressed in the video. Apparently, there isn't much with the precision of the holes drilled by the machines.

[@jefferyhudson4681]

I have a set of 701 plans I bought from Zenith a little over 1 year ago. # 11551 Are the plans the same as the ones that will come with this new kit?

[@zenithac]

The basic STOL CH 701 design will remain. The new kit has been substantially re-engineered and will be offered as the new model of the STOL CH 701 (with corresponding new drawings).

[@jefferyhudson4681]

@@zenithac Thank you.

[@MrPILOTSTEVE59]

Is the 650 as easy to put together as the 701?

[@zenithac]

The CH 650 is not "more difficult" to build though in its current form may take somewhat longer to build than the new 701 kit. We continuously update and modernize the manufacturing of the kits and continue to invest in manufacturing technology to make our kits easier and quicker to build for our customers. This technology (namely final hole size match-drilled parts) is most evident in our newer models (such as the STOL CH 750 Super Duty and the Zenith CH 750 Cruzer), but also can be found in more recent STOL CH 750 and CH 650 kits as we progressively update these kits.

[@doncatch1]

Will the 750's see these construction changes?

[@zenithac]

We continuously update and modernize the manufacturing of the kits and continue to invest in manufacturing technology to make our kits easier and quicker to build for our customers. This technology (namely final hole size match-drilled parts) is most evident in our newer models (such as the STOL CH 750 Super Duty and the Zenith CH 750 Cruzer), but also can be found in more recent STOL CH 750 and CH 650 kits as we progressively update these kits.

[@wowyummyyy]

L I K E 👍👍👍👍👍 ✳✴ ✳✴✳ 😻😻😻😻😻

[@peterdriussi]

Will there be the same for a CH801 fuselage in future? Would love to finish my 801 (fuse and landing gear kits to go) with this speed!