Aircraft overview

The Zenair / Zenith Zenith CH 601 / 650 Zodiac is a two-seat, low-wing light aircraft family developed by Chris Heintz and offered primarily as a kitbuilt or ready-to-fly light sport aircraft, depending on country and certification basis. The CH 601 Zodiac series emerged in the 1980s, with the CH 601 XL becoming one of the better-known later versions. The CH 650, introduced as an updated successor to the CH 601 XL, retained the same basic mission while adding refinements to the canopy, cabin, structure and styling.

Its importance in the used market comes from its broad kitbuilt population, simple all-metal construction and compatibility with common light aircraft engines. Buyers will see aircraft registered as experimental amateur-built, microlight, ultralight or LSA-type aircraft, so the paperwork and operating privileges matter as much as the airframe itself.

Performance & specifications

Performance depends strongly on engine, propeller, empty weight and build standard. Typical cruise speeds for the Zenair / Zenith Zenith CH 601 / 650 Zodiac family are commonly around 100 to 120 knots. Many examples offer range in the region of 400 to 600 nautical miles, subject to fuel installation and reserve policy.

• Configuration: two-seat, side-by-side, all-metal, low-wing aircraft.
• Powerplants: commonly Rotax 912 series, Jabiru 3300, Continental O-200 or similar engines, generally around 80 to 120 hp.
• Useful load: often approximately 500 to 650 lb, but individual aircraft vary substantially.
• Service ceiling: commonly quoted around 12,000 to 14,000 feet for many versions and engine combinations.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin seats two side by side under a large bubble canopy, giving good outward visibility and straightforward access over the wing. Cabin width is modest but practical for the category, with baggage capacity dependent on the individual build and weight-and-balance limits.

Avionics are highly aircraft-specific. Older CH 601 examples may have basic analogue flight instruments, a VHF com radio and transponder. Later or upgraded CH 601 XL and CH 650 aircraft often feature light-aircraft EFIS installations from Dynon, Garmin G3X, MGL or similar systems, sometimes with GPS navigation, engine monitoring and ADS-B equipment. Garmin Perspective and G1000 suites are not typical for this model.

Buying & value

Used Zenair / Zenith Zenith CH 601 / 650 Zodiac aircraft should be assessed individually, with emphasis on build quality, maintenance records, weight documentation, engine history, fuel system details and compliance with applicable service bulletins or structural upgrade programs. This is especially important for CH 601 XL aircraft, where factory and regulatory attention led to structural modification requirements in several markets.

Common variants include the CH 601 HD, CH 601 HDS, CH 601 XL and the later CH 650. Desirable upgrades may include documented structural updates, modern EFIS, reliable engine installations, ADS-B compliance and a clean, consistent logbook trail. On PlaneFox listings, current asking prices average about EUR 27,000, with observed prices from roughly EUR 8,000 to EUR 49,000, placing the type among the more accessible two-seat used aircraft options, while still requiring careful technical due diligence.