PlaneFox tracks 2 Zenith CH 701 STOL aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
A Zenair / Zenith Zenith CH 701 STOL flies about 323 nm, roughly 598 km, which is about 4 h 37 min in still air at typical cruise.
A Zenair / Zenith Zenith CH 701 STOL costs about EUR 628 a month to run, or about EUR 73 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.
The Zenair / Zenith Zenith CH 701 STOL is a two-seat, high-wing, short takeoff and landing aircraft designed by Chris Heintz and introduced in the mid 1980s, with the first flight generally cited in 1986. It has been offered primarily as a kit aircraft by Zenair and Zenith Aircraft, with many examples completed in the Experimental Amateur-Built category, and some operated under light sport rules where local regulations allow. Its importance in the used market comes from its purpose-built STOL configuration: fixed leading-edge slats, full-span flaperons, a high-lift wing, tricycle landing gear and an all-moving rudder. Buyers typically consider it for farm strips, backcountry fields, training in low-speed handling and recreational flying from short, unimproved surfaces.
Performance varies materially by engine, propeller, build quality, weight and rigging, which is important when comparing individual aircraft. Typical cruise speeds are commonly in the 75 to 85 knot range, reflecting the aircraft’s high-lift design rather than speed optimization. Reported range is often around 300 nautical miles, depending on fuel capacity and power setting. Maximum gross weight is commonly listed at 1,100 lb, with useful load often in the 500 lb class, again dependent on empty weight. Published service ceiling figures are commonly around 14,000 feet. Common powerplants include the Rotax 912 series, especially 80 hp and 100 hp installations, although other engines such as Jabiru or ULPower units may be found on individual examples.
The cabin seats two side by side under a high wing, with large doors and good outward visibility. It is a compact, utilitarian cockpit, intended for low-speed flying and simple operation rather than luxury travel. There is no standard factory avionics suite comparable to Garmin Perspective or Garmin G1000. Used aircraft may have basic analog instruments, compact EFIS displays, engine monitors, VHF comm radios, transponders and ADS-B equipment. Common modern fits include Dynon, Garmin G3X, MGL or similar experimental avionics, but equipment varies widely because many aircraft were owner built.
For buyers, the individual build is as important as the model. Review builder logs, airworthiness documentation, weight and balance data, engine records, propeller selection and any STOL or gear modifications. Inspect slats, flaperons, control rigging, landing gear attachments, corrosion protection and overall workmanship. Engine installation quality, cooling, fuel system layout and electrical standards deserve close attention. In the used market, the Zenair / Zenith Zenith CH 701 STOL is positioned as an affordable, highly specialized STOL aircraft, typically valued below newer factory-built light sport aircraft but above incomplete or minimally equipped kit projects. Upgraded avionics, a well-supported Rotax installation and documented build quality can materially affect resale value.