Your Own Airplane For Less Than $50,000

Zenith CH601, a true marvel in the world of light sport aircraft. With a crew capacity of 1 and room for 2 passengers, this aircraft strikes the perfect balance between intimacy and adventure.

The Zenith CH601 boasts a 24-gallon fuel capacity and an impressive useful payload of 630 pounds, making it engineered for endurance and efficiency. Its ability to conquer short distances is remarkable, with a takeoff distance of just 550 feet and a landing distance of 500 feet, ensuring pilots can navigate even the most challenging terrains with ease. Powered by the reliable Rotax 912S engine, this aircraft offers a seamless blend of power and precision, with a rate of climb at 900 feet per minute, a maximum speed of 134 knots, and a normal cruise speed of 116 knots. Whether you're a seasoned aviator seeking a high-performance aircraft or an aspiring pilot dreaming of the perfect adventure, the Zenith CH601 promises an unmatched flying experience. Join us in this video as we explore every inch of this extraordinary aircraft, from its technical specifications to its real-world performance, and discover why it's a favorite among aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike.

[brent]

I have one of these factory built 601xlb planes. It flys great, is actually as wide as a cessna 182 on the inside which helps fit real sized people. I’ve flown 13 hours cross country in it and the reclined seats are super comfortable. If anything I think it’s more comfortable than most certified planes because of how much thigh support this has. On the slow side I can pull the power back and fly 80mph at 3gal/hr. Or a cruise power setting of 120mph at 6gal/hr.

Very simple construction to keep maintance cost low, low fuel burn, fast as a 172, as roomy as a 182, and reasonably purchase price. There’s really a lot to like about owning one of these and would recommend one in a heartbeat.

[gosquidgo]

I’ve got a factory 601xl with the O-200. I’ve never seen fuel burn over 6gph, even at full throttle, full rich at low altitudes. I usually throttle back to 2400rpm at 5500-6500 ft and it burns 5.2 gph at 100kts true. I also use auto 87 octane pump gas in it to save money. It’s been an extremely economical airplane to fly. Oil changes are super easy as well.

The plane is plenty comfortable for 2hr legs that we do. My gf is short so we use cushions under and behind her so she can see out.

The plane in the video doesn’t have vents in the canopy, that’s the first one that I’ve seen that didn’t. With the canopy vents it has plenty of ventilation while flying and we crack the canopy open when taxiing.

Performance-wise, I’m 6ft, 180 lbs, she’s 4’11 and 98 lbs. Us, full fuel and her heavy purse we’re very closs to gross weight. It climbs about 700 fpm in the summer and about 800 in the cold winter. I can get over 1000 solo with just under full fuel. It will fly over 5 hours on full tanks, my bladder won’t go that far.

I bought this plane to finish my certificate in rather than renting. It’s been an amazing plane to learn in. Very easy to fly and even easier to land than the Cessna’s that I started out in. Short grass strips are a piece of cake.

I would recommend this aircraft for training or just for a cheap way to fly. Annuals have been running under $1000 both times, I do assist some by removing the cowling, opening panels, etc. just easy stuff that saves the A&P time to do.

[domeniclafauci]

I used to teach out of the Robin 2160, which was an original 1970s design relative of the Zodiac. I see many things in common!

[Pilotin]

The color is a matter of taste. Personally I like the color it looks great! I wish this plane would have been available when I was a flight student in 1974.

[lardal]

The Zenieth CH640 was the four place version that came out just before the Vans RV10. The CH640 was a whole lot cheaper to build but, is now discontinued.

[dieseldan]

I am currently restoring a 601 XLB with the Jabiru 3300 due to some hanger rash. It is a solid design airplane. I am surprised there aren’t vents cut in the canopy.

[cassbiz]

I just bought a 1997 Zenith 601 (D-MNTH) that has the 6-Pack, radio and iPad. I spent 23, 500€ with a Rotax 912 80hp. I am burning about 4.5 GPH with a cruise speed of 85KTS. Getting in an out is sometimes a bear other than that it flies very well and is great to build time or just enjoy the freedom of flying.

[MichaelCarterShow]

Very interesting plane. I'll be joining ur flight school soon. Enjoy your weekend. #salute my gud

[djwashx]

Good to know you will train in students aircraft before your cfi gets on the aircraft how do they know its safe do you inspect it first ask for annual just curious

[AL-qvwh]

I'm planning on getting a plane and hiring a CFI to get my PPL, then keep building time. I think it's the best thing to do with my full time job. Is a light spot like this a good choice? Thanks for any suggestions or advices

[distantlight]

Only real issue with mine is the absurd pitch sensitivity. Makes landing it a bit of an adventure. I guess some folks find ways to add a bit of heft to the pitch - would help.

[andyerwin]

I might be wrong but the plane itself is irrelevant for ifr, as long as it is properly equipped.

It’s the pilot cert that makes the difference, a person that is exercising light sport privileges cannot fly IFR. As ifr certified pilot can fly a properly equipped light sport plane in ifr.

Correct?

[bradcohen]

I have a homebuilt 601XL (N969BC)
I’d question your assertion that it’s a great first plane.
Although it’s simple construction with a bullet-proof engine, it’s very sensitive to pitch and very slow in roll.
It’s not a big deal as long as you adjust for this but compared to say a -152 or -172 it’s a bit twitchy
I have an O-235L2C with a custom Catto 3-bladed prop and at cruise (2400 rpm) I’m seeing about 5.5-6 gph

[nYatYm]

In France they call it the ZenAir CH601

[BoringFlightVids]

If anybody sees this hows the visibility over the cowling with the reclined seats? Im building a 650 and plan on adding something to the framig around the seat so it sits higher....in cessnas i like to sit really high up so i can see clear over the cowling....the way the seats look it seems like ur gonna be eye level with the instruments and have to sit up or crane your neck to see over the cowling welll

[haroldpierson]

Missed this type of
First came across this type of coverage and Greatly appreciated your heads up, honest coverage. Making access known to those of us as aspiring pilots

[EricHaskins]

I have one I just bought for $13.5k ... need to work on the 0-200 but its decked out

[ianbruce]

It's like the Lotus Super 7 of aircraft. I think Colin Chapman would have heartily approved.

[aldohattonduran]

Awesome information brother 🙌🏻 as always! Miss seeing these full length vídeos, much better than the shorts! As always congratulations on your success.. you rock 🎧🎸🎸🥁

[Ricob]

I really HATE that the pilot and passenger sit SO FAR back from the leading edge. If they could redesign the plane to put the people on or just in front of the leading edge that would be wicked awesome. Yes, W&B challenges need to be addressed because it CAN BE DONE! It's already done in much larger aircraft.