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Join Zenith Aircraft's Sebastien Heintz and Roger Dubbert in the air for a flight in the Zenith STOL CH 701 "Sky Jeep" light sport utility kit aircraft. The iconic Zenith STOL design, first introduced in 1986 by aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
New and updated kits for the STOL CH 701 feature final hole sized match-drilled parts and components, making it easier and quicker to build than ever before, while still being one of the most affordable kits on the market today.
Outtake video as Roger and Sebastien were taxiing back to the Zenith hangar: https://youtu.be/jijZch65SAg
This video features Zenith Aircraft Company's Sebastien Heintz and Roger Dubbert taking a flight in a Zenith STOL CH 701 to celebrate the iconic aircraft's 40th anniversary (0:00-0:20).
Key takeaways from the flight and discussion include:
Design & Evolution: First introduced by aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz in 1986, the CH 701 (often called the "Sky Jeep") has remained a foundational design. While the kit manufacturing process has evolved to include modern match-drilled components for easier assembly, the fundamental flight characteristics remain the same (5:46-6:26).
Flight Performance: The aircraft is designed for Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL). During the flight, Roger demonstrates its short takeoff capabilities (4:09-4:32) and discusses its handling, noting its maneuverability and excellent visibility (7:56-8:06).
Affordability: A major focus of the discussion is the accessibility of building and flying a CH 701. The speakers emphasize that building an aircraft can be a highly educational experience, and the CH 701 remains one of the most affordable kit aircraft on the market (11:15-12:08).
Community & Events: The video highlights the strong community around Zenith Aircraft, mentioning regular factory workshops where builders can learn to assemble parts, as well as upcoming events like Fly-in open houses and "free lunch Fridays" at the factory (15:39-16:47).
Operational insights shared by the pilots:
Engine: The aircraft uses a Rotax 912 engine, which provides reliable performance (1:32).
Technique: Roger discusses his personal approach to takeoffs and landings, emphasizing that safety margins are more important than pushing for the absolute shortest distance possible (18:17-20:13).
#BuildItFlyIt #ch701 #zenair701