Zenair Ch 300 Tri-Z

Single Piston

The Zenair CH 300 Tri-Z is a Canadian-designed kit aircraft that emerged in the 1980s as a practical two-seat trainer and tourer for the homebuilt market. Developed by Chris Heintz and manufactured by Zenair in Ontario, the CH 300 features all-metal construction with a distinctive high-wing configuration and tricycle landing gear, making it forgiving for student pilots and owner-builders alike. The design emphasizes simplicity and short-field performance, with full-span leading-edge slats that deliver impressive low-speed handling and stall characteristics well-suited to bush flying and recreational aviation. Typically powered by Continental or Lycoming engines in the 100 to 115 horsepower range, the Tri-Z cruises around 110 knots while maintaining a stall speed below 40 knots, offering a useful blend of efficiency and docility. Its kit construction allows builders to customize powerplants and avionics, resulting in considerable variation across the fleet. The type remains popular in New Zealand, Australia, and North America among sport pilots seeking an affordable, capable platform for local flying. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with activity spanning routes.