Czaw Sportcruiser

Single Piston· 214 globally registered

The Zenair CH 601 Zodiac is a Canadian-designed kit aircraft that became one of the most successful homebuilt designs of the 1980s and 1990s. Conceived by Chris Heintz and manufactured by Zenair in Midland, Ontario, the all-metal low-wing design emphasizes simplicity, economy, and docile handling characteristics that appeal to first-time builders and sport pilots. The aircraft's modular construction uses pre-punched aluminum components and solid rivets, allowing amateur builders to complete an airframe in 600 to 800 hours without specialized tooling. The CH 601 family spans several variants including the original two-seat side-by-side configuration, the stretched four-seat CH 640, and the refined CH 601XL with improved wing and larger cabin. Powered by engines ranging from 80 to 120 horsepower (typically Rotax 912 series or Jabiru units), the Zodiac cruises at 110 to 130 knots while burning just 4 to 5 gallons per hour. Its 1,320-pound maximum weight qualifies most variants for Light Sport Aircraft certification in the United States, broadening the pilot population eligible to fly it. The type's wide-track tricycle landing gear and generous wing area provide forgiving ground handling and short-field capability, making it suitable for grass strips and backcountry operations. Over 500 kits have been delivered worldwide, with active builder communities in North America, Europe, and Australia supporting ongoing construction and modification efforts. SkyMeter has tracked 557 flights across 109 airframes and 56 operators, with SKYWEST LEASING INC the largest observed operator.