Zenith Owners Benefit from Expanded Light Sport Aircraft (MOSAIC) Rules Now In Effect | | Zenith Aircraft Company’s many builders and owners may already be able to benefit from the FAA’s MOSAIC Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft rule (aka “Sport Pilot 2.0”), now in effect since October 22, 2025. The new rule removes the arbitrary weight limits of the original Light Sport Aircraft category, namely the 1,320 lbs gross weight category limit for LSAs, and now allows sport pilots to fly heavier and larger aircraft, and at higher speeds. | |
While many Zeniths are operated by Sport Pilots in the U.S., the vast majority of the aircraft are registered and operated as Amateur Built - Experimental (AB-E) aircraft, some with a design gross weight significantly higher than the old LSA limit of 1,320 lbs. For example, the popular STOL CH 750 and CH 750 Cruzer aircraft have design gross weights of 1,440 lbs, 120 lbs more than the old LSA limits. Owners of CH 750 that are registered as Amateur Built - Experimentals can opt to increase the gross weight to the design gross weight of 1,440 lbs (if they previously registered their aircraft at the lower 1,320 lbs LSA limit). This requires the owner to follow the “major change” process outlined in their aircraft’s operating limitations, including returning to Phase 1 flight testing to demonstrate the aircraft at the new weight and making the necessary logbook entries to reflect the change.
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Zenith Aircraft is the number one brand of light-sport aircraft in the United States (based on actual FAA registrations). The Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA) recently released its annual “2025 State of the Industry” report: “Of note is Zenith who occupies the first aggregate position… with 1,030 [registered aircraft], and the top three slots with 3 different models.”
The Zenith STOL CH 750 is a two-seat, all-metal light-sport utility kit airplane developed by renowned aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz. Designed specifically for the Sport Pilot / LSA category and introduced in the early 2000s, the CH 750 is often nicknamed the “Sky Jeep” for its rugged “form follows function” looks and outstanding short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance. It’s the most popular light-sport aircraft model in the United States, offering exceptional capability and performance while remaining affordable to own and operate.
| | A decade later, Zenith introduced the CH 750 Cruzer, a faster “on-airport” companion to the original STOL version. All CH 750 models share a roomy side-by-side cabin, excellent visibility, responsive handling, and durable tricycle-gear configuration - features that make them ideal for recreational sport pilots. | | It is important to note that increasing the weight and/or speed of any aircraft decreases its strength (under load, weight or aerodynamic) and that builders, owners and pilots need to respect all of the design limitations of the aircraft. | | The newest CH 750 variant is the STOL CH 750 Super Duty, which now falls under the new definition of a Light Sport Aircraft despite its 1,900 lbs gross weight. It features a rear third jump seat, bigger wheels and increased load carrying capability thanks to larger wings and more power. | | |
Building a Zenith kit airplane... One rivet at the time
Brandon, who lost a leg in Iraq while serving in the military, is building himself a Zenith STOL CH 750 Super Duty airplane. Brandon has been documenting and sharing his build on social media: "Every rivet brings this build one step closer to flight... the dream’s taking shape right here in the hangar..."
| | Here's the latest update from Brandon: "This process has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’m so glad I chose Zenith Aircraft to help make this dream a reality. Their support and the quality of this airframe have been outstanding. Truly a great company behind a great design. I can’t wait to pick up the fuselage in just a few short weeks." | | Build It and Fly It... Your Way! Did you know that you can build your very own Zenith from plans-only (blueprints), buy-as-you-build component kits, or from the complete kit? | | |
The easiest and most popular way to build a Zenith airplane is with the complete airframe kit, which provides the builder with all the components needed to assemble an airplane. Easily picked up at the factory or crated and shipped, Zenith kits provide everything needed for you to build the airframe, typically in under 500 hours.
Engine, instruments, paint and upholstery are not included, although available separately.
| | As an alternative to ordering the complete airframe kit all at once, you can "buy-as-you-build" component kits for sections of the aircraft, one at a time. This modular method of building reduces the upfront cost and commitment tied to full kits and increases the flexibility of the project. Any individual part or component is also available for purchase. The above illustration shows a wing kit. | | Complete plans and assembly manuals guide the builder through the entire building process. They are detailed enough that they can even be used to scratch-build the entire aircraft, if you should so desire. The blueprints illustrate the parts and assemblies and provide detailed information about every single component that makes up the kit. Each set of plans comes with an aircraft serial number. | | Whichever way you choose to start building, you'll gain full access to lifetime technical support directly from the factory, and you'll end up with a wonderful airplane that you've built yourself! Each completed Zenith aircraft is a one-of-a-kind creation. What you can do with a Zenith design is (almost) limited only by your imagination. They are versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of options and configurations, from skis and tail wheels to folding wings and floats. Many component kits are available for quick delivery or pick-up at the factory. Contact Zenith for details. | | Get a head start in building your own Zenith kit airplane by participating at an upcoming hands-on workshop class at the kit aircraft manufacturing factory in Mexico, Missouri, and learn all about the skills and tools needed to build your own. | | Zenith Aircraft Company invites you to experience the excitement of building your own airplane at one of our monthly hands-on workshops, held at our kit aircraft factory in central Missouri. These workshops give you the chance to learn the skills and tools needed to build your own aircraft while constructing your very own rudder tail section for one of Zenith’s popular designs. | | |
The workshop experience also includes a factory tour and demo flight, with participants "graduating" from the workshop upon completing construction of their own aircraft rudder tail section for one of Zenith Aircraft Company's popular kit aircraft designs. Additional helpers (spouse or other family members) are encouraged to attend and can participate for free. Prior registration is required for the rudder workshop class and class size is limited. Plan now to join us at an upcoming factory workshop:
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Zenith Aircraft Company is committed to connecting with the ever-growing community of Zenith builders, owners and flyers in the new year. Online resources and social media make it easier than ever to stay connected to the Zenith Aircraft community. Check out some of the available resources below: | | | |
With well over 8,000 members, the Zenith.Aero online community is a resource available exclusively to builders, flyers and owners of Zenith aircraft. Zenith builders, owners and flyers from around the world create and share the content, with more than 32,000 photos about building and flying, over 2,200 videos, and thousands of discussions on building and flying Zenith aircraft.
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos of building and flying Zenith aircraft. Our channel has more than 800 exclusive videos on building and flying Zenith aircraft, with more than 38,000 subscribers and millions of video views!
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zenithair.net Of course, check the Zenith Aircraft website for product details and information, kit pricing and ordering, event updates, etc.
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