Plane & Pilot magazine recently featured the Zenith CH 750 series in a spotlight article, highlighting the popular high-wing aircraft lineup from Zenith Aircraft Company: "The company has been making kits for three decades, and it has a great reputation in the light sport world."

"CH 750s are known for their excellent low-speed handling, gentle stalls, good visibility over the nose, and their short takeoff and landing capability."

“It’s often called the ‘Sky Jeep’ because of its off-airport capabilities, and people love it because it offers a relatively inexpensive way to get into backcountry flying” 

"The CH 750, like all Zenith aircraft, is an all-metal aircraft featuring matched-hole construction. The kits come with predrilled holes so that components easily line up with their corresponding parts. This means builders don’t have to worry as much about measuring and alignment during construction, saving them time and allowing them to put together a straighter plane. This accuracy potential, especially for the airframe and wing, means it should be easier to find a used 750 that flies as well as it should because part misalignment during construction is less likely."

The article also includes testimonials and advice from Zenith builders and pilots, who shared their firsthand experiences of building and flying their own Zenith airplanes:

"The builder’s choice of engine should be a big part of your purchase consideration, according to Randy Shannon, a Zenith STOL CH 750 Super Duty owner in Drexel, Missouri. The engine’s weight and horsepower can make a significant difference in a Zenith’s performance." 

Morgan and his pilot wife Bridget are in the middle of rebuilding a 750 and a Zenith 701. He says one of the great joys of owning a Zenith is making it your own. Morgan adds that another thing that makes ownership of a Zenith great is the company’s builder forum. “There’s a lot of good information there about troubleshooting and making improvements. And the forum can help you become part of a welcoming community of Zenith pilots.” 

The Plane & Pilot magazine article goes deeper into buying a used flying Zenith, pointing out that since the STOL CH 750 is a kit aircraft, there’s no such thing as a standard configuration. “You’re not buying a Zenith as much as you are buying a Zenith kit put together by someone else,” said Heintz. “Every one of them will be a reflection of the person who built it. And since people are different, you’ll have different airplanes.”

"Purchasing a used airplane can be risky because it’s sometimes difficult to determine whether the aircraft has been taken care of properly. Buying a used kit aircraft? Even riskier. Not only do you have to worry about wear and tear but also whether the builder knew what they were doing. But that doesn’t mean buying one is foolish. It might allow you to find an aircraft that truly fits your needs, and possibly save you money because its homebuilt origin will likely reduce the price."

Earlier this year, KITPLANES magazine published an article on "Buying an Unfinished Project" (basically about buying a used, unfinished kit airplane), by Jon Croke (a serial Zenith kit airplane builder).

Croke explains, “You need to do your homework ahead of time so you can reasonably determine if this kit makes sense for you to purchase and build.” Important considerations include whether the kit is still supported by the manufacturer and if builder support is available for secondhand owners.

While buying a used kit can offer savings, a new kit ensures the latest features and technology — like match-drilled final hole-size parts — and avoids the risk of missing components or past builder mistakes. Croke concludes, “Some fantastic bargains can be had from secondhand building if you are knowledgeable [but] knowing important details ahead of time can save a lot of future unhappiness.”

Of course, buying a brand new Zenith kit directly from the factory assures the buyer is getting the latest model with the most up-to-date features at a competitive price.

"Updates to our kits, especially to make them easier to build, are ongoing," shared Heintz. "It's exciting to see how these improvements have made our kits so much quicker to put together than in the past."

"Our kits are specifically engineered to reduce build time, tools, and skills required, and offer unmatched completeness, pre-manufactured parts, components, and standard equipment. And be sure to check out our prices — not just the kit itself, but the total cost of ownership. That includes everything from the kit to your choice of engine, avionics, and finishing options. We're committed to keeping our kits as affordable as possible, while continually advancing our production technology to deliver even greater value."

By utilizing proven CNC high-speed routers, Zenith Aircraft achieves a higher level of parts completion, making Zenith kits easier and quicker to build. This technology also enables significantly improved delivery schedules, with some kits shipping nearly right after ordering, all while maintaining production and support in the United States. Combined with updated and innovative Chris Heintz aircraft designs, this dedication is what makes Zenith Aircraft a leading name in light sport aviation — year after year.

Did you know?

You can build your own Zenith aircraft your way — starting from plans-only (blueprints), buy-as-you-build component kits, or go all-in with the complete kit. Whether you want to take it step by step or dive into the full build, we’ve got the options to match your pace, budget, and building style. We also offer Quick-Build Kits (QBK) on special order.

PLANS (blueprints)

Complete plans and manuals guide you through the build and are detailed enough to scratch-build the entire aircraft. Blueprints show every part and assembly, and each set includes a unique aircraft serial number. Individual parts and components are also available.

COMPONENT KITS

An alternative to ordering the complete airframe kit all at once, the flexible "buy-as-you-build" option lets you purchase individual component kits — like the wing, fuselage, or tail section — one at a time. This modular approach helps spread out costs and lets you move forward on your project at your own pace.

The above illustration shows a wing kit.

COMPLETE KIT

This is the most popular option for most builders and includes everything you need to assemble the airframe — all in one package. 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.

No matter how you choose to start building, you’ll have lifetime factory support every step of the way — and the reward is a one-of-a-kind airplane built by you. Zenith designs are incredibly versatile, with options ranging from skis and tailwheels to folding wings and floats. 

Get a head start in building your own airplane by participating at an upcoming hands-on workshop class, and learn all about the skills and tools needed to build your own.

Zenith Aircraft Company holds monthly workshops at its kit aircraft factory in central Missouri. The workshop experience at the Zenith factory also includes a factory tour of the kit production facilities and a demo flight. Participants "graduate" upon completing construction of their own aircraft rudder tail section for one of Zenith Aircraft Company's popular kit aircraft designs, including the high-wing Zenith CH 750 series or the sleek low-wing Zenith CH 650 cruiser. Make plans now to join us at an upcoming factory workshop class:

June 20 & 21 | August 7 & 8

The Zenith hands-on workshop is an excellent way to learn about building your own kit aircraft and about the many advantages of owning and flying an airplane that you’ve built yourself. For many, building an aircraft (from a kit) is a very rewarding experience, and today’s modern kits make it easier and quicker than ever to build.

Workshop fees are just $375.00 (or $425 for the CH 750 Super Duty model) and include the complete rudder kit for a Zenith aircraft. 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.