A four-person National Kit Evaluation Team (NKET) from the FAA concluded its two-day visit to Zenith Aircraft Co. in Mexico, Missouri, May 13, to determine that the STOL CH 750 kit will officially allow an amateur builder to meet the 51% Rule.
It will be several more weeks before the FAA issues its official determination. “Based on the FAA’s on-site inspections and our discussions, the STOL CH 750 kit will be added to the FAA list of of eligible aircraft kits,” said Zenith Aircraft President Sebastien Heintz.
STOL CH 750 builders will be able to use the resulting FAA checklists to determine exactly how much commercial/professional builder assistance may be used in the construction of their projects without violating the “major portion” requirement, commonly referred to as the “51% Rule.”
Based on the STOL CH 701 “Sky Jeep” design from Chris Heintz that was introduced more than 20 years ago, the STOL CH 750 design incorporates all of the 701’s short-field capabilities, while maximizing cabin size and load carrying capability allowed under the FAA’s new Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft category, Zenith officials said.
The all-metal aircraft wing design features fixed leading-edge slats for high lift, full-span flaperons (both ailerons and flaps), and an all-flying rudder. Many engine choices are available for the STOL CH 750, including the Continental O-200, Jabiru 3300, Rotax 912 ULS, ULpower, Corvair, and more, company officials add.
Zenith officials say the STOL CH 750 airframe requires less than 400 hours to build from the complete factory-supplied kit, which includes many CNC pre-cut and pre-drilled skins and components, and includes detailed drawings (blueprints) and photo assembly manuals. The standard kit comes with factory-finished wing spar assemblies, and is supplied with all hardware needed to complete the airframe.
For more information: ZenithAir.com or 573-581-9000.
