Serious STOL Capability Powered By New Continental Lightweight O-200-D Engine

AMD has unveiled the S-LSA qualified STOL CH 750 LS -- the factory-built Special-Light Sport Aircraft version of the STOL CH 750 design from aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz. The rugged all-metal "light sport utility" plane is powered by Teledyne-Continental Motors' new O-200-D lightweight engine, which boasts a dry weight of less than 200 lbs. while still providing a true 100HP. Equipped with tricycle gear (with steerable nosewheel), the aircraft boasts a take-off roll of just 100 feet, and cruises at 100 mph.

Based on the original STOL CH 701 (first introduced in 1986) and the four-seat utility STOL CH 801, the STOL CH 750 was developed specifically for the "Sport Pilot" category: The cabin was both lengthened and widened, and the clear doors "bowed out" substantially for maximum width and great visibility. The huge swing-up doors also make it easy to access the cabin and the large rear baggage area. The "wrap-around" windshield, four rear windows, plus an overhead sunroof, provide outstanding visibility that is nothing short of spectacular.

Utilizing a "form follows function" design philosophy, the all-metal high-wing designs from Chris Heintz present many interesting (and very effective!) design features such as fixed leading-edge wing slats (for high lift), full-length flaperons, full-flying vertical tail (rudder) and an inverted horizontal tail section which allow for very slow controlled flight.

The kit version of the STOL CH 750 was introduced last year by Zenith Aircraft Company, and immediately became a top seller. The advanced kit makes extensive use of CNC-manufacturing technology and features pilot hole match-drilled parts throughout. Prices for the kit version start at about $15,000 (airframe kit). This airplane can also be scratch-built from blueprints only ($495), and individual parts and component kits are also available directly from the manufacturer. The factory built S-LSA comes nicely equipped for about $100,000, powered by the Continental engine. Available factory-installed options include Garmin avionics, SRS airbag seatbelts, BRS system, and more.

FMI: www.zenithair.com