Zenair/Zenith CH 601 Zodiacs of New Zealand (1) - CH 601UL Models

The Zenair/Zenith CH 601 Zodiac was developed by designer Chris Heintz from his original CH 600 Zodiac that I have posted about at www.nzcivair.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/zenith-zodiac-ch-600s-of-new-zealand_11.html  The CH 601 first appeared in 1984.

The original CH 601 was the HD model which along with all other CH 601 models had a wider 44 inch cockpit than the CH 600, a larger rear baggage compartment, hydraulic disc brakes and an electric trim tab.  The CH 601 HD, HDS and UL models had a similar 3 piece wing to that of the CH 600 with the main undercarriage legs at the end of the inner wing stubs.  Originally, CH 601 kits were manufactured and supplied by Zenair in Canada and the Zenith Aircraft Company in the USA.

The first model of the CH 601 to be registered in New Zealand was the CH 601UL.  This was a lighter version that was designed to meet Canadian Advanced Ultralight Aeroplane regulations.  Its empty weight was 550 pounds (250 Kg) and MAUW was 1,044 pounds (474 Kg).  It could be powered by engines of 65 HP to 100 HP.  Its length was 19 feet  (5.80 metres) and wingspan was 27 feet (8.23 metres) with a wing area of 132 square feet.

The first CH 601 to be registered in New Zealand was CH 601UL ZK-JFN (c/n 6-2262, which was built by Bryan Knights of Patumahoe and was first registered to him on 6/7/95.  It is photo'd above at the 1998 SAANZ flyin at Matamata.  It was sold to PNF Herrick of North Shore on 10/1/96 and in turn to CP Herrick of North Shore on 10/6/08.  It suffered damage undercarriage and minor wing damage at Mesopotamia Station on 10/2/03.  Finally it was sold to BM Whiteman and G Mitchell of Whangaparaoa on 18/1/12.  Tragically it crashed on 1/4/12 at South Head on the Kaipara Harbour, killing both occupants.  It was cancelled from the register on 18/5/12.

CH 601UL ZK-JLI (c/n 6-3212) was started by Bill Sample of Mt Maunganui but was completed bt Ian C Glover of Mt Maunganui, and was first registered to him on 2/8/95 with its first flight being on 4/9/95.  It is photo'd above at Tauranga in early 1998.  It was sold to MR Kilsby of Auckland on 9/2/04 then to the Golden Bay Flying Club at Takaka on 26/10/04.  next it went to the neilson Gallagher Family Trust of New Plymouth on 19/11/05 and finally to B Butler of Auckland on 24/4/10, with whom it is still current.

CH 601UL ZK-ZOT (c/n 3271) was registered to Bernie Gunn of Wanaka on 22/4/97 and first flew on 6/6/97.  Bernie flew it widely throughout New Zealand before selling the aircract to S Hyde of Feilding, with whom it is still current.  It is photo'd above at the 2011 RAANZ flyin at Masterton.

CH 601UL ZK-JHX (c/n 3472) was built by Colin Williams of Cambridge and it is still owned by him.  It was first registered on 4/5/98.  It is photo'd above at the 2005 Black Sands flyin at Raglan.

CH 601UL ZK-MCH (c/n 6-3522) was built by Michael C Hansen of Huntly and it is still owned by him.  It was first registered on 3/8/98.  It is also photo'd at the 2005 Black Sands flyin at Raglan.

 And the third CH 601UL at the 2005 Black Sands flyin at Raglan was ZK-SSF "01" (c/n 3637) which was built by members of the Stratford Aero Club and was first registered to the club on 1/8/00.

On 19/12/05 it was re-registered ZK-JPX (when the Stratford Aero Club purchased a new CH 601XL and registered it ZK-SSF "02" - it is in the background of the above photo which was taken at the 2006 SAANZ flyin at Tauranga).  On 8/6/06 it was sold to HJ Richmond of Stratford but it is still on line with the Stratford Aero Club.

And our final CH 601UL to date is ZK-ZOD (c/n 6-3665) which was built by Ian Sowman of Napier and was first registered to him on 14/10/11.  It is powered by a modified Subaru EA 81 engine which produces around 90 HP and it has larger CH 701 wheels.  It is photo'd above by Nick Furmage on take-off from Hastings while taking part in the 2013 Air Safari.