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Zodiac XL SLSA

Amazing, classic and fun!

The Zodiac is the perfect Light Sport Aircraft. It was originally designed in the early 80's, more than 500 are flying around the world, it a proven design, and its tough and simple.

Aircraft Manufacturing & Development Co. (AMD) is now offering the very popular Zodiac CH 601 XL as an SLSA.

AMD already manufactures the Alarus FAA type certified aircraft. This aircraft is IFR certified Utility-Normal, spin certified and was recently granted an STC for airbag seat belts (a first for general aviation aircraft). AMD is now offering the Zodiac as a factory built / complete aircraft only, same as the Alarus.

The Zodiac is ideally suited for the LSA category. It is all-metal, similar to a Piper or Cessna aircraft, and uses the very popular Continental 0-200 (100 HP) engine, same as the Cessna-150.

Chris Heintz, designer and owner of Zenair Ltd. (manufacturing aircraft since 1974) pioneered light aircraft rules throughout the world and has done so again with the LSA rule. He originally drafted the Canadian “Advanced Ultralight” regulations more than 15 years ago, which were largely copied by the European Community and other countries 5-7 years ago. Due to his vast experience in light aircraft designing, Chris Heintz was nominated to be a key person on the LSA design group. The Zodiac is one of more than 20 Chris Heintz designs. The original Zodiac was designed in the early 80’s and re-engineered in 2001 as the CH 601 XL, meeting LSA compliance.

Company Strategy

Thanks to its experience with the production of certified aircraft, AMD is ideally positioned for the new LSA market. Many kit aircraft manufacturers are looking at entering the LSA but do not have the manufacturing experience or detailed Quality Control systems in place. AMD has an FAA certified production facility for the manufacturing of the Alarus. Adding LSA aircraft to the existing Alarus production line makes sense as both the Alarus and 601 use similar materials and assembly methods.

Market for the Zodiac CH 601 XL SLSA

The new LSA rules requires that Sport Pilots be trained on the specific “type” of aircraft, which they intend to operate. Therefore flight schools are required to have such aircraft. Why get a Sport Pilot License? No medical required and 20 hours of training!

Demand for these aircraft is driven by the following factors:

Flight schools need LSA aircraft for Sport License training. Buying inexpensive tube and fabric aircraft with Rotax engines is expensive in long term maintenance, especially when flying +500 hours per year. Flight instructors favor more classic type aircraft and engines such as the Continental 0-200. The Zodiac is very attractive since it is all metal and built “tough”. It is a “real” aircraft.
Continental engine at 2,000 TBO
Sensenich propeller
Standard type 500x5 wheels and brakes
Heavy duty main aluminum gear system
All aluminum construction
Standard type hardware. No metric hardware is used
Most standard type parts are available through aviation supply warehouses such as Aircraft Spruce & Specialty etc.

AMD is in an exceptional position as a preferred manufacturer to the new market because:

Few US experimental aircraft qualify for LSA regulations. Most are too heavy and or fly too fast.
A large supply of trained aircraft mechanics can do maintenance on the Zodiac without additional “new” training.
US “kit” manufacturers have little or no experience with certification.
Large certified aircraft manufacturers have not been interested in designing a small aircraft.
Low and declining interest in tube and fabric single-seat US ultra-lights.
Few European micro-lights are maximized for LSA and US customers are reluctant to buy off-shore or unknown brands.
AMD has an excellent reputation and history. The company was started in 1998 and Zenair in 1974.
The Zodiac CH 601 XL SLSA is at the top of the limit for LSA specifications. This ensures that the 601 represent top of line configurations and capabilities under the LSA rules.
The FAA has limited the performance of LSA aircraft. This ensures that the Zodiac will remain at the top limits of performance, and provides an entry barrier against which new entrants must measure up.
LSA may be flown with floats. A full range of aluminum floats are already available for the Zodiac.
The Zodiac has a huge list of safety features such as: airbag seat belts, heavy duty gear system, excellent visibility, amazing controllability, aluminum construction, and more. Most of these are already used in the FAA certified Alarus.
Financing the Zodiac is easy as more than 500 are flying around the world.
Insuring the Zodiac is easy as the aircraft is one of the least expensive to insure. Chris Heintz designs are preferred by insurance companies as they are designed for excellent low speed control.
Insurance companies are requesting that manufacturers stock airframe parts, that must be inexpensive, easy and fast to deliver. Zodiac parts are stocked in the USA and not overseas, as with many LSA aircraft.

Note: Before buying, make sure that you can insure the LSA aircraft you want to buy!

For additional information on the Zodiac, please see www.zenithair.com or http://www.zenithair.com/zodiac/xl/index.html

For additional information on the LSA, please see www.eaa.org or http://www.sportpilot.org

Prices, performances, specifications and all other information on this web site is subject to change without notice. Please contact AMD for all up-to-date information. © Aircraft Manufacturing & Development Co. 10/05