Zenith CH650

pbflyer · Post by **pbflyer** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 3:09 pm

Can anyone tell me if the new CH650 model is LAA approved and if so, with which engine combinations and mtow?

Rob Hart · Post by **Rob Hart** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 7:23 pm

Hi pbflyer, it's not on the list of Approved Types

http://www.lightaircraftassociation.co. ... 20List.pdf

So I suppose it hasn't been approved. Anyway they're calling it the CH 650 B now, after it was upgraded, the CH 650 kits are no longer being sold. It doesn't look all that much different from the CH 601 XL, bigger canopy, swept back rudder and 2 degrees on the wing rigging angle. So unless you really need the extra headroom (like me, I'm 6ft 5) then why spend the extra 2610 bucks?

gasax · Post by **gasax** » Wed Jul 27, 2011 8:05 am

Structurally I believe there are very few changes. The US version of the 601xl which is rated at 600kgs rather than the original 560kg has been approved.

A call to the office should clarify matters but the 650 is essentially a cosmetic upgrade - the important stuff like load testing the 600kg wing roots has been undertaken by a chap at Perth.

pbflyer · Post by **pbflyer** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 11:45 am

Rob Hart wrote:Hi pbflyer, it's not on the list of Approved Types

http://www.lightaircraftassociation.co. ... 20List.pdf

So I suppose it hasn't been approved. Anyway they're calling it the CH 650 B now, after it was upgraded, the CH 650 kits are no longer being sold. It doesn't look all that much different from the CH 601 XL, bigger canopy, swept back rudder and 2 degrees on the wing rigging angle. So unless you really need the extra headroom (like me, I'm 6ft 5) then why spend the extra 2610 bucks?

I am afraid I too am 6' 5" so the headroom has already ruled out several types for me. Thanks for replying. I still have some research left to do before I select my type to build.

Brian Hope · Post by **Brian Hope** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 11:57 am

pb, have you spoken to the UK agent for Zenair? I'm sure Gary Johnson of JMS Aero would be happy to talk to you about the Zenair range, maybe the 650B is in the frame and work is progressing towards UK Approval. Email him at [email protected] or give him a ring - 01487 812308 - before writing off the type as a non starter.

pbflyer · Post by **pbflyer** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 12:01 pm

Many thanks Brian,I will do that and see if there are indeed plans to bring this aircraft into the LAA fold.
This is the first time I have used the forum and I am very pleased that people have taken the time to respond to my question. Thank you all.

pbflyer · Post by **pbflyer** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 5:37 pm

I have e-mailed Gary Johnson regarding this topic and he has confirmed that the CH650B is approved for build by the LAA. Many thanks to all for taking the time to reply to my post.