Zenith CH 640?

[Outrider]

Why isn't the Zenith Zodiac CH640 more popular in the United States.?

I'm currently working on my PPL and plotting what aircraft I'll ultimately buy. I'm considering both experimental and certified. My mission is for an economical 4place family cruiser and by the numbers the 640 looks very appealing, with cruise around the 150s and a useful load of 1k pounds.

I know my needs are not unique. What gives?

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[Scooper]

Why isn't the Zenith Zodiac CH640 more popular in the United States.?

I'm currently working on my PPL and plotting what aircraft I'll ultimately buy. I'm considering both experimental and certified. My mission is for an economical 4place family cruiser and by the numbers the 640 looks very appealing, with cruise around the 150s and a useful load of 1k pounds.

I know my needs are not unique. What gives?

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For the average size American adult, the CH640 is more like a 2+2 than a true four place. Even with the lowered floor and extended rear seat options, there won't be much legroom for back seat passengers. The CH640 is actually derived from the part 23 certified 2 place CH2000/Alarus trainer.

Otherwise, there's nothing wrong with it except some people may have difficulty getting into and out of the back seats. Personally, I'm a Zenith fanboy.

Photo from the Zenith CH640 website:

[Outrider]

Thanks for the picture. I was imagining more like the CH801 in the back, which looks like the back of a 4 door Ford pickup.

Still though this looks like a lot more leg room than the back seat of most older 4 seat singles on out there. We're not a tall family. I am a wide guy though, and in the Piper Warrior I'm currently renting, it's a very close quarters with my CFI.

How is the width in the CH 640 compared to older planes? The gap between those front seats looks promising.



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[Scooper]

Thanks for the picture. I was imagining more like the CH801 in the back, which looks like the back of a 4 door Ford pickup.

Still though this looks like a lot more leg room than the back seat of most older 4 seat singles on out there. We're not a tall family. I am a wide guy though, and in the Piper Warrior I'm currently renting, it's a very close quarters with my CFI.

How is the width in the CH 640 compared to older planes? The gap between those front seats looks promising.



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The CH640 front seat cabin width is 46 inches. It compares quite favorably with C172s and PA-28s. The Warrior is 41.5 inches.

CH640 Comparison Chart

[Outrider]

Wow your research skills are far superior to mine. That comparison chart is the single most useful piece of information I've seen so far.

It looks like the CH 640 has advantages over just about every common comparable certified aircraft available. That extra shoulder space would be a real benefit to me.

I guess the problem is that there are just so many old certified aircraft out there that can be bought right now, rather than investing thousands of hours into a project, that most GA guys just go with something already flying, even if they're aware of the CH 640. Whereas with the CH 750 etc there is really nothing comparable out there for what they do.

I still really like the all around advantages of the CH640 though. Are there any major roadblocks to getting a kit to the US from Canada, which appears to be the only place they're available? Any FAA special hurdles to getting its air worthiness certified once its built compared to other kits?

Also, I read somewhere that the CH 640 doesn't have a build plan manual like the other Zeniths but that information might be old. Is there a good manual available to guide through the build process or is it pretty much a figure it out as you go arrangement? Id hate to walk into any pitfalls.

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[Scooper]

Wow your research skills are far superior to mine. That comparison chart is the single most useful piece of information I've seen so far.

It looks like the CH 640 has advantages over just about every common comparable certified aircraft available. That extra shoulder space would be a real benefit to me.

I guess the problem is that there are just so many old certified aircraft out there that can be bought right now, rather than investing thousands of hours into a project, that most GA guys just go with something already flying, even if they're aware of the CH 640. Whereas with the CH 750 etc there is really nothing comparable out there for what they do.

I still really like the all around advantages of the CH640 though. Are there any major roadblocks to getting a kit to the US from Canada, which appears to be the only place they're available? Any FAA special hurdles to getting its air worthiness certified once its built compared to other kits?

Also, I read somewhere that the CH 640 doesn't have a build plan manual like the other Zeniths but that information might be old. Is there a good manual available to guide through the build process or is it pretty much a figure it out as you go arrangement? Id hate to walk into any pitfalls.

Those are all good questions, but I'm sorry I don't have any answers. I think your best bet would be to give the U.S. factory in Mexico, Missouri a call (573-581-9000) and get the answers from the company. We actually have a CH640 (N317ST) tied down here at KSTS, although I haven't met the owner.

[Outrider]

Thanks for the great info Scooper. I'll give them a call when I get a little closer to making my decision.

If you come across anything else cool about the CH 640, please do share!

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[geosnooker2000]

Outrider,
I notice you don't list your location. Where are you based?
Don't bother calling Mexico. I already tried that, and the Mexico, MO company is "not interested in helping you" purchase a kit from the Canada company. They are totally separate. I, to, am planning on going with a CH640. I would be perfectly happy with a Piper Cherokee 140, except that you can't put a BRS in it, you can't do your own repairs on it, etc. I will tell you, getting service by email has not been consistent, at least for me. I can't call them because my cell phone plan has no international calling. So I have tried to communicate with Michael, and he was pretty responsive for a while, then I emailed him telling him that was GOING to purchase the plans, and asking exactly HOW to order the plans, since there is no way to do so on the website. Did that on 8-19-2019. Haven't heard from him since.
I am going the scratch-built route. So I will be buying the bulk of the materials from Aircraft Spruce = no Canadian complications. I understand scratch building isn't for everyone, but it's what I can afford.
Anyway, if you are anywhere close to Memphis, maybe we can get together?
George