Design Features 
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With form following function, the STOL CH 801-HD looks like the workhorse it is designed to be.  Not designed to be just another pretty aircraft, the STOL CH 801-HD was developed to provide maximum short-field performance while being easy to build and maintain, making in a true sport utility kit aircraft. The STOL CH 801-HD design is based on the successful STOL series of aircraft designs, originally introduced in 1986 and developed by Zenair since then. Aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz designed the STOL CH 801-HD to provide the best in performance, cost, reliability and ease of construction in a four-seat utility light aircraft design. The unique design presents some highly engineered and researched features:
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The STOL CH 801-HD design makes use of advanced technologies, while using proven design concepts and simple systems for easy assembly and maintenance. A professional design, the STOL CH 801's structure is undergoing a complete and rigorous flight test and design stress analysis. Developed for the demanding missions and maximum utility, the STOL CH 801-HD is designed to be easy to build and to maximize flight performance and efficiency, using simple all-metal semi-monocoque construction - a system in use for 35 years in Zenair designs.
Simple systems, modern materials, and design ingenuity minimize required maintenance, and make the STOL CH 801-HD easy to build and fly, affordable, and very durable.

Summary of design features found in the Zenair STOL Series
  • All-metal construction, utilizing proven "Zenair easy-build technology," including extensive use of Textron Avdel blind rivets;
  • "Above-Cab" wing design for superior visibility;
  • Tricycle gear configuration for improved ground handling and visibility;
  • Rugged landing gear for rough-field capability;
  • Fixed leading-edge wing slats;
  • Short wing span to allow operation in areas with obstacles;
  • Full-length flaperons (combined ailerons and flaps);
  • All-flying rudder for increased responsiveness at slow flight and superior cross-wind capability;
  • "Open Design" to allow for a wide choice of engine installations;
  • Overall design and construction simplicity for field-maintainability, including easy-remove cowls for quick access to the engine.
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Control System: The control system is developed for ease of operation and simplicity, as well as low maintenance: There are no moving parts inside the wings, and controls systems are easily accessed through a large service door on the bottom of the fuselage.
  • Aileron Flaperon system; push-pull rods from flaperon mixer assembly, easy disconnect for wing removal.
  • Flaps Flaperon system (control mixer); push-pull rods, easy disconnect for wing removal. Electric flap actuator.
  • Elevator Control cables to elevator control horns.
  • Rudder Control cables from rudder pedals to rudder control horn.
  • Steering Direct linkage from dual rudder pedals to nosegear strut (hydraulic disk brakes on main gear wheels with individual toe-brake pedals on pilot’s side).
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LANDING GEAR:
The stock tricycle gear system used on the STOL CH 801-HD has outstanding shock absorbing capability for rough field operation. While tailwheel aircraft have traditionally dominated in off-airport applications, the STOL CH 801's tricycle gear offers rough field capability while providing all the advantages of a tricycle-gear aircraft, such as easy ground handling and superior visibility.

The STOL CH 801's gear has been developed specifically for off-airport use. The direct linkage steerable nosewheel, plus differential braking, provide remarkably precise ground handling and steering.
Click here for more details on the gear system of the STOL CH 801
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FUEL SYSTEM: The STOL CH 801-HD is equipped with dual 15 US gallon (56 liters) welded aluminum wing fuel tanks, located inside the wing behind the main wing spar. The Extended Range Option doubles the number of wing tanks to four, for a total fuel capacity of 60 gallons (224 liters). The airframe itself is designed to allow maximum customization by the actual builder. The STOL CH 801 is not designed ‘around’ a specific engine, allowing for custom powerplant installations by builders.
Throughout, the STOL CH 801-HD aircraft is designed to optimize STOL performance and to provide excellent flight characteristics. However, the aircraft is also designed to be easy and quick to build, and to provide a durable airframe that is well-suited for its utility role. Finally, the STOL CH 801-HD is also designed to be low-cost to build, to own and to operate.
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Designed for maximum versatility and utility
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