• The STOL CH 801 SD complete airframe kit is priced at $62,350, but that number only covers the airframe — engine, avionics, propeller, and finishing costs are all separate.
• The HD model has been discontinued for new builds since May 2018; all new CH 801 projects must start with the Super-Duty (SD) model.
• Component kits let you buy-as-you-build, spreading costs across individual assemblies like wings, fuselage, controls, and fuel systems.
• A fully completed flying CH 801 with engine, avionics, and prop can be found on the used market — one example listed at $58,500 included a Lycoming IO-360 200hp engine, Whirlwind 78 STOL prop, and Dynon D100 avionics.
• Kit availability for the SD model fluctuates — Zenair periodically updates availability, so checking directly with the factory before budgeting is essential.

If you’re budgeting for a STOL CH 801 build, the sticker price on the airframe kit is just the beginning of the real number.

The STOL CH 801 is one of the most capable four-seat bush aircraft available in kit form — a rugged, high-wing design built for short-field performance, serious load carrying, and operations in terrain that would ground most general aviation aircraft. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of hauling gear into remote strips or simply want a bomber-tough four-seater you built yourself, the CH 801 delivers. Resources like Red Sky Ventures have long been part of the experimental aviation community, helping builders navigate projects exactly like this one.

The STOL CH 801 Will Cost You More Than Just the Kit Price

The kit price is a real number, but it only covers the airframe. To get a CH 801 into the air, you’ll need to budget for an engine, propeller, avionics, instruments, interior, and finishing materials — none of which are included in Zenair’s quoted kit prices. For most builders, the complete project cost easily doubles or triples the airframe kit price depending on engine choice and avionics preferences.

Understanding exactly what you’re buying — and what you’re not — before committing to a build is the difference between a smooth project and a stalled one sitting half-finished in a hangar.

Complete Airframe Kit (SD): $62,350

The STOL CH 801-SD Complete Standard Airframe Kit (SAK) was last listed at $62,350. This price covers the full airframe package: factory-riveted wing spars, pre-formed sheet-metal parts including ribs and skins, factory-welded components, landing gear system, and pre-drilled matched-hole parts consistent with the latest advanced kit standards used on the CH 750 series. For more insights into aviation regulations, you can explore FAA regulations that might be relevant to your aircraft building process. Crating for domestic shipping adds $890 for the complete kit (one box, approximately 14′ x 4′ x 4′, weighing 1,250 lbs), while international crating runs $1,235.

What the Airframe Kit Does Not Include

The airframe kit price covers structure only. Everything that makes the aircraft fly, navigate, and function as a finished airplane is a separate budget line. Here’s what you’ll need to source independently:

• Aircraft engine (commonly 180–260 HP)
• Propeller
• Avionics and instrument panel
• Engine instruments and EIS
• Electrical system components
• Interior upholstery and seating
• Paint and finishing materials
• Firewall-forward accessories (exhaust, baffling, engine mount)

This is standard for experimental kit aircraft, but it catches first-time builders off guard when they start adding up the real project cost. Budget conservatively and you won’t be surprised.

Buy-as-You-Build Component Kit Option

For builders who prefer to spread costs over time, Zenair offers the CH 801-SD as individual component kits. Instead of purchasing the full $62,350 airframe kit upfront, you can purchase each assembly separately — wings, fuselage, tail, controls, fuel system, and landing gear — as your build progresses and your budget allows. This approach is popular with builders who want to keep momentum going without a large single outlay.

STOL CH 801 HD vs SD: Which Kit Can You Actually Buy?

There are two versions of the CH 801 airframe — the original HD (Heavy Duty) and the newer, larger SD (Super-Duty). Knowing the difference matters because only one of them is currently available for new builds.

HD Model: Discontinued for New Builds Since May 2018

Since May 2018, Zenair has closed new CH 801-HD starts. Component kits for the HD model are now only supplied to existing builders who are completing aircraft already in progress. If you’re starting fresh, the HD is not an option — full stop.

The HD was a proven, lighter airframe, and for builders who don’t need the SD’s expanded capabilities, Zenair actually suggests considering the Super-Duty CH 750-SD as a comparable alternative that remains in active production.

SD Model: The Only New-Start Option Available

The STOL CH 801-SD is a full redesign, not just an upgrade. It features a 4-foot longer wingspan than the HD model — two feet per side — bringing total wing area to 189 square feet. That additional lifting surface is what enables the SD’s 1,400 lb useful load, one of the highest figures in its class among kit aircraft. Originally developed with crop-spraying operations in mind, that load capacity translates directly to heavier passengers, more gear, or additional fuel for remote operations.

The SD is also designed to accept engines up to 260 HP, giving builders significant flexibility in powerplant selection without requiring custom fabrication work. For economy-focused builds, 180 HP installations are also straightforward.

SD Airframe Kit Availability Is Subject to Change

Zenair has periodically updated the availability status of the CH 801-SD complete airframe kit — the Zenair website notes availability updates as recently as December 2023. Quick-Build kits for the SD are not currently offered. Before locking in a budget or timeline, contact Zenair directly to confirm current availability and lead times.

Full Component Kit Price Breakdown for the SD Model

If you go the component kit route, here’s how the individual assemblies break down in price for the STOL CH 801-SD:

1. Wings Kit: $16,605

The wings kit includes the factory-riveted main wing spars, pre-formed wing skins, ribs, and associated structural hardware for both wing panels. The SD’s extended wingspan over the HD model means more material and a higher price point than earlier HD wing kits.

2. Flaperons and Leading Edge Slats Kit: $4,395

3. Tail Kit: $4,675

The tail kit covers the horizontal stabilizer, vertical fin, rudder, and elevator assemblies. All sheet-metal parts arrive pre-formed and pre-drilled, consistent with Zenair’s matched-hole system that makes alignment straightforward even for first-time builders. This is typically one of the faster assemblies to complete in the build sequence.

4. Fuselage Kit: $22,380

The fuselage kit is the largest single component purchase outside of a complete airframe kit. It includes the pre-formed and factory-welded fuselage components, cabin structure, firewall, and associated hardware. The SD fuselage is larger than the HD version throughout, reflecting the redesigned airframe’s enhanced load-carrying structure rather than simply being a scaled-up version of the original.

5. Gears and Wheels Kit: $8,460

The landing gear system is purpose-built for rough-field operations. The kit includes the main gear legs, wheel assemblies, brake system hardware, and tailwheel components. For a STOL aircraft designed to operate from unimproved strips and remote terrain, this is not an area where builders typically look to cut costs — the gear takes the punishment on every off-field landing.

6. Controls Kit: $4,575

The controls kit covers the full flight control linkage system — pushrods, bellcranks, control sticks, rudder pedals, and associated hardware connecting pilot inputs to the control surfaces. The CH 801-SD uses a conventional control layout, keeping the system mechanically simple and easy to inspect and maintain in the field.

One thing worth noting here is that the flaperon system on the CH 801 serves a dual role — functioning as both flap and aileron simultaneously. This integrated design is a core part of what gives the aircraft its exceptional low-speed handling, and the controls kit is what ties that system together from cockpit to wingtip.

Builders coming from more complex aircraft designs often find the CH 801 control system refreshingly direct. Fewer moving parts means fewer points of failure — a genuine advantage when operating far from maintenance facilities.

7. Fuel System Kit: $3,050

The standard fuel system kit equips the CH 801-SD with a pair of 15 US gallon (56 liter) welded aluminum fuel tanks, one per wing, located inside each wing panel behind the main wing spar. Total standard fuel capacity sits at 30 US gallons, which provides reasonable range for most short-field utility operations. For those interested in understanding more about aviation regulations, check out FAA regulations insights for aviation professionals.

For builders planning longer cross-country legs or extended remote operations, Zenair offers an Extended Range Option that doubles the fuel capacity. That add-on is covered separately in the options section below.

Ordering the fuel system kit together with the wings kit is recommended — Zenair specifically notes this pairing in their ordering guidance, and coordinating the two assemblies together simplifies installation significantly during the build.

Firewall-Forward Costs: Engines, Props, and More

The airframe kit gets the structure built. What you put in front of the firewall determines what kind of aircraft you actually end up with — its climb performance, cruise speed, useful load margins, and long-term reliability. For the CH 801-SD, the engine selection range runs from 180 HP up to 260 HP, and that range represents a significant spread in both cost and capability.

Engine Option	Horsepower	Typical New Cost	Notes
Lycoming O-360	180 HP	$30,000 – $40,000	Economy option, widely supported
Lycoming IO-360	200 HP	$38,000 – $50,000	Fuel injected, common CH 801 choice
Lycoming IO-540	260 HP	$55,000 – $75,000	Maximum HP option for SD airframe
Used/Overhauled Engine	180–200 HP	$15,000 – $25,000	Cost savings with careful sourcing

Engine costs alone can represent the single largest line item in a CH 801 build budget. Many builders opt for an overhauled or low-time used engine to manage costs while still landing a reliable powerplant. The key is sourcing carefully — a cheap engine with hidden problems will cost far more to fix mid-build than buying right the first time.

Beyond the engine itself, firewall-forward costs also include the engine mount (typically custom or semi-custom for experimental installations), exhaust system, engine baffling, oil cooler, carburetor heat or fuel injection components, and all associated plumbing and wiring. Budget an additional $3,000 to $8,000 for these supporting components depending on your engine choice and installation complexity. For more information on aviation regulations, you might find FAA regulations insights helpful.

Lycoming IO-360 200hp: A Common Engine Choice

The Lycoming IO-360 at 200 HP is the engine that shows up most frequently in completed CH 801 builds — and for good reason. It hits a strong balance point between performance, reliability, parts availability, and mechanic familiarity. The fuel-injected variant eliminates carburetor icing concerns that matter in the low-and-slow, high-angle-of-attack flight regimes where the CH 801 often operates.

The completed CH 801 listed at $58,500 referenced in the background data was powered by a Lycoming IO-360 with approximately 190 hours total time — a real-world data point that reflects just how common this engine choice is among builders who want proven performance without chasing maximum horsepower.

Propeller Costs: Whirlwind and Catto STOL Props

Propeller selection for a STOL-focused aircraft like the CH 801 isn’t just about thrust — it’s about static thrust, climb performance, and behavior at low airspeeds. Two propellers that appear repeatedly in completed CH 801 builds are the Whirlwind 78 STOL and propellers by Catto. The $58,500 completed aircraft referenced in build data used a brand-new Whirlwind 78 STOL prop, while high-specification SD builds have featured Catto propellers. Budget $3,000 to $6,000+ for a quality STOL propeller depending on manufacturer and configuration.

Avionics and Instrument Panel Costs

Avionics are where build budgets vary more wildly than almost anywhere else in the project. A basic VFR panel can be assembled for a few thousand dollars, while a fully-equipped glass cockpit with Garmin avionics can push panel costs past $30,000 on its own. What you install depends on how you plan to fly, where you plan to fly, and what your budget realistically supports.

Budget Panel vs. Garmin Glass Cockpit

Panel Configuration	Key Components	Estimated Cost
Basic VFR Panel	Airspeed, altimeter, compass, ELT, basic comm radio	$3,000 – $6,000
Mid-Range Panel	Dynon D100 EFIS, EIS, transponder, comm radio, intercom	$8,000 – $15,000
Full Glass Cockpit	Garmin G3X, GTN 650, transponder, autopilot	$25,000 – $40,000+

The mid-range panel configuration is where most practical CH 801 builders land. It delivers real situational awareness capability — EFIS, engine monitoring, and communication — without the cost of a full Garmin glass suite that might be better suited to an IFR cross-country platform than a backcountry STOL hauler.

For a bush-focused CH 801 build, reliability and simplicity often matter more than screen real estate. A panel that’s easy to scan, fast to interpret, and unlikely to ground the aircraft over an avionics fault is worth more in the field than a complex integrated system that requires specialist maintenance.

That said, builders who plan to use the CH 801 as a dual-purpose aircraft — backcountry capable but also cross-country capable — have good reason to invest in more capable avionics from the start. Adding avionics after the fact is almost always more expensive and more disruptive than planning the full panel before the wiring harness goes in.

Real-World Example: Dynon D100, AT150 Transponder, and Comm Radio

• Dynon D100 EFIS with backup battery — primary flight display covering airspeed, altitude, attitude, and more
• Grand Rapids EIS (Engine Information System) — engine monitoring for CHT, EGT, oil temp, oil pressure, and fuel flow
• AT150 Transponder — Mode C transponder for altitude encoding and ATC visibility
• Intercom system — four-seat cabin communication

This is the actual panel configuration documented in the $58,500 completed CH 801 build referenced in the background data. It represents a practical, functional mid-range panel that covers the core requirements for VFR operations without unnecessary complexity.

The Dynon D100 was one of the most popular EFIS choices among experimental builders during the period this aircraft was completed — rugged, readable in direct sunlight, and well-supported within the experimental aviation community. Pairing it with a Grand Rapids EIS covers engine health monitoring without adding a separate dedicated gauge cluster.

For builders on a tighter avionics budget, this combination remains a benchmark worth considering. It’s proven in the field, parts and support are available, and the installed cost keeps the overall panel budget within the mid-range tier.

Optional Add-Ons Worth Budgeting For

Beyond the core kit components, Zenair offers several factory options that are worth factoring into your build budget from the start. Some of these are straightforward upgrades; others change the operational capability of the aircraft in meaningful ways.

The most impactful option on the list is the Extended Range fuel system. The standard CH 801-SD ships with 30 US gallons total (two 15-gallon tanks). The extended range option doubles that capacity, which directly expands the aircraft’s ability to operate in areas where fuel stops are sparse — exactly the kind of flying a CH 801 is built for.

Cosmetic and aerodynamic add-ons are also available. The HD Wing Strut Fairing Kit (P/N: 801-WSFK) is an aerodynamic fairing designed to clean up the wing strut interface and improve both speed and aesthetics. It’s listed as a retrofit-compatible option at $425 — a low-cost upgrade with a visible impact on the finished aircraft’s appearance.

Option	Part Number	Price	Notes
Wing Strut Fairing Kit	801-WSFK	$425	Aerodynamic and cosmetic, retrofit-compatible
Extended Range Fuel Option	—	$2,135	Doubles standard 30-gallon fuel capacity
Wheel Pants / Fairings	—	$735 – $960	Speed and drag reduction

Extended Range Auxiliary Fuel Tanks: $2,135

Fuel Configuration	Total Capacity	Add-On Cost
Standard Fuel System	30 US gallons (two 15-gal tanks)	Included in FSK at $3,050
Extended Range Option	60 US gallons (doubled capacity)	$2,135 additional

For most utility and backcountry missions, the standard 30-gallon setup is workable. But if your intended operations involve long stretches between fuel stops — remote Alaskan strips, Canadian bush routes, or extended cross-country legs — the extended range option at $2,135 is one of the highest-value upgrades available for the CH 801-SD. Doubling your fuel capacity without structural modification is a clean, factory-supported solution that pays for itself on the first trip where you’d otherwise be calculating reserves too tightly.

The fuel tanks on the CH 801-SD are welded aluminum units located inside each wing panel behind the main wing spar — a structurally protected position that keeps fuel weight close to the center of gravity and away from impact zones. The extended range option expands on this same design, maintaining the same installation quality rather than adding auxiliary bladder tanks or external fittings. In the realm of aircraft safety, innovations such as drones enhancing emergency response showcase a modern approach to aviation technology.

When ordering, Zenair recommends coordinating the fuel system kit with the wings kit purchase — this pairing simplifies installation timing during the build sequence and avoids retrofitting fuel components into an already-skinned wing. If extended range is in your plan, commit to it before the wings go together.

Total Cost of a Complete Flying STOL CH 801

Budget Category	Low Estimate	High Estimate	Notes
Complete Airframe Kit (SD)	$62,350	$62,350	Domestic crating adds $890
Engine (180–200 HP)	$15,000	$50,000	Used/overhauled vs. new Lycoming
Propeller	$3,000	$6,500	Whirlwind or Catto STOL prop
Firewall-Forward Accessories	$3,000	$8,000	Mount, exhaust, baffling, plumbing
Avionics & Instruments	$3,000	$40,000	Basic VFR to full Garmin glass
Extended Range Fuel Option	$0	$2,135	Optional upgrade
Finishing, Paint & Interior	$3,000	$10,000	DIY vs. professional finish
Total Estimated Project Cost	$89,350	$178,875+	Varies significantly by choices made

The honest total for a complete flying STOL CH 801-SD sits somewhere between $90,000 and $180,000 depending almost entirely on engine and avionics decisions. A builder who sources a solid overhauled engine, installs a mid-range panel, and does their own finishing work can bring a capable aircraft in well under $100,000. A builder who wants a new Lycoming, a full Garmin glass cockpit, and a professional paint job should budget closer to $150,000 to $180,000.

Neither approach is wrong — they reflect different missions and different priorities. The CH 801-SD’s design flexibility is a genuine asset here. Because it’s not engineered around a single specific engine, builders have real latitude to optimize the firewall-forward package for budget, performance, or both without fighting the airframe to make it work.

What matters most is budgeting honestly from the start. Experimental aircraft projects that stall do so overwhelmingly because builders underestimated total cost and ran out of funds mid-build. Map out every line item before the first rivet goes in, add a 15% contingency buffer, and the CH 801 build becomes a manageable, deeply rewarding project rather than an expensive unfinished structure in a hangar corner.

Real-World Completed Aircraft Sale: $58,500 Asking Price

One completed STOL CH 801 build was listed for sale at $58,500 — marketed specifically as a fully completed, beautifully built four-seat STOL airframe. This figure represents real-world market pricing for a finished flying aircraft, not a new build estimate, and it offers a useful reference point for understanding both what completed CH 801s bring on the used market and what a well-equipped build actually includes. For those interested in aviation regulations, you can find FAA regulations insights that might be beneficial when considering purchasing or selling aircraft.

At $58,500 asking price for a complete flying aircraft, the used market can look attractive compared to building new from a $62,350 airframe kit alone. However, as with any used experimental aircraft purchase, the condition of the engine, airframe hours, build quality, and documentation are everything — and a pre-buy inspection by someone with specific CH 801 knowledge is non-negotiable.

Component	Details
Airframe	Fully completed four-seat STOL 801 airframe
Engine	Lycoming 200 HP IO-360, approx. 190 hours TT
Propeller	New Whirlwind 78 STOL prop
Total Time Airframe	Approximately 55 hours TTAF
Primary Flight Display	Dynon D100 EFIS with backup battery
Engine Monitoring	Grand Rapids EIS
Transponder	AT150
Communications	Intercom system installed
Firewall Forward	Firewall forward kit included

At approximately 55 hours total time on the airframe and 190 hours on the engine, this aircraft was essentially fresh out of its test flight phase — a low-time example with most of its service life ahead of it. The combination of a new Whirlwind 78 STOL prop and a mid-time IO-360 represents a well-balanced, practical build focused on performance and reliability over maximum avionics complexity. For a comparison of aircraft performance, you might find the Gulfstream vs Bombardier business jets article insightful.

What That $58,500 Aircraft Actually Included

This completed build demonstrates what a practical, mission-focused CH 801 looks like when it’s equipped for real-world use rather than maximum spec. The firewall-forward kit, Lycoming IO-360, and Whirlwind STOL prop are a proven combination — matched components that work together without requiring custom solutions or one-off fabrication. A new prop on a mid-time engine is a smart pairing that minimizes near-term maintenance exposure for the next owner.

The avionics package — Dynon D100, Grand Rapids EIS, AT150 transponder, and intercom — is a functional, field-proven VFR setup. It covers the core requirements without unnecessary complexity, which aligns well with the CH 801’s identity as a rugged utility aircraft rather than a cross-country IFR platform. For the kind of flying this aircraft was built to do, this panel configuration is exactly right.

Is the STOL CH 801 Still Worth Building in 2025?

The short answer is yes — but with clear eyes about what you’re committing to. The CH 801-SD is a genuine working aircraft with capabilities that very few kit designs can match: a 1,400 lb useful load, exceptional short-field performance, 189 square feet of wing area, and the ability to accept engines up to 260 HP. For builders who need a four-seat hauler capable of operating from unimproved terrain, the CH 801 has no direct equivalent in the kit market at a comparable price point.

The build itself is manageable. Zenair’s matched-hole pre-drilled kit system — the same standard applied to the latest CH 750 kits — removes much of the layout and drilling work that characterized older kit aircraft projects. The comprehensive assembly instructions, combined with access to build assistance centers in Canada, mean first-time builders have genuine support resources available throughout the project.

• Useful load of 1,400 lbs — among the highest in the four-seat kit aircraft category
• 4-seat STOL capability with a proven high-wing design optimized for backcountry operations
• Engine flexibility from 180 to 260 HP — no single-engine dependency limiting your options
• Matched-hole pre-drilled kit system — reduces builder skill requirements and build time
• Active build assistance centers in Canada for hands-on support
• Factory support from Zenair, located in Midland, Ontario, with shipping access across North America and internationally

The one honest caution is budget. Going into a CH 801 build expecting to come out the other side with a flying aircraft for the price of the airframe kit alone will end in frustration. Plan for the complete project cost — airframe, engine, prop, avionics, finishing — and the CH 801 delivers an aircraft that punches well above its price class. Do that math honestly, and it remains one of the most compelling kit aircraft available for serious utility flying in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions builders and buyers ask about STOL CH 801 kit costs, model availability, and what the build actually involves. For those interested in comparing different aircraft options, check out our comparison of Diamond vs Cirrus aircraft for flight training schools.

How Much Does the STOL CH 801 Complete Airframe Kit Cost?

The STOL CH 801-SD Complete Standard Airframe Kit (SAK) was last listed at $62,350. Domestic crating for shipping adds $890 (one box, approximately 14′ x 4′ x 4′, 1,250 lbs), and international crating is $1,235. Note that kit availability for the SD model is subject to change — Zenair updates availability periodically, so confirm current pricing and lead times directly with the factory before budgeting.

Can You Still Buy a New STOL CH 801 HD Kit?

No. Since May 2018, Zenair has closed all new CH 801-HD starts. Component kits for the HD model are now only available to builders who were already in progress before that date, to allow them to complete their aircraft.

All new CH 801 projects must start with the Super-Duty (SD) model. Builders who need a lighter, smaller airframe similar to the HD are directed by Zenair to consider the Super-Duty CH 750-SD as an active production alternative.

What Is Not Included in the STOL CH 801 Airframe Kit Price?

The airframe kit covers the structural assembly only. It does not include the engine, propeller, avionics, instrument panel, engine instruments, exhaust system, engine mount, baffling, electrical system components, interior upholstery, or paint and finishing materials. These components must be sourced and budgeted for separately.

In practice, the items not included in the airframe kit price can equal or exceed the kit price itself — particularly if a new engine and comprehensive avionics suite are on the build list. A realistic total project budget for a complete flying CH 801-SD ranges from approximately $90,000 to $180,000+ depending on engine and avionics choices.

What Is the Difference Between the CH 801 HD and SD Models?

The CH 801-SD (Super-Duty) is a complete redesign of the original CH 801-HD (Heavy Duty) — not an upgrade or modification of the same airframe. The two models use different parts throughout, and there is no upgrade kit available to convert an HD into an SD. Key differences include wingspan, useful load, and structural capacity.

Specification	CH 801-HD	CH 801-SD
Wingspan	Smaller (baseline)	4 feet longer than HD
Wing Area	Smaller	189 square feet
Useful Load	Lower	1,400 lbs
Max Engine HP	Lower	Up to 260 HP
New Kit Availability	Discontinued (May 2018)	Available (confirm with Zenair)

The SD was originally developed for agricultural operations — specifically crop-spraying — where high useful load and short-field performance were primary requirements. That heritage translates directly into an exceptionally capable backcountry hauler for builders whose missions demand serious load-carrying ability.

If the HD’s lighter, smaller airframe would meet your needs and you don’t require the SD’s enhanced load capacity, Zenair’s own recommendation is to look at the Super-Duty CH 750-SD, which remains in active production and offers a similar design philosophy in a more current product line.

How Long Does It Take to Build a STOL CH 801?

Build time for a STOL CH 801 varies significantly based on builder experience, available workspace, weekly hours committed to the project, and whether build assistance is used. Kit aircraft builds in this category are typically measured in hundreds to over a thousand hours of labor depending on finishing standards and complexity of the installed systems.

Zenair’s matched-hole pre-drilled kit system reduces the layout, measuring, and drilling work that historically extended kit aircraft build times. This system — the same standard applied to the latest CH 750 kits — means more time riveting and assembling, less time at the drill press correcting alignment. For experienced builders, this translates into a meaningfully faster project timeline compared to older kit systems. For more insights into aviation advancements, check out these FAA regulations insights for aviation professionals.

Builders who engage a build assistance center can accelerate the timeline further, particularly through the more complex assembly phases like the fuselage structure and control system installation. Build centers in Canada offer hands-on assistance that can compress early project phases and establish good habits for the remainder of the build. For those interested in understanding the regulatory landscape, insights on FAA regulations can be invaluable during the building process.

The completed aircraft listed at $58,500 had approximately 55 hours on the airframe — a data point that suggests the build was completed, test flown, and reaching the early service phase without major issues. For a realistic personal timeline, plan for a multi-year project if building in evenings and weekends, or a faster completion if significant dedicated time blocks are available consistently throughout the build.

The STOL CH 801 is a popular choice among aviation enthusiasts for its versatility and performance. This aircraft is known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities, making it ideal for remote areas and rugged terrains. If you’re considering building your own STOL CH 801, understanding the FAA regulations is crucial to ensure compliance and safety. The kit price is reasonable, but it’s important to factor in additional build costs and maintenance to get a complete picture of the total investment required.