AMD Gets C of A For First SLSA Zodiac CH 601 XL
Aero-News December 09-2005
Aircraft Manufacturing & Development Co (AMD) of Eastman, GA,
has received their first Special Airworthiness Certificate for
the Zodiac CH 601 XL with Continental 0-200.
With assistance from Chris Heintz of Zenair Ltd, AMD has been
able to complete all documents, flight testing and quality
control requirements.
Airframes are manufactured by Zenair in Canada and finished
at AMD in GA. Both factories are certified for FAR23 production
aircraft. A similar quality control system is being used for the
601, significantly exceeding LSA requirements.
AMD also manufactures the Alarus FAA type certified aircraft.
This aircraft is IFR certified Utility-Normal, spin certified
and was granted an STC for airbag seat belts (a first for
general aviation aircraft). AMD is now offering the Zodiac as a
factory built aircraft, same as the Alarus.
The Zodiac is well 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.
In partnership with Teledyne Continental Motors, Sensenich
Propeller Manufacturing and other large general aviation
manufacturers, the CH 601 XL SLSA is equipped with high quality
components and systems. “unlike other SLSA manufactures who
typically are all using the Rotax engines, the CH 601 XL SLSA is
the only one that has a metal airframe and classic engine and
propeller. The airframe is modern and flashy but at the same
time easy to maintain” states John Degonia, AMD’s sales manager.
Chris Heintz, designer and owner of Zenair Ltd.
(manufacturing aircraft since 1974 designed the aircraft years
ago. The original Zodiac was designed in the early 80’s and
re-engineered in 2001 as the CH 601 XL, and now meets LSA
compliance. The aircraft is well proven and has an excellent
track record. More than 500 are flying around the world.
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Photos of first Zodiac SLSA #1
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