This 2005 Zenith CH 701 SP Is a STOL-Ready ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Genuine short-field performer features a 28 mph stall speed, ADS-B integration, and low total time.

FLYING Staff

Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

2005 Zenith CH 701 SP [Credit: Hiller Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 2005 Zenith CH 701 SP, an aircraft renowned for its legendary short-field capabilities (STOL), rugged versatility, and exceptional low-speed handling.
This specific aircraft boasts a low total time of 520 hours on both the airframe and its 100 hp Rotax 912 ULS engine, comes with complete logs, no damage history, and a recent condition inspection.
Equipped with a mixed glass-and-analog panel including ADS-B, and functional upgrades for backcountry utility, it is offered at $49,900 as a turnkey option for off-airport flying.

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Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2005 Zenith CH 701 SP.

Celebrated now for more than 40 years for its legendary short-field prowess, the Zenith CH 701 SP delivers incredible low-speed handling and rugged versatility. It holds a distinct appeal for adventurous owner-operators who want to operate from confined airstrips, boasting a demonstrated stall speed of just 28 mph and a solid 540-pound useful load.

Fresh off an August 2026 condition inspection, this 2005 airframe has logged just 520 total hours since new and comes with complete, consecutive logs and no damage history. The utilitarian exterior is enhanced for visibility and safety, equipped with bubble doors, strobe and navigation lights, and reliable Matco brake discs, linings, and calipers.

Inside the two-seat cockpit, functional upgrades meet backcountry utility to maximize the off-airport flying experience. Occupants are secured by four-point Hooker custom harnesses and can enjoy dual USB outlets that bring welcome convenience to the cabin.

Generating the thrust for those ultra-short takeoffs is a dependable 100 hp Rotax 912 ULS engine showing an equal 520 hours since new. The powerplant features soft-start ignition modules, recently overhauled carburetors, and Woodcomp 683R propeller—with the added bonus of a second set of Woodcomp blades included in the sale.

2005 Zenith CH 701 SP [Credit: Hiller Aviation]

Situational awareness and navigation are handled by a practical, mixed glass-and-analog panel centered around a Dynon Electronic Flight Instrument. The avionics suite is well suited for modern airspace, incorporating a FreeFlight FDL-978 UAT for ADS-B Out, uAvionix portable ADS-B In receiver, Garmin GTX 327 transponder, and Garmin 496 GPS.

Offered at $49,900, this highly capable Zenith CH 701 SP is based in Hillsboro, Oregon, and ready for off-airport excursions. With its recent maintenance and impressive performance specs, it represents a turnkey entry into the world of STOL flying.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.