In a joint statement, Zenair Ltd. of Midland, Ontario (Canada) and M-Squared Aircraft of Mobile, Alabama, have just announced that production of the ready-to-fly STOL CH 750 Light Sport (LS) aircraft will resume.

This is welcome news to fans of the popular STOL (short take-off and landing) design who don't have the time or inclination to build their own kit version of the airplane. The STOL CH 750 was originally offered as a factory-built S-LSA a number of years ago.

Finishing of the STOL airplane will take place at M-Squared facilities in southern Alabama (near Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico) from assemblies manufactured by Zenair Ltd. Paul Mather, founder and CEO of M-Squared is excited about adding the all-aluminum LSA design to his company's current line of “tube & fabric” light aircraft designs: “We have always been impressed by this innovative STOL designs. As an established LSA manufacturer, M-Squared is ideally positioned and equipped to produce of the popular Light Sport CH 750. We plan to deliver the first new Zenith S-LSAs this spring!”

Designed by aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz, a pioneer in the kit and LSA industries, the STOL CH 750 is an all-metal, two-seat aircraft optimized for off-airport operations and STOL performances. The CH 750 is one of the rare Light Sport Aircraft powered by the 100 HP Continental O-200 engine (which is also produced in southern Alabama). Equipped with full-span leading-edge slats, the roomy STOL design boasts take-off distances of just 100 feet. Zenith Aircraft Co. manufactures complete kits for the Heintz designs, including the STOL CH 750, and will continue to manufacture and market the aircraft in kit form.

With the experience and resources of both Zenair Ltd. and M-Squared Aircraft, the STOL CH 750 will be backed by well-developed LSA-compliant design/engineering offices, long-established LSA-compliant manufacturing facilities, excellent quality-control and flight-testing programs, and experienced on-going airworthiness support.