• Here are the paint scheme submissions (photo gallery).

As we're completing our new CH 650 B demonstrator plane, we're soliciting paint scheme designs for our sleek new low wing factory demo plane.  We plan of having the new plane with the new paint scheme at the Sun'n Fun fly-in (starting on March 29, 2011).

We'd like the new paint scheme for our new CH 650 to help highlight the fact this is a fresh new airplane, yet it's a traditional all-metal light sport plane.  The new larger canopy and swept-back vertical tail change the look for the CH 650, while it still shares the look of the Zodiac design which has been popular since 1984.  The new paint scheme needs to be relatively simple to paint (and maintain). 
We invite both creative and non-creative types to submit entries.  We'll post the top submissions on our website and allow everyone to view these entries and to vote on their favorite(s).

Caveat: We may not end up choosing the "best" or most favored design, but may end up picking the most "practical" one.  Also, we might end up combining several entries together (a combination of colors and/or schemes) or modifying submissions.  Submitted paint schemes that are not used by us could inspire existing builders and owners.  We invite you to submit several different schemes, and also encourage you to explain the reasons you've chosen certain colors and lines.

This competition probably shouldn't be termed as such.  It's more of a call for ideas and inspiration to help us decide how to paint our factory demo plane.  However, we will recognize "winners" and have a great award available (up to $500 value) and the winning paint scheme will be featured on a popular light sport aircraft for many years (our last plane was even featured in Playboy magazine!)

Download the Form to submit your paint scheme.  Please submit your paint scheme to us no later than February 25, 2011.  Send the completed form (scanned in color) to us at news@zenithair.com.

• Paint Scheme Submission Form (PDF document)
• Basic side view and top view (PDF document)

As many of you know, we typically keep of factory planes for many years (the red and white 601XL model that the CH650 replaces has been around for about 12 years!).

Zenith builder James Cameron has created some great schemes that many use for inspiration: CH 650 Gallery

There are hundreds of great examples of paint schemes on Zodiac aircraft around the world.  For examples, see:

• Zenith website photo galleries
• Zenith.Aero owner photos
• Plane spotter websites: Airliners.net or JetPhotos.net
  

Here's the gallery of Paint Scheme Design Submissions:  Please "like" the ones you like, rate them, and comment about what you like / dislike about the paint schemes, and send us your own paint scheme ideas.