Thanks for the replies.
By the way the Savannah is quite different than the CH701
Way better glide ratio with same STOL performance.
Comparison
It has been said that the Savannah and the Zenith Aircraft CH701 are the same aircraft. This is because the Savannah and the CH701 are quite comparable in looks and components. Both trace their origins to the FIESELER STORCH, first flown in 1936 (we are proud to say that many of the Savannahs design features were inspired by that famous aircraft). Both are high wing STOL all-metal aircraft with many of the same interior and exterior features. However, the CH701 has an inverted horizontal tail and full flying rudder while the Savannah has a conventional tail. As well, the Savannah has a straight wing that is 2' 5" longer than the CH701's dropped wing. The Savannah's cabin is larger with more headroom. Most importantly, the 701 has a gross weight of 1100lbs. effectively making it, with full fuel, a single place airplane. The Savannah's gross weight is 1234 lb. meaning that with full fuel, the payload (depending on installed equipment and paint) is 445 - 485 lb.
Both aircraft fly well although the Savannah does fly faster and is more stable due to its conventional design. The Savannah is also much quieter in flight due to it's fuselage structure while the CH701s flat sides oil can loudly. But where the difference is really apparent is in their kit forms. In our opinion, the Savannah kit is far superior to the CH701 kit in terms of value for your dollar, kit components, included options and building time.
The CH701 is available as a kit or as plans. The Savannah is only available as a kit. That's because the Savannah is fully CNC machined which makes all replacement parts interchangeable. Simply remove the damaged part and replace it with a machined factory new part. The CH701 has few, if any, interchangeable parts - they must be fabricated by you. CH701 kit parts are usually just a flat piece of metal cut to the approximate size of the finished part. You then have to find that part number in the large set of plans and cut, shape, drill and bend it to it's final configuration. This is very difficult work for a first time builder and that's why there are many CH701 kits unfinished and gathering dust in workshops and garages. You'll also need thousands of dollars worth of tools to build a CH701 kit but only a few hand tools to build a Savannah.
Upon cursory examination of their price lists, the CH701 appears to be less expensive than the Savannah. This is an illusion. The CH701 published kit price is for a bare airplane from the firewall back. The Savannah kit price is for a complete airplane right down to the upholstered seats, instruments and even the wiring harness.
Below is a comparison of the two aircraft kits.
Component Savannah CH701
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Specifications Savannah vs CH701
MTOW (max takeoff weight) 1234 lbs. 1100 lbs.
Wing span 29' 5" 27' 0"
Wing area 139.5 sq.ft. 122.0 sq.ft.
Length 20' 2" 20' 11"
Height 9' 0" 8' 7"
Cruising speed 90 mph 80 mph
Top Speed 110 mph 95 mph
VNE 125 mph 110 mph
Glide ratio 12:1 Won't say
Assembly time - hours 160 - 250 1200 - 1600
Comparison Information
The above component comparisons were arrived at by an actual physical examination of a CH701 kit and a Savannah kit in 2003. Both kits were in their unopened original crates. Various people were involved in the examinations and comments were elicited from them all. Using the MD-RA 51% Amateur Determination Checklist, it was unofficially determined that 56% of the Savannah kit required builder input while a whopping 76% of the CH701 kit required builder input.
Looks, performance, quality, value for your dollar, kit components, and building time all combine to make the Savannah your best choice in an all-metal STOL aircraft.