The CH 300 is an enlarged three-seat derivative of the Zenair Zenith CH 200, designed by Chris Heintz in the mid 1970s as the Tri-Zénith.[1] Like the CH 200, it is a low-winged monoplane of all-metal construction with a fixed nosewheel undercarriage, but is larger and more powerful, and is fitted with a rear bench seat capable of accommodating a third adult or two children, and is fitted with a forward sliding canopy. It is designed to be powered by an engine giving between 125 and 180 hp (93 and 134 kW).[2]
The first example made its maiden flight on 9 July 1977, with over 400 sets of plans sold by 1982. One CH 300, modified with extra fuel tanks and piloted by Robin "Red" Morris, made a non-stop trans-Canada flight between Vancouver International Airport and Halifax International Airport on 1–2 July 1978, covering the 2,759 mile (4,440 km) in 22 hours, 44 mins, setting three FAI Class C-1c point-to-point speed records.[3]
Plans for the CH 300 remained on sale in 1999.[4] The Zenair CH 300 formed the basis for the factory built Zenair CH-2000, which first flew in 1993.[4] [5]