Introduced into the Zenith range of light aircraft in 1998, the CH-801 was designed to expand the utility of the STOL CH-701 series by increasing the useful load to over 454 kg (1,000 lb) whilst retaining the original designs short and rough field capability.

The Zenith Aircraft Co was formed in 1992 in Mexico, Missouri to design, develop and build small light kit aircraft for the amateur constructor and set up a production facility at the Mexico Memorial Airport.