EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016: Zenith Aircraft Company shows Off Current and Future Designs

Fred Harl and Carmelo Turdo

 Zenith Aircraft Company had an impressive exhibit again in the Homebuilt Area at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016.  The Zenith Aircraft Company was formed in 1992 to manufacture kit-built aircraft in their Mexico, Missouri facility featuring designs based on the Zenair designs from Chris Heintz.  In addition to the excellent design of the aircraft models offered in kit form, the company maintains generous customer service and building assistance programs that make the purchase and building processes more successful. According to company President, Sebastien Heintz, Zenith Aircraft Company sales have been steady, even during the recent economic downturn, due to the soundness of the aircraft kit designs and the customer support given to each new owner.  Advanced technology manufacturing techniques have made the parts relatively easy to assemble, and the numerous hands-on workshops give ample opportunity for new kit owners to assemble one sub-assembly at a time as they progress through the building process.  Each aircraft is designed to offer ease of assembly, fuel economy and flight performance.  

The Zodiac CH 650 is the stylish, sporty model with excellent visibility and great flight performance.  A variety of engines and instrument combinations may be used with the aircraft.  The STOL CH 750 and STOL CH-701 offer short-field, off- airport performance with plenty of interior room for two and luggage.  The bubble door window offers excellent visibility and the beefy landing gear gives off-field capability with steerable nose landing gear.  
    

A new model offering will be the SAM-EX design acquired by Zenith Aircraft (and Zenair Ltd. in Canada) last year.  It is being improved and prepared for production and is based on the prototype that has been exhibited for several years.  It has a retro military trainer look and uses aluminum skin over steel frame construction.  It will be offered in quick-build kits and will offer a variety of engine and avionics options for each kit.  Check the Zenith Aircraft SAM page for production updates.    

 

Zenith Aircraft has regular builder workshops and annual Open Hangar Days, including this weekend, September 23-24.  These events are great opportunities to visit the factory, interact with the friendly staff and go on a demonstration flight around the local area.  We highly recommend a visit to this great Midwest Aviation aircraft maker.