Zenith Aircraft In Mexico, MO To Have High Representation at EAA AirVenture

EAA Press Release:

Likely the largest gathering of Zenith aircraft owners and builders ever assembled will convene on Oshkosh at AirVenture 2011 to celebrate company's various models of airplanes and the man who created them. Over the years, Chris Heintz has introduced more than a dozen successful kit aircraft designs, including the STOL CH 701, Zodiac CH 601, CH 650 LS and LSi, STOL CH 801, Zodiac XL, STOL CH 750 light-sport utility kit airplane, and CH 2000.

"Zeniths to Oshkosh" is a grassroots effort created through various Internet groups involving owners and enthusiasts from around the world. Zeniths to Oshkosh organizers have reserved an entire floor of dorm rooms at UW-Oshkosh's Gruenhagen Conference Center - there's already a waiting list established for those - and they're also arranging private housing for other participants. Attendees are coming from as far away as Australia and New Zealand, said Joe Scheibinger, 601 builder/owner from Oshkosh. "An Army Major serving his country in Afghanistan is even planning to come to Oshkosh on his leave," he said.

Fifty aircraft parking spaces have been reserved in the Homebuilts area, and they're expected to be filled, with about 25 owners already reserving a spot. "It looks like getting 50 Zeniths to Oshkosh will be a lot easier than I thought," Scheibinger said, adding that Zenith owners who bring their airplanes to Oshkosh will receive a commemorative presentation plaque.

Monday will be designated Chris Heintz Day and will include a special recognition event on the West Ramp with examples of Heintz-designed aircraft followed by showcase flights. Other events during the week will include forum presentations on the various Zenith models, an address by Chris Heintz at the Homebuilders Hangar, and a banquet. Planning for these events is ongoing and will be announced when finalized.

For more information, e-mail Scheibinger or call 920-237-1450.

Designer Chris Heintz - Zenith Aircraft Photo

St. Louis Aviation Pioneer Carl "Chub" Wheeler, 99, Honored by Local Daedalian Flight

Carl "Chub" Wheeler (right) Was Honored for Lifetime Achievement

Carl "Chub" Wheeler was honored for a lifetime of achievement in aviation at last night's local Daedalian Flight meeting.  For Wheeler, who will turn 100 years old later this year, that is close to two lifetimes for the rest of us!   He learned to fly at Curtiss-Steinberg Airport (later Parks Airport and now St. Louis Downtown Airport) in 1934, earned his private and transport licenses, operated a flight school, taught Army Air Corps pilots during World War II, managed the renamed Parks Airport in the 1950s, flew corporate DC-3s for Monsanto and the St. Louis Post Dispatch, and continued flying his vintage Fairchild 24 for years after "retirement."  He still shares his unique perspective of St. Louis aviation in a style that leaves the listener with the feeling of having been there right along with him.  Joining with the Daedalians and the St. Louis aviation community, The Aero Experience salutes Chub Wheeler!

EAA 32 Young Eagles Event Gathers Diverse Aircraft At St. Charles County Airport

EAA 32 Has Large Turnout for Young Eagles Event With Jeff Skiles and Rod Hightower

Young Eagles Flights were conducted for youth 8-17 years old in a variety of aircraft:

No child was left behind...

EAA President Rod Hightower arrived in his Stearman and gave several Young Eagles Flights:

Flight Simulators were also available:

Jeff Skiles, Young Eagles Co-Chairman and First Officer on US Air "Miracle on the Hudson" flight spoke to the next generation of pilots and announced new Young Eagles initiatives: