There’s nothing like a good family get-together to bond lone individuals into like-minded cohesion. On Sept. 19 and 20, iconic kit-maker Zenith Aircraft held its 34th annual gathering of builders and enthusiasts at the Mexico, Missouri, factory. Always targeted for the third weekend of September, this year’s flying and camping weather was nearly ideal after thunderstorms rolled through on Thursday night as a precursor to some early morning fog.
“That’s why we pick these early-fall dates,” said President Sebastien Heintz. “We located this facility in the middle of the U.S. back in 1992 so it would be equally accessible from all corners of the country. Just today, I’ve seen visitors from Utah, Florida, New Hampshire, and Texas; they come from all over.” Early in the show, we counted more than 25 Zeniths flown in, and the campgrounds were filling fast. Day-tripper cars stretched along the entrance road’s wall of corn stalks as far as we could see.
Once called “Open Hangar Days” as an invitation to the local population, the Zenith reunion is now termed The Homecoming. While builder workshops are held at the factory and at traveling locations throughout the year, Homecoming provides a chance for Zenith aficionados to socialize, compare, seek counsel, and perhaps win an award for workmanship.
More than 15 vendors offered their wares in the main factory area, the CNC cutters, presses, and punches rendered silent for the long weekend. Seminars ran throughout the event, covering panel installations, insurance needs, paint and wrap finishing, and, of course, engine and propeller choices. Zenith has always supported alternative powerplants such as Fly Corvair, ULPower, and Viking Engines, in addition to traditional Rotax and Lycoming-clone installations.
Factory tours were one of the main draws, particularly for those considering making an investment in a Zenith. Travis Kobush, production manager, walked us through the conversion of raw aluminum into pre-punched and formed parts. Even after additions to the plant over the years, more room is needed, and a major expansion is moving forward.
One of the Zenith builders we interviewed was Randy Shannon of west-central Missouri, who brought not one but two of his airplanes to the show—a CH750 Super Duty STOL and a four-seat CH801, both powered by 360-CID Lycoming-style engines. Not yet content, he’s looking for another project, probably another high-wing Zenith STOL. Unlike many of the other airplanes at the show, his utilitarian birds have steam-gauge panels rather than glass cockpits. He is, however, looking into autopilot installations to ease the workload on long trips.
If planning to attend next year’s Zenith Aircraft Homecoming—or just wanting to arrange a visit to the factory—look for the Mexico airport (KMYJ) on a line connecting Missouri’s border cities of Kansas City and St. Louis, northeast of Columbia, MO. The well-kept non-towered airport offers two runways, a 5,500-foot 6/24 and a 3,200-foot 18/36, served by four instrument approaches, with Jet-A, 100LL, and no-lead auto fuel, all available via self-service.
Sorry I missed the Homecoming. I was under the weather. Maybe next year.
Have attended several of these Zenith Homecomings and always have a great time.
Another fun thing they do is their Rudder Workshops, which I highly recommend if you’re interested in building one of their aircraft. It’s a lot of fun, and very worthwhile.
My wife and I attended their rudder workshop and I finished my CH 701 in 2002. While building, I had many emails with Zenith, but no question was too dumb for them to answer. I flew with Roger in his 701 for 2 hours before I flew my 701.