Zenith Aircraft Co. Archives - ByDanJohnson.com

Zenith Aircraft Co.

Phone: (573) 581-9000

Mexico, MO 65265 - USA

DeLand Showcase 2018 — Day Two …the Good Times Continue

By Dan Johnson || November 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

A beautiful 2013 SportStar Max brokered by Evektor dealer Dreams Come True. Used aircraft sales are a growing part of their enterprise.

At a reception ending Day Two, DeLand Showcase Director Jana Filip reported that front gate receipts were greater on Thursday than either Thursday of the two prior years of the Showcase. Then she announced Friday's gate was greater than the two previous Fridays. DeLand Showcase 2018 is the third running of the event. Showers rolled in threatening Showcase's perfect weather record although the rain didn't start until exhibitors and sponsors had gathered in the main show center tent. Under shelter, live music was presented by the Flying Musicians Association, lead by professional music man, Gary Filip. A catered dinner fed the group and as the evening concluded, the rain died off as if on cue. A couple tents were damaged by strong winds including one in the Dreams Come True booth of Steve and Debbie Minnich and an EAA Chapter food tent. No airplane damage was reported.

New Jabiru distributor Scott Severen of U.S. Sport Planes said he exceeded his first year sales goal.

A front will pass in the night and weather looks much improved for the third and final day on Saturday so I'd still judge DeLand's weather to be an unblemished record even if blustery winds on Friday slowed flying activities. On the final day we hope to capture several Video Pilot Reports (VPRs) as we are scheduled to fly Jabiru's new J-230D, the SeaMax LSA seaplane, the 912iS-powered Aeropilot L600, and M-Squared's CH750 Cruzer. VPRs require more than two hours each to mount and later demount multiple cameras inside and out, fly for 45 minutes to an hour examining multiple characteristics of each airplane, followed by a stand-up review of the aircraft. We will work as hard as possible to get all four done in the remaining day. (Then the true time consuming job of editing begins for YouTube Ultralight News publisher, Videoman Dave.)

2018 Results Keep Adding Up

Yesterday's Day One post related several conpanies giving satisfactory results for their sales this year. Perhaps encouraged by a buoyant economy, pilots are choosing new LSA but in parallel more importers and manufacturers are helping to move used LSA. The fleet has grown enough to generate a good supply of low-time, desirable Light-Sport Aircraft. Any representing looking to sell new machines can boost their enterprise by also facilitating the sale of used aircraft. In either new or used transactions, pilots win as they can acquire aircraft that interest them. It's all good and 2018 is proving to be a respectable year.

Seamax is another company pleased with their U.S. developments. We interviewed lead designer and business owner Miguel Rosario to find his lightest-of-the-LSA-seaplane-fleet Seamax is developing their business on the campus of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. With care and long experience, Miguel has built an active enterprise that has supplied more than 150 aircraft around the globe with about 10% flying in the USA. That number is sure to grow with the Brazilian company's American operation, an excellent price point among LSA seaplanes, and sprightly performance SuperPetrel reports delivery of eight units in the last year after establishing their U.S. base. Global sales over many years are now approaching serial number 400 according to representatives from the Ormond Beach, Florida enterprise of Brazilian investors associated with Scoda Aeronautica. This seaplane maker is also growing its installed base in America for this long-established design that was thoroughly updated when Scoda (formerly Edra) Aeronautica took over Super Petrel. An FAA audit proved the quality of their work as they earned SLSA credentials.

Inside the tent, we did an interview with Sensenich president Don Rowell. The very popular maker of wood, metal, and composite props reported strong business that is challenging the company to keep propellers in stock. To address the demand, Sensenich is expanding and bringing new CNC equipment. We will be visiting the factory just before Sun 'n Fun 2019 to give viewers a tour of their new facility and equipment. As with yesterday's report, this is not an exhaustive review of each exhibiting company. Yet the sum of reports from company after company reinforces the view that 2018 qualifyies as a solid year. I see the happy smiles of new pilot owners on the field.

At a reception ending Day Two, DeLand Showcase Director Jana Filip reported that front gate receipts were greater on Thursday than either Thursday of the two prior years of the Showcase. Then she announced Friday’s gate was greater than the two previous Fridays. DeLand Showcase 2018 is the third running of the event. Showers rolled in threatening Showcase’s perfect weather record although the rain didn’t start until exhibitors and sponsors had gathered in the main show center tent. Under shelter, live music was presented by the Flying Musicians Association, lead by professional music man, Gary Filip. A catered dinner fed the group and as the evening concluded, the rain died off as if on cue. A couple tents were damaged by strong winds including one in the Dreams Come True booth of Steve and Debbie Minnich and an EAA Chapter food tent. No airplane damage was reported.

Jumping Off the Ground F-A-S-T and Landing Super Short — Fun!

By Dan Johnson || February 6, 2018 Leave a Comment

Sebastien Heintz of Zenith Aircraft in Mexico, Missouri is one of the more vigorous promoters in light aviation. He and his 25-year-old company are all over social media and advertise in big magazines. This week his news came from about as far away as possible, from way down under in New Zealand. "A Zenith STOL, expertly piloted by Deane Philip, was the winner of the New Zealand Bush Pilot Championships in Omaka, New Zealand, on Saturday, February 3, 2017," reported Sebastien. Deane won with a take-off distance of just 12.6 meters (41.3 feet) and a landing roll of 14.7 meters (48.2 feet). See the video below. By any measure, that is very, very short. "Another Zenith STOL aircraft, piloted by Chris Anderson, took second place," bragged Sebastien. In third place was a Rans S6 for third place in the Sport Pilot (under 1,325 pound) category.

Deane's STOL CH 701 is powered by a 130-horsepower Viking engine. Chris Anderson uses a 120-hp Rotax 912ULS "big bore EFI" engine. This fifth annual STOL competition — officially called the "Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Championships" — is a precision landing, STOL Takeoff and Landing competition held annually at Omaka Airfield, Blenheim, New Zealand. Deane Philip (photo) hails from Christchurch, New Zealand. He has been flying for five years, logging 570 hours in his Zenith STOL over that time. How does he succeed? "Every take off and landing is a focused precision attempt," Deane related. "All of my flying is off-airport and the places we land and take-off from you need to be on point. Even when leaving and arriving at my home field I use the runway threshold line as a target point to continually hone my skills. An average outing will consist of 10 to 20 off field landings instead of just flying from A to B. This is the type of flying where the Zenith STOL truly excels." That training is how to win STOL competitions. Well done, Deane!

Very Light to Very Heavy

Yes, you can see better photos of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch, but this was my own shot.

Talk about your short takeoff… I just witnessed the successful launch of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch, a test flight aiming to transport a Tesla Roadster to Mars. Because I live near Daytona Beach, Florida, I often get to observe rocket launches live. Sheesh! These two accomplishments could hardly be further apart and I don't mean geographically. The space geek in me is always drawn outside to my back yard to get a wonderful view of a launch. I've been privileged to see many, including all the final Space Shuttle launches. With my neighbors who live on the 12th fairway of the golf course at Spruce Creek Fly In, we stood on a pleasantly warm day to see this ground-breaking launch. While we could not see the return of all three rockets, they landed successfully, two on terra firma and one on SpaceX's barge at sea.

Because we are about 50 miles away, the sound of these (count 'em) 27 rocket motors traveled to Daytona in about four minutes. The rumbling from those huge motors throbbed on and on, longer than any launch I can remember. The winds need to be rather calm for the sound to travel this far and today we got lucky. Cool! Go private space companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others. I'm a NASA fan, too, but I want to see these private enterprises take the baton and race outward to the planets …and it's happening. I just hope that Tesla can find a parking spot when it gets to Mars orbit. https://youtu.be/RSc__x0rO9k https://youtu.be/Tk338VXcb24

Sebastien Heintz of Zenith Aircraft in Mexico, Missouri is one of the more vigorous promoters in light aviation. He and his 25-year-old company are all over social media and advertise in big magazines. This week his news came from about as far away as possible, from way down under in New Zealand. “A Zenith STOL, expertly piloted by Deane Philip, was the winner of the New Zealand Bush Pilot Championships in Omaka, New Zealand, on Saturday, February 3, 2017,” reported Sebastien. Deane won with a take-off distance of just 12.6 meters (41.3 feet) and a landing roll of 14.7 meters (48.2 feet). See the video below. By any measure, that is very, very short. “Another Zenith STOL aircraft, piloted by Chris Anderson, took second place,” bragged Sebastien. In third place was a Rans S6 for third place in the Sport Pilot (under 1,325 pound) category. Deane’s STOL CH 701 is powered by a 130-horsepower Viking engine.

Zenith Aircraft — CH-750 Cruzer PILOT REPORT (0914)

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

Zenith has found a very ripe market with lots of buyers of their kit-only CH-701 or CH-750 models that some refer to as a "Sky Jeep." These are STOL models with short takeoff and landing. Plenty of people love it but prefer a higher cruise speed for cross country travel. Therefore, welcome to Cruzer. It dispenses with the slotted wings and fat tires. Wheelpanted and using only a single wing strut with a cleaner wing, Cruzer, well ... cruises. However, it keeps a very short takeoff and landing and retains the easy flying qualities of the Sky Jeep.

Zenith has found a very ripe market with lots of buyers of their kit-only CH-701 or CH-750 models that some refer to as a “Sky Jeep.” These are STOL models with short takeoff and landing. Plenty of people love it but prefer a higher cruise speed for cross country travel. Therefore, welcome to Cruzer. It dispenses with the slotted wings and fat tires. Wheelpanted and using only a single wing strut with a cleaner wing, Cruzer, well … cruises. However, it keeps a very short takeoff and landing and retains the easy flying qualities of the Sky Jeep.

Zenith Aircraft — One Week Wonder (CH-750)

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

At AirVenture 2014, EAA hosted Zenith Aircraft in a major project in which 2,500 people gave some assistance to a central team that built an entire CH-750 from shipping container to FAA sign-off and test fly during the seven days of the show in Oshkosh. At the end Jeff Skiles (crew member of the famous airliner landing on the Hudson River) test flew the airplane. Here's a view of the furious effort to get the job done quickly and well.

At AirVenture 2014, EAA hosted Zenith Aircraft in a major project in which 2,500 people gave some assistance to a central team that built an entire CH-750 from shipping container to FAA sign-off and test fly during the seven days of the show in Oshkosh. At the end Jeff Skiles (crew member of the famous airliner landing on the Hudson River) test flew the airplane. Here’s a view of the furious effort to get the job done quickly and well.

Zenith Aircraft — CH-750 Cruzer

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

When you think a company has wrung all it could from a design, think again and then once more. First came the CH-701 STOL, which acquired the nickname "Sky Jeep" for its great off-runway capabilities and short take off. Zenith improved that with the CH-750 that featured a wider cockpit among other changes. At Sun 'n Fun 2013 Zenith unveiled the Cruzer, a non-STOL version of the same airplane now offering faster cruising. We spoke with expert factory pilot Roger Dubbert about the newest variation on this successful theme.

When you think a company has wrung all it could from a design, think again and then once more. First came the CH-701 STOL, which acquired the nickname “Sky Jeep” for its great off-runway capabilities and short take off. Zenith improved that with the CH-750 that featured a wider cockpit among other changes. At Sun ‘n Fun 2013 Zenith unveiled the Cruzer, a non-STOL version of the same airplane now offering faster cruising. We spoke with expert factory pilot Roger Dubbert about the newest variation on this successful theme.

Zenith Aircraft — CH-650 (2012)

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

Zenith Aircraft CH-650 is the follow-on to the popular CH-601 with hundreds flying. Company pilot Roger Dubbert tells us about some of the differences between the predecessor and the '650 and he answers our questions on your behalf regarding flight controls, comfort, baggage and more. Come hear the details for this "sedan" of the line complementing the "Sky Jeep" CH-750.

Zenith Aircraft CH-650 is the follow-on to the popular CH-601 with hundreds flying. Company pilot Roger Dubbert tells us about some of the differences between the predecessor and the ‘650 and he answers our questions on your behalf regarding flight controls, comfort, baggage and more. Come hear the details for this “sedan” of the line complementing the “Sky Jeep” CH-750.

Zenith Aircraft Line — CH-701, CH-750, CH-650

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

We talked with Roger Dubbert about the whole line of Zenith aircraft, including the CH-701 STOL in kit form, the larger CH-750 in SLSA or kit, and the low wing CH-650. But we also looked at the UL engine that the Zenith folks fitted to their CH-650 design. See more about the engine HERE but listento Roger describe how Zenith regards this new entry.

Zenith — STOL CH 750

By Dan Johnson || August 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

Some have called this design the Jeep of the sky and one flight demonstration will tell you why. An examination shows the leading edge slats and an overall design intended for the shortest possible takeoff and landing (called STOL) and the second generation STOL CH 750 can provide that capability all day long. A well established design from a longtime supplier, about a kit a day leaves Mexico, Missouri including the company's low wing Zodiac CH 650 design.

Does Canada Welcome Light-Sport Aircraft?

By Dan Johnson || April 27, 2016 Leave a Comment

One of Canada's most famous aircraft producers is Zenair, a sister enterprise to Zenith Aircraft based in the USA.

From the 1982 vintage Jesse Anglin's J6 Karatoo comes L'il Buzzard, introduced in 1990. Background: A development of the 1982 vintage Anglin J6 Karatoo, the L'il Buzzard was introduced in 1999 - Specs or order: here. L'il Huster and L'il Buzzard are kit aircraft with professional builder assist available.

You may not be thinking about it now while the snow swirls and piles up in mountainous white drifts, but in a few months, Canada will again be a very scenic place to fly. May an American LSA owner do so? While a growing number of countries around the world have been steadily embracing use of ASTM standards — as are used to gain FAA acceptance in the U.S. — Canada has resisted the trend. America's neighbor to the North has another category called Advanced Ultra-Light Aeroplane (AULA) that is very similar to LSA and has worked for Transport Canada for years. Canadian authorities have subtly changed the game and relaxed the cost of flying your Yankee LSA north of the border. According to writer Patrick Gilligan, "An exemption by Transport Canada (TC) makes it more affordable and less onerous for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) from the United States to be flown into Canada." Gilligan continued to explain (original COPA article) saying that American LSA owners simply have to download and complete a Standardized Validation form (available here). The good news is that a former $100 fee has been eliminated. The bad news is that TC still requires a private pilot certificate with a valid medical. How about Canadians who want to own and fly a LSA in their home country? TC is still considering industry proposals. However, Gilligan wrote, "While the recommendations work their way through the bureaucracy, there are three existing aircraft categories into which a LSA can be registered in Canada." Method one is that LSA can be registered in the Advanced Ultra-Light Aeroplane (AULA) category. (A Basic or BULA category allows for simpler, more American-style Ultralight Aircraft.) The manufacturer must make a "Fit for Flight" statement, conform to AULA standard TP10141, appear on TC's eligible list, and meet other conditions which can be found here. The aircraft cannot gross more than 1,232 pounds with no float allowance. Method two is LSA can be registered in the Amateur-Built category. Aircraft in this category have no weight or seat limitations and "LSA ASTM maximum takeoff weights are 1,320 pounds or 1,430 pounds if the aircraft is operated on floats." An LSA using this category must meet a 51%-owner-built requirement and the aircraft must be on the joint FAA/TC eligibility list or pass a determination. Gilligan added, "The pilot/owner must hold an appropriate license to fly the aircraft in Canada, which is at least a pilot permit-recreational or a private pilot license." Method three is that LSA can be registered Limited Class, which was developed to allow old out-of production, non-certified aircraft but LSA can be included in this category. Gilligan explained, "This category does not have a weight limitation but LSA ASTM maximum takeoff weights are 1,320 pounds [with a] 1,430 pound allowance on floats." A Special Flight Authority application is required for flight into U.S. airspace. Special approval is needed from Transport Canada. Most countries, even those that say they fully embrace Light-Sport Aircraft approved to ASTM standards, tend to add some of their own regulation. So Canada can hardly be blamed for sticking to their AULA sector, which has a far longer history than FAA's SP/LSA rules. It appears most government agencies prefer to show their independence and not perfectly imitate FAA. While LSA are now better accepted in Canada, authorities in that country do not presently welcome flying by those holding a Sport Pilot certificate. So far only the only country outside America that does accept Sport Pilot is the Bahamas. You'll still need a medical and your Private certificate or better but duly licensed Americans can at least fly their LSA over the many lovely parts of Canada.

Cruzer Prepared for FAA Kit Evaluation Team

By Dan Johnson || April 27, 2016 Leave a Comment

Watch our Video Pilot Report to get more details about the Zenith Cruzer model.

Freddy Heintz hovers his quadcopter over the Cruzer kit parts as part of the video shoot (see below).

Even very familiar companies like Zenith Aircraft company, part of a family light aviation empire including Zenair in Canada•, has to prepare well when FAA comes to visit. Specifically, this would be the agency's KET or Kit Evaluation Team. When various representatives of the regulatory agency visit they use a multi-page list to assure that a kit aircraft meets the requirement that 51% of the kit is built by the owner. Formerly called Experimental Amateur Built (or EAB), many aviators simply say the "51% rule." In earlier times, kit aircraft were scratch built — meaning a builder secured raw materials that had to be formed and finished while referring to drawings, a potentially very lengthy process. To ease the effort and increase sales, an industry developed to sell component kits. These have become increasingly sophisticated with qualities such as match-hole construction using CNC machines. Making it easier for a builder to assemble his or her aircraft is good, but the kit manufacturer must be able to clearly demonstrate how the owner will do 51% of the work, as required. As you might imagine, this demands a thorough review of the kit. To prepare for FAA's visit, company staff spread out all the kit parts for their Cruzer model in a hangar bay at the factory, showing what the kit looks like as supplied to builders (this video addresses how Cruzer fits in Zenith's line). You can watch a short video below that Zenith recorded; it demonstrates the part count pretty well and from the time it took just to lay them all out neatly, you may get some concept for the build effort to follow. Zenith kits "are supplied ready for assembly, using pulled (blind) rivets," said Zenith. "Parts are pre-formed and finished at the factory, and supplied pre-drilled, mainly final hole-size and ready for riveting. Welded assemblies are welded at the factory, and wing spars are supplied factory-finished." "This is just the latest Zenith kit to be evaluated by the FAA so the outcome of this evaluation is really not in question," observed Roger Dubbert, company demo pilot and customer service specialist. As an EAB owners can choose engines, avionics, and other options as they like, demonstrating the flexibility the 51% rule offers. Zenith said that popular engines include Continental, Lycoming, UL Power, Rotax, and a number of auto conversions, such as Viking. "Instrument panels can also be fully customized by the builder/owner, ranging from full IFR glass panels (Dynon, Garmin and others) to basic 'steam gauges' and/or iPad panels," added Zenith. Company president Sebastien Heintz added that his, "airplane[s] ... can still be operated by a Sport Pilot." Photos show the company's newest model the Zenith CH 750 Cruzer, "an economical all-metal two-seat cross-country cruiser based on the hugely successful STOL high-wing designs from aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz," concluded Zenith. The following time-lapse video shows the team carefully laying out all the airframe parts for their Cruzer model. • For those who prefer to expedite the process of building Zenair offers a builder assist center. Get more info here on Zenair's Two-Week Wonder program.

Sam Aircraft Snapped Up by Zenith / Zenair

By Dan Johnson || January 19, 2016 Leave a Comment

Watch our video about Sam Aircraft's Sam LS.

You can read my pilot report after flying the Sam LS with developer Thierry Zibi.

Zenith and Zenair are closely-linked enterprises with different leaders in different countries. In recent years, the three Heintz brothers took different responsibilities for the business founded by dad, Chris Heintz. An aeronautical engineer, Chris founded Zenair Ltd., in Canada in 1974 and parleyed his design pedigree into a flock of airplanes that have sold by the thousand all over the world. Today, Matt, Sebastien, and Michael run the multifaceted firm. Through 2015, the combined effort of Zenith and Zenair sought to produce light plane models called 750 STOL, 750 Cruzer, and 650B Zodiac plus four seat kits called CH 801/8000, a sport-utility plane, and the four-seat CH 640 plus a type-certified four seater called CH 2000. That fleet recently got a bit larger when Zenith / Zenair bought the assets from the Canadian developer of Sam LS. "Sam Aircraft assets have been acquired by the ... owners and operators of Zenith Aircraft Company (U.S.) and Zenair Ltd. (Canada)," Matt and Sebastien Heintz announced on January 18, 2016. Founded in 2009 by Thierry Zibi in Quebec, Canada, Sam Aircraft's LS model was developed as a Light-Sport Aircraft. A low-wing all-metal tandem two-seater, the Sam Aircraft design sets itself apart with a rare balance of retro styling and modern engineering. Thierry was inspired by legendary trainers of the Golden Age of Aviation but he wanted to offer pilot comfort, modern technology, and dependable flight characteristics that present-day pilots seek. "Several variants of the design are being developed for different load configurations and performance characteristics," said the new owners. They referenced variations that feature different wing sections with various spans; both tricycle and tailwheel landing gear; and fully enclosed or open cockpit canopy choices. As they absorb the new model into their fleet of Chris Heintz original designs the brothers have been researching market viability for the different design configurations. The possibilities include the LSA version at 1,320 pounds gross weight, or Amateur-Built Experimental at 1,440 pounds gross weight. These will use a wing span of 28.5 feet, and the company believes the Sam flying prototype meets the LSA definition. Kit variations can have different parameters. For example, Amateur-Built Experimentals can operate at 1,800 pounds with the option to install heavier engines such as the Lycoming 0-320 at 160 horsepower or modern auto conversions. Wing span for these models is 32 feet. Finally, a amateur-built Sport Aerobatic Configuration would have a wing span of 25.25 feet and carry two people at 1,440 pounds for limited aerobatics or one person at 1,200 pounds for full G-load aerobatics as per FAR 23. "Zenair engineers are currently performing a thorough review of the Sam Aircraft design," said Matt Heintz of Zenair. "The advanced engineering [Thierry] used in developing the Sam is impressive, including extensive use of 3D modeling. With us bringing this aircraft to market, the new Sam Aircraft design will benefit from our 40 years of experience manufacturing aircraft kits." To help the companies focus on the most popular features for the new Sam Aircraft models, Zenith Aircraft has created a short survey and is inviting all interested parties to complete the online survey. Sam in all its variations appear to fit the Zenith / Zenair enterprises well. Like the companies' existing Heintz designs Sam Aircraft models are constructed primarily of 6061-T6 aluminum assembled with blind rivets, making them easy and quick to build as well as durable and affordable. "The design, construction and assembly of the SAM Aircraft series will integrate well into Zenith Aircraft's current production, which already relies heavily on CNC parts production, said Sebastien Heintz, president of Zenith Aircraft Company in Missouri. Based on survey results, SAM Aircraft may be offered as complete kits, quick-build kits, and/or as fully factory-assembled aircraft.

Two Week Wonder = Wonderful Two Weeks

By Dan Johnson || January 15, 2016 Leave a Comment

Your choices in the affordable aircraft range of options are composed of one of three segments that this website tracks closely: Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA or ELSA), light kit-built aircraft, or Part 103 ultralights. In the first one, you can spend some real money with a few aircraft breaching the $200,000 barrier. Some handsome, well-equipped, high-performing aircraft are offered in that range, to be sure, but they may not fit your budget. Not all SLSA are not so expensive; some excellent candidates list for $40,000 to $125,000. If a Part 103 aircraft may suit your flying needs, you have a more choices that will get you aloft for a literal fraction of the high-end models. Alternatively, you can build your own airplane. If you choose the homebuilder route, your range of choices becomes even larger, in fact, almost infinite in that you can personalize an aircraft any way you wish and keep changing it as you like. The Experimental Amateur Built sector continues to be a great way to own a great airplane ... IF you don't mind the build time investment. In some cases, this is not too long, a few months, perhaps. In other cases, it can become a lifestyle, taking years. If you fit into "none of the above" categories — that is no SLSA, no Part 103, and lack the time for a full build job — you have one other choice. Deliciously, it is an excellent one. Unless you cancelled every aviation magazine subscription and turned off your Internet service, you can hardly have missed the One Week Wonder. In their usual marvelous fashion, EAA promoted the blazes out of this effort, which brought together expert builders with 2,500 "part timers" to assemble a Zenith CH-750 Cruzer at AirVenture Oshkosh ... from crated kit to fully assembled in one week! You can watch our video interview with Roger Dubbert about this fascinating, EAA member project just as it was getting underway at the big summer show in 2014. If you missed out on the One Week Wonder — or even if you helped — the aircraft wasn't yours in the end. (Of course, neither did you have to pay for it.) How about adding one extra week, a reasonably modest sum of your own money and end up with your very own STOL 750, Cruzer 750, or Zodiac 650B? From Zenair Ltd., just across the U.S. border in Ontario, Canada, comes the Two Week Wonder. How does this work? First, you choose which of those models most interests you. Each has a long history and many other builders. Ask around and you'll likely find someone in your aviation group that has built or helped build one of the Chris Heintz designs. Two of Chris' sons, Matt and Michael, started the Two Week Wonder (2WW) program. Professional builder-assist centers are scattered around the USA and they are a great way to help less-certain builders get their airplane done and do so without the project dragging on forever. FAA approves of this technique as the pros only help you do the work, advising you on techniques and processes and offering space and tools. Zenair's 2WW arrangement is especially functional as the same family controls the designs, makes the kit components, and has lived with and flown these aircraft for decades. That kind of experience doesn't generally come cheaply but how about $99,990 ... for everything!? For less than $100K, Zenair lets you have it your way as simply as 1-2-3. First Zenair has you select your model: Pick the high wing, bubble door Sky Jeep (STOL 750) or its speedier sibling (Cruzer 750), or the low wing, faster-yet Zodiac 650B. Second, choose your engine: Continental O-200D or Rotax 912 ULS, or UL Power. All are good choices with good history. Field support for Continental is widespread. Rotax has built an impressive service network and UL Power has personalized support from importer, Robert Helm. Third, pick your avionics, and what a tough choice that will be, deciding between Garmin's superlative G3X Touch or Dynon's ground-breaking SkyView Touch. Both come with com radio, intercom, and transponder. If you're not content with this excellent package, you can further personalize your airplane with options. When you're done choosing, Matt and Michael arrange professional help from PlaneCrafters, located beside Zenair in the beautiful Georgian Bay area of central Ontario. While you're building your kit, stay onsite or at one of the many local hotels, taking advantage of the low-cost Canadian dollar. "Buyers can build their airplanes with supervision and guidance from factory experts, using factory fixtures and special tools," said Zenair partner and Heintz brother, Michael. "Zenith kits are easy to build and we want to allow customers to [have] that experience, in a supervised ... factory setting, where all the tools are readily at hand and experts are guiding the buyers." Build the airplane to your wishes, but any model can be constructed within the 1,320-pound weight limit that will let you fly it with a Sport Pilot certificate and no medical. Here is what you will do ... Close the wings and tail sections and complete the advanced airframe kit Complete the instrument panel and pre-wired electrical system (plug-n-play) Bolt-on a factory-new engine with a the supplied firewall-forward package Install the wings and tail sections (that were completed in the first week) to the fuselage Finalize the installation of the controls and fuel system Complete a detailed inspection of the aircraft Start the engine and taxi the aircraft! All for the introductory price of $99,990. Ready?

Viking Engine Wins STOL Competition & Customers

By Dan Johnson || September 30, 2014 Leave a Comment

Engine suppliers must love Zenith Aircraft, perhaps as much as their many airframe owners. For 23 years, the kit company based in Mexico, Missouri has supplied about 200 kits per year to buyers all over the country and around the world. That is a selling performance any light airplane company would like to boast. One reason for their success is their support of a variety of engines, no small feat considering each engines has special qualities to be considered when installing and using them. Good for Zenith for going the extra mile. One of the many engines they support is the Viking Aircraft Engine from Edgewater, Florida on the Atlantic side of the Sunshine State. Zenith also supports engines from Rotax, Jabiru, UL Power, and Continental. See the video below covering the short field takeoff and landing competition on a pretty, sunny day at the Mexico airport.

Zenith reported, "Winning performance by Jan Eggenfellner flying a Zenith STOL CH 750 powered by a Viking 110 engine." To win the competition you had to do well at both takeoff and landing, an appropriate way to show off the potential for Zenith's high-lift CH 750 STOL. Jan won the contest with a very impressive 219 feet, comprised of a takeoff at 110 feet and landing in just 109 feet. Of course, as an engine producer this was very satisfying as he flew a handsome burgundy CH-750 powered by one of his Viking engines producing 110 horsepower. As do other powerplant providers, Viking works to assist buyers with is often called a firewall forward package, sometimes containing a nose cowl that encloses the engine that can help performance. Despite some challenges beginning this company (see last paragraph), Viking has successfully installed engines on several aircraft types (nearby photo). At the Missouri Open Hangar Day event, four Viking-powered Zenith models attended including three that made the lengthy trip from Florida plus another from Ohio. Three CH 750s were joined by a low wing CH 650.

Viking offers a bit more power than the Continental or Rotax engines that lift so many Light-Sport Aircraft in the USA and around the world. UL Power can provide several engines with even more power but Viking prides itself on the performance achieved by their attractive powerplants. The Florida company reported that a Cessna 150 using a Viking engine with a custom cowling can cruise at 135 mph even without wheelpants. That's impressive. I once owned a Cessna 150 with a 150-horsepower Lycoming engine that didn't cruise that fast (though it did empty the standard fuel tanks in a couple hours). One builder of a Van's RV-12 sent airspeed indicator photo proof of cruising 145 miles an hour with the Viking, though we didn't hear the atmospheric conditions at the time. A Sonex reportedly can achieve 170 mph in the speedy, low-cost design from Oshkosh Wisconsin and a Just Aircraft model likewise sent a photo of his ASI showing 115 mph. On the other end of the spectrum, at least one powered parachute operator fitted the Viking ... but speed isn't a factor. Powered parachute speeds are dictated by the canopy wing, not engine power. The Florida engine maker reports fitting 32 air frames in their five years of existence. See our video for more details about Viking.

Jan Eggenfellner (photo) is the designer of the Viking Aircraft Engine. For 15 years, from 1994 to 2009, he built and sold aircraft powerplants based on Subaru engines. His goal was to hold down the cost of engines, which as any homebuilder knows, can be a significant investment. By his own telling, a low profit margin and a worsening national economy drove him to bankruptcy in 2009. He wrote, "Some customers lost money. I personally lost everything, providing refunds until no money was left." In 2010, he restarted his engine business based on a Honda block and remaining Subaru parts. "Some interest was gained by showing the engine at a local airshow for Light-Sport Aircraft," he wrote. "An initial cost of $9,900 brought enough customers onboard to form a new company." The Viking engine project was started and financing secured. Today, Jan reported, "Viking Aircraft Engines, LLC is a sound company with 11 people actively working to produce engines in Florida." Reflecting on the earlier enterprise, he admits, "I am sorry that my previous company was unable to survive. I have some critics." He requests that potential customers "ask any Viking Aircraft Engine owner" and to that end, he provides comments from buyers on his website. Catch the STOL competition fun in this video from Zenith Aircraft.

Open Houses, Airshow-Built Planes, and a Birthday

By Dan Johnson || September 23, 2014 Leave a Comment

Last weekend Zenith Aircraft held another of their open house events. At the Midwest LSA Expo a few weeks beforehand I asked factory pilot guru, Roger Dubbert how many people the company expected. His answer: a rather amazing "700." According to Zenith president Sebastien Heintz it was indeed another strong event, one they've repeated every year since setting up shop in Mexico, Missouri. "By all accounts and measurements, the 23rd annual Hangar Day was an incredible winner," summarized Sebastien. Among the highlights of the two-day festivities was the arrival of EAA's two Zenith aircraft. One was an EAA staff-built version of the CH 750 Cruzer (watch for our video pilot report to be posted soon) and the second was the One Week Wonder CH 750 that was completed during AirVenture with participation from over 2,500 people. As Arion Aircraft's Nick Otterback put it, "Since this month seems to offer many open houses I wanted to share ours. We are hosting our Seventh Annual Fly In Open House; we have held it the first weekend in October since we started Arion." As reported earlier Jabiru USA is celebrating 15 years and coordinated with Arion to hold their open houses on the same weekend. "We thought that was a great idea since most Lightning owners fly behind Jabiru power," added Nick. The company holds a cross country air race for bragging rights every year. "We have a Light-Sport Class, an Experimental Class, and an Unlimited Class, the latter for all of our fast kit friends and Arion's new XS. It has been a lot of fun over the years and made for some good ribbing among owners over the years." In the one-more-thing department, Nick noted, "If you want to see possibly the worlds largest Jenga game we've got it!" For more details, check with Nick via email or phone: 931-680-1781. Are you wondering what on Earth is a "4-4-40 Challenge?" It got my attention, too. Following on the huge success of EAA's One Week Wonder building a Zenith Aircraft CH-750 during AirVenture 2014, The Airplane Factory is repeating an earlier challenge of their own. This time a team of 40 workers from Sling designer and manufacturer will attempt to build and fly a four seat kit called Sling 4 in only four days! The build is taking place as this is written at the 2014 Africa Aerospace and Defense Expo at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in South Africa. The team is working around the clock, with the day and night being split into 10 and 14 hour shifts, respectively. "This is not the first time that The Airplane Factory (TAF) has undertaken such an exciting project," reported company officials. Back in 2011, the Sling 5577 Challenge combined efforts of five men from the factory and five women who never had touched a rivet gun; they built a two seat Sling in seven days. This year on only the second day, TAF said, "A Sling 4 has been born ... well, just about! The team has made great progress on Day 2, so much that Mike Blyth, team leader of the build, declared that they are ahead of schedule." I'm no longer surprised by TAF projects. This company has not only built many airplanes for customers but has flown both their two seat LSA Sling and the four seat Sling 4 around the world, both shortly after the designs were completed. They should wrap up the speedy build in just four days. Wrapping up this piece, I wish to extend a "Happy Birthday" to an old friend of mine but also a man who was instrumental in the forming of the light aircraft space as we know it today ... such space now including Light-Sport Aircraft, light kit aircraft that Sport Pilot can fly, ultralights, and even Light GA airplanes referred to as LSA 4.0 that are getting ready to invade the factory certified aircraft sector. The man and my friend is Larry Burke who just celebrated his 80th birthday though you'd never guess he's accumulated that much wisdom. Larry can't get away to all the shows as he once did but he graced Sun 'n Fun 2014 with his smiling face and he consented to a video interview that appears below. Larry Burke founded the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association back in the early 1980s and it still flourishes today thanks the solid guidance he offered back in the "wild west" days of the first ultralight aircraft. Whether you know it or not, you owe a debt of gratitude to Larry for his work over decades. In my role as president of LAMA I still often ask his counsel and he is always quick to offer his perspective as an engineer, entrepreneur, designer and builder of aircraft, and great enthusiast of light aircraft. Thanks, Larry! Catch a number of scenes of early light aircraft assembled by SportAviationMagazine.com in this video interview with Larry Burke.

Post-AirVenture 2014 News Review

By Dan Johnson || August 8, 2014 Leave a Comment

MVP.aero's new LSA seaplane was a great draw to EAA's 10th Year Celebration of Sport Pilot & Light-Sport Aircraft. Watch for more details and a video on MVP soon.

More than 2,500 people had some hand in building this Zenith CH-750 in a single week of AirVenture 2014. The aircraft flew shortly after the show ended. photo courtesy EAA

Tecnam enjoyed a strong show of sales as did several other vendors in what appears to be a much-improved 2014 market.

SuperSTOL pilot and designer, Troy Woodland, was honored at AirVenture 2014. photo courtesy Just Aircraft

The largest directory of all the world's light aircraft is out with a fresh edition.

Summer's big show is over and most aviation business folks are back home having that love/hate affair with email that piled up while we worked the event. On whole, the success story is strong. Airplanes sold, crowds were good, accidents were few, and the weather was not smoking hot like it has been in years past (though brief rain showers kept folks dashing for cover on occasion). EAA says attendance was up from last year, that the numbers of airplanes was higher, and that campgrounds reached capacity by midweek. EAA's special 10th Anniversary of Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft Exhibit drew well all week with 17 aircraft representing all sectors within the SP/LSA space. Visitors could hardly miss the wonderfully central space AirVenture planners offered for this one-year display. With the front corners presenting a bright green Van's RV-12 plus the freshly debuted MVP seaplane attendees were practically compelled to wander the space and see all the flying machines. Big Light-Sport and general aviation aircraft producer Tecnam reported good sales success at AirVenture Oshkosh following on their strong performance at Sun 'n Fun when they also announced their U.S. base at the Sebring, Florida airport. Tecnam said they processed three orders for their Twin multiengine trainer and sold two P2008 and one G5 Eaglet Light-Sport aircraft. Officials from the Italian company noted especially strong interest in their new P2010 four seater in development under EASA and U.S. Part 23 rules. They forecast a product debut for the American market in the "near future." Twenty Ten's large cabin, front and rear passenger doors and comfortable interior along with Garmin avionic packages should interest many GA pilots thinking of something newer than their aging legacy models. ••• We didn't survey vendors about sales at the show but generally heard 2014 is a markedly improved year and we conducted about 40 new video interviews with many company leaders. One of those regarded the Bushcat on floats. Their folks reported two ready-to-fly LSA models and a kit sold at the event. Just Aircraft continued to turn heads and drop jaws with their impressive SuperSTOL's amazing performance. The company reported that partner and key designer Troy Woodland (photo) was selected by the EAA for the prestigious August Raspet Award in 2014. This honor is given annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the field of light aircraft design. "Woodland began designing in the 1990s, but it was his SuperSTOL that set him apart as he explored new technology in the design," said Just. SuperSTOL features self-adjusting slats on the leading edge of the wings, Fowler flaps, hydraulic strut landing gear with more than 20 inches of stroke, and a locking, shock-absorbing tail wheel. Troy is currently in the process of refining spoilers that deploy with the ailerons to increase roll response, especially at very slow speeds. The SuperSTOL also include tundra tires to cushion landings at very high angles of attack. Woodland follows earlier winners such as Curtiss Pitts, Burt Rutan, Dick VanGrunsven, and Pipistrel. "It took a while for the meaning of the award to sink in," said Woodland, "but then I realized that I'm joining a very exclusive club and it is truly a humbling experience." Troy refers to the tough, bush-capable SuperSTOL as his "creative effort toward making airports optional." Congratulations, Troy! Plenty of Light-Sport enthusiasts who attend airshows have come to know a man in a blur of motion: Willi Tacke. A German with a quick smile and seemingly boundless energy is a magazine impresario for the light aircraft set. He publishes several magazines and does so for English-speaking markets along with editions for French, German, and Chinese enthusiasts. At AirVenture 2014, some of us saw the first copy of the World Directory of Light Aviation 2014/2015 (WDLA). This thick publication with 268 full-color pages provides images, descriptions and technical data for more than 1,000 aircraft including ultralights, microlights, LSA, gyrocopter, ultralight helicopters, certified aircraft, kit aircraft, weight shift trikes, gliders, motor-gliders, instruments, engines, propellers, and accessories. Readers can find addresses of manufacturers, importers, associations, flight schools, and more; several indexes help you sift through the mass of information. WDLA is published in four languages: English, French, German and Chinese. You can buy it through shops in many countries and by mail order; find out more at Flying Pages shop. Stay tuned for more AirVenture 2014 news ...

Summer’s big show is over and most aviation business folks are back home having that love/hate affair with email that piled up while we worked the event. On whole, the success story is strong. Airplanes sold, crowds were good, accidents were few, and the weather was not smoking hot like it has been in years past (though brief rain showers kept folks dashing for cover on occasion). EAA says attendance was up from last year, that the numbers of airplanes was higher, and that campgrounds reached capacity by midweek. EAA’s special 10th Anniversary of Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft Exhibit drew well all week with 17 aircraft representing all sectors within the SP/LSA space. Visitors could hardly miss the wonderfully central space AirVenture planners offered for this one-year display. With the front corners presenting a bright green Van’s RV-12 plus the freshly debuted MVP seaplane attendees were practically compelled to wander the space and see all the flying machines.

R.E.S.T. — Rotax Offers Extended Warranty

By Dan Johnson || May 26, 2014 Leave a Comment

Rotax mechanics in training at the engine maker's in-house instructional center.

Rotax BRP is offering a new warranty extension program but it plans more. The Austrian supplier of some 80% of the powerplants used in Light-Sport Aircraft and light kit aircraft is also building a flight school locator for training operations that use their engine. Consumers have some locator services now — in fact, our own FIRM List offers resources — but most (including ours) are USA-centric. As a supplier of engines around the world, Rotax will build a locator service for the entire globe. For many that struggle to find a flight school using Light-Sport Aircraft, this should be most welcome. More on that as it develops R.E.S.T. stands for Rotax Extended Service Terms. The company introduced two new warranty extension programs for its consumers scheduled to start in November 2013. "The R.E.S.T. program provides a warranty extension for all new Rotax 4-stroke aircraft engines," Rotax said. The two variations are: The "+ 1 year or 200 hours" program that includes a one-year warranty extension or 200 additional flight hours, whichever occurs first. (One distributor plans to charge $750 for this program.) The "+ 3 years or up to TBO" program that provides three years additional warranty or up to a TBO (Time Before Overhaul) of 2,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first. (That distributor plans to charge $2,350.) Rotax added, "To ensure consumers have access to local service, the extended warranty is purchased at the distributor located where the Rotax engine is used. BRP has committed itself to highest customer satisfaction by offering outstanding service and support. The program gives the customer peace-of-mind and ensures that the engine is serviced by professional and trained Rotax service partners using only genuine Rotax parts. The offer only applies if allowed under the applicable law." To find out more information, Rotax asks you to contact your local distributor. The American implementation of this plan is still being considered by Kodiak, but international Rotax reps are ready to act. WAASPS (website), based in Ghana, is the distributor for Rotax Aircraft Engines for West Africa. Jonathan Porter, known by his handle Captain Yaw, reported, "The countries in the area are developing nations and the whole concept of light aviation is, in general, new and exciting. It is a market awaiting to be discovered by those who live there. The use of light aircraft in the LSA category in much of this area is very different to that found in other parts of the world. Pure 'leisure and pleasure' is not the case. Many of these aircraft are working for their living. Medicine on the Move in Ghana, uses a Rotax 912iS powered Zenith CH701 (photo) for aerial supply to rural communities. Rotax engines in West Africa are delivering their horsepower under hot, humid, dusty and hard working conditions." Captain Yaw continued, "West Africa is about the same area as the USA, and about the same population, however, the aircraft density is much, much lower. It is a market with massive growth potential, as the economies develop in the coming years. What better way to demonstrate confidence in the powerplant of an aircraft than the R.E.S.T. program?" Patricia Mawuli, the first woman to be iRMT certified by Rotax, is a Ghanaian, pilot, flight instructor, and builder of Zenith Aircraft. Patricia said, "I love flying and working with the Rotax engines as they are so reliable, and when I am flying health education drops at 200 feet AGL over remote communities, I put my life in the hands of my airframe and engine. I trust Rotax with my life." WAASPS is planning to offer R.E.S.T. to Rotax Aircraft Engine owners in West Africa in early 2014. Medicine on the Move plans to use a Rotax 912iS powered CH750 starting in 2014 and is considering taking the REST contract as part of its new acquisition.

Zenith Flies the Rotax 912iS on their CH 750

By Dan Johnson || May 26, 2014 Leave a Comment

Zenith flies a Rotax 912iS up in Canada. all photos courtesy Zenith Aircraft

Zenith test pilot, Roger Dubbert (L) and Rotech's Mark Paskevich review the installation before test flying.

Zenith Aircraft is one of the country or world's most successful providers of kit aircraft. Several thousands of all models are flying. One of their most popular is the "Sky Jeep," otherwise known by the more pedestrian designation, CH 750. Plenty of reasons tell the story of why Zenith in Mexico, Missouri can sell solidly through good times and bad but arguably one of the most important is the company's support for many different engines. Since Zenith sells Experimental Amateur Built (51%) kits, owners can install whatever they like and Zenith supports multiple engine installations. Now, they've added one of the very newest: Rotax BRP's fuel injected 912iS. Zenith now offers the 912iS as an engine choice from a list of powerplants that includes the 100-hp 912 ULS, the turbo Rotax 914, the fuel-injected UL Power (video) and Viking engines, as well as the Continental 0-200 and the Lycoming 0-235/233 engines. Each of these engines is suitable for the high wing CH 750 series or low wing CH 650 designs. "The first Zenith kit aircraft in North America to fly with the new Rotax 912iS engine was a collaborative effort involving Zenith Aircraft Co., which supplied the aircraft kit, Rotech Research Canada, Ltd. which installed the engine, and Skytek Aircraft Services which assembled the airframe," reported the company. They added that Skytek developed the firewall-forward package for completing the engine installation. "Both the aircraft and the engine performed flawlessly," said Sebastien Heinz, President of Zenith Aircraft. "We put 7.5 hours on the CH 750 on the first day and had no squawks. Rotax has done it right." Rotax BRP reports a steadily growing number of airframe manufacturers have installed the 912iS or are working on the project. Zenith said installing the fuel-injected 912iS was more complicated than a standard, carbureted 912ULS engine. "However," Zenith added, "the new model has considerably more redundancy, increased efficiency, reduced pilot workload and is certifiable. It operates without primers, carb heat, or mixture controls." The engine and accessories are monitored constantly by a built-in computer that alerts pilots to any issues that arise on the ground or in the air. The result is a higher level of reliability and enhanced safety. The Rotax 912iS is a four-cylinder, four-stroke engine with opposed cylinders that is cooled by air and liquid. A dry sump features lubrication from a separate 0.8-gallon oil tank. Hydraulic valve tappets provide automatic adjustment. The 912 iS provides two redundant electronic fuel injection systems, an engine management system, dual electronic ignition, electric starter and an integrated reduction gear. TBO (Time Before Overhaul) is 2,000 hours. Watch a video clip of the first flight with the 912iS:

Zenith Aircraft is one of the country or world’s most successful providers of kit aircraft. Several thousands of all models are flying. One of their most popular is the “Sky Jeep,” otherwise known by the more pedestrian designation, CH 750. Plenty of reasons tell the story of why Zenith in Mexico, Missouri can sell solidly through good times and bad but arguably one of the most important is the company’s support for many different engines. Since Zenith sells Experimental Amateur Built (51%) kits, owners can install whatever they like and Zenith supports multiple engine installations. Now, they’ve added one of the very newest: Rotax BRP’s fuel injected 912iS. Zenith now offers the 912iS as an engine choice from a list of powerplants that includes the 100-hp 912 ULS, the turbo Rotax 914, the fuel-injected UL Power (video) and Viking engines, as well as the Continental 0-200 and the Lycoming 0-235/233 engines.

Zenith’s CH 750 Is a Success In China

By Dan Johnson || May 7, 2014 Leave a Comment

China, China, China ... Americans hear a lot about this fast growing country although financial news outlets say growth is slowing as its economy matures. American pilots have been hearing plenty, too. Sometimes it seems like an unending list of companies (Cirrus Design, Continental Motors, Mooney Aircraft, several LSA seaplane manufacturers and various other enterprises) that report gaining Chinese investment. We have several times written about western light aircraft builders gaining approval to sell in China after meeting requirements from the country's aviation authorities. We have even seen a number of Chinese-designed light aircraft some of which are exploring new new ideas. European and other aircraft are offered for sale at shows though deliveries remain modest. Behind all this bustle of activity Zenith Aircraft has been quietly collecting orders and making shipments. Indeed, they released fresh news about their success in China. Zenith announced that the Mexico, Missouri kit builder recently shipped their 45th kit for a STOL CH 750 to China. Now we're talking although one industry expert commented, "What are they doing with all those aircraft; the opportunity to fly them is so limited." Another industry leader who has traveled several times to the country is amazed anyone can fly VFR as the skies over big cities are so hazy with pollution that you can hardly see the sun. Zenith said, "Once [the 750 kits] arrive in China, AGRHA Corporation, which operates kit assembly facilities in Nantong, Jiuangsu, Chongqing, Mianyang, Sichuan; Shenyang, Liaoning and Beijing, assembles the Zenith kits on a production line, fully assembling the aircraft to factory specifications that include the Rotax 912 ULS engine and Dynon SkyView avionics." Photos accompanying this article show one such facility and Zenith indicates AGRHA has eight locations. "They are then test flown ... before delivery," added Zenith. [AGRHA] plans to send them to flight schools around the country. They are very popular with student pilots." Zenith reported that Chinese customers are "enamored with the STOL CH 750 for its flight characteristics, for its tricycle gear, and the fact that it can be landed in an open field or on a dirt road." Given numerous reports that airfields allowing private flying are still rare, flight training operations are taking place in areas where there are no airports, said Zenith. "Occasionally, a bulldozer is used to clear a strip that is uneven and left covered with rocks or dirt. What might prove damaging to certificated aircraft is not an issue for a Zenith, which is designed for utility applications and is well-suited for 'off airport' operations," the company reported. "They haven't yet produced a lot of Part 23 Aircraft in China, but they have responded very quickly to working with complete kits," said Zenith Aircraft President Sebastien Heintz. He believes that tricycle gear on an aircraft that is rugged and reliable is essential in such a developing situation. Sebastien also feels CH 750's slow landing speeds and wide visibility make the their bubble-door side-by-side two seater an ideal machine for flight training. "We're quite pleased to be doing our part for the balance of trade," finish Sebastien. All components are American sourced and exported to the far eastern nation. The following short video shows test flying of the CH 750 in China as well as some assembly building interior views.

China, China, China … Americans hear a lot about this fast growing country although financial news outlets say growth is slowing as its economy matures. American pilots have been hearing plenty, too. Sometimes it seems like an unending list of companies (Cirrus Design, Continental Motors, Mooney Aircraft, several LSA seaplane manufacturers and various other enterprises) that report gaining Chinese investment. We have several times written about western light aircraft builders gaining approval to sell in China after meeting requirements from the country’s aviation authorities. We have even seen a number of Chinese-designed light aircraft some of which are exploring new new ideas. European and other aircraft are offered for sale at shows though deliveries remain modest. Behind all this bustle of activity Zenith Aircraft has been quietly collecting orders and making shipments. Indeed, they released fresh news about their success in China.

Proving STOL Means “Short Takeoff & Landing”

By Dan Johnson || February 12, 2014 Leave a Comment

New Zealand is a land of great variety from mountains to beaches.

Deane Philip in his STOL CH 701, powered by a 100-hp Rotax 912ULS engine, demonstrated a STOL takeoff. photos courtesy Zenith Aircraft

Among Light-Sport Aircraft enthusiasts, certain qualities of our wonderful airplanes are compelling. While fuel efficiency is high on the list as are great visibility and modest prices, another characteristic often rises high in the minds of aviators: STOL, shorthand for Short Takeoff and Landing. Now honestly, virtually all our aircraft exhibit much shorter takeoffs and landings than nearly any general aviation airplane, owing to the light weight and high power-to-weight ratio of LSA. However, even among the standard good performance, some machine rise more quickly than others. For decades, Zenith Aircraft has sold the CH 701 and now the CH 750 that offer some of the best short field performance of any light plane. Recently the company described an event down under (where it is summertime). "Down under" in this case means New Zealand. Every year pilots gather in Omaka, New Zealand for the Healthy Bastards STOL Competition. This year Zenith reported their aircraft took first and second place in the microlight or LSA 1,320 pound category. Third place went to a Carbon Cub while a pair of Rans — S7S and S6S — took fourth and fifth place. Altogether 41 aircraft joined in the competition. Sebastien Heinz, president of Zenith Aircraft, congratulated the winning pilots, Deane Philip and Jock Struthers. "The STOL CH 701 is an easy airplane to fly with its tricycle configuration, side by side seating and superb visibility." Heintz said. "Those factors enhance any pilot's chances in a spot landing competition. [Our 701] continues to offer outstanding performance even when compared to special-purpose tube-and-fabric taildraggers." Why is the contest called "Healthy Bastards?" Zenith explained that it is named after a video produced by a flying doctor service in New Zealand. The video is said to capture what "people on the street" think about health and what actually makes a "Healthy Bastard." The video, offered for sale, also gives viewers an insight into the magnificence of New Zealand and some of the unusual but wonderful people that live in the country. It addresses Dr. Dave Baldwin's mission of trying to find "the healthiest bastard in the bush." The video was developed from book "Healthy Bastards" both of which combine not-politically-correct humor with serious health messages. Zenith warned, "Beware, as this movie 'ain't for the faint hearted'." See the in-flight video below to see how short takeoff and landing was when done by winner Deane Philip in his Zenith STOL CH 701 at the annual "Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot" contest.

Zenith Now Shipping CH 750 Cruzer

By Dan Johnson || January 13, 2014 Leave a Comment

Zenith showed Cruzer for the first time for at Sun 'n Fun 2013. See our video interview that also discusses the UL Power engine.

This photo from Zenith allows a comparison of the CH 750 STOL and the CH 750 Cruzer.

Zenith has kit building down pat and uses match-hole techniques to assure homebuilder precision.

all photos courtesy Zenith Aircraft

Zenith Aircraft based in Mexico ... Missouri, to be clear, is one of the most solid and impressive kit producers in the light aircraft world. Chris Heintz designs were previously manufactured as fully built LSA by another company. Though that organization discontinued some years back the kit supplier and its models have thrived as before, every year delivering a number of airplane kits that could make other producers jealous. Last year Zenith introduced their newest model as a variation of their very popular "Sky Jeep," known officially as the CH 750 STOL. Giving the airplane more cross cruising capability resulted in an airplane logically named Cruzer. Simply put by 20-year Zenith demo pilot veteran Roger Dubbert, "Some of our customers wanted an aircraft that would go a little faster." The total change added about 20% to cruise speed compared to the 750 STOL. Recently, Zenith announced shipment of the first CH 750 Cruzer kits. First shown to pilots at Sun 'n Fun in April 2013, Cruzer is what the company calls "on airport version" of the Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) CH 750 that was originally designed for back country flying, according to company officials. Preceding the widened 750 for many years was the CH 701, the model that earned the "Sky Jeep" tag. Unlike its bushplane older brother, Cruzer is built for runways, so it uses smaller wheels available with optional wheel fairings and a new wing and tail designs to achieve a higher cruise speed. A single faired strut replaces the dual struts of the CH 750 STOL and the fuselage has changed shape subtly resulting in a lifted and enlarged empennage (photo). Cruzer seats are comfortable enough for longer flights and with the wide door and overhead skylight, visibility is very broad in the new model. Designed for first-time builders, the new kits employ computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CNC) technologies, which assured complete construction of the airframe with simple hand tools and minimal skills that can quickly be acquired at one of Zenith's monthly factory workshops, company officials noted. The CNC machinery allows the company to supply what's called "match hole" skins that have pilot holes located so a homebuilder does not need extensive tools or jigs to achieve precision in the joining of numerous metal skins. Except for limited components such as the nose cowl or wheel pants the entire Cruzer design is metal, primarily aluminum. "It will take about 400 hours to construct the all-metal airframe," said Sebastien Heintz, president of Zenith. "People are going to be surprised by how quickly it goes together and how much fun it is to work on it." Beside their regular workshops at their facility so many of the company's kits are flying that owners across the country and around the world may be available to give guidance to first-time builders. To power their aircraft like Cruzer, CH 750 STOL, and their low wing CH 650 Zenith offers a half dozen powerplant options, complete with engine mounts and cowling. The Cruzer prototype is powered by a 130-horsepower UL 350iS engine (video) and features the Dynon SkyView glass panel. As equipped, the aircraft has an empty weight of 780 pounds, giving it a useful load of 540 pounds, which keeps it at the LSA limit of 1,320 pounds required for Sport Pilots. Climbing at 1,200 fpm, Cruzer can achieve 118 mph at cruise altitude yet the airplane shows its STOL roots by stalling at 39 mph. See Cruzer up close in flight through this company video:

Zenith Aircraft based in Mexico … Missouri, to be clear, is one of the most solid and impressive kit producers in the light aircraft world. Chris Heintz designs were previously manufactured as fully built LSA by another company. Though that organization discontinued some years back the kit supplier and its models have thrived as before, every year delivering a number of airplane kits that could make other producers jealous. Last year Zenith introduced their newest model as a variation of their very popular “Sky Jeep,” known officially as the CH 750 STOL. Giving the airplane more cross cruising capability resulted in an airplane logically named Cruzer. Simply put by 20-year Zenith demo pilot veteran Roger Dubbert, “Some of our customers wanted an aircraft that would go a little faster.” The total change added about 20% to cruise speed compared to the 750 STOL. Recently, Zenith announced shipment of the first CH 750 Cruzer kits.