Zenith Aircraft was in Yuma, Arizona, earlier this month to host a workshop class. Local host Larry Nelson took Zenith's Sebastien Heintz flying on two separate occasions to share the joys of early morning flying, and to check out Larry's custom Zenith CH 601 HDS (an earlier model in the CH 650 series) powered by a Corvair engine conversion and equipped for IFR (instrument flight). | | Flying in Larry's Zenith "Super Zodiac" CH601HDS taildragger to discuss his airplane and the Zenith workshop class. | | Early morning flight to enjoy the great views around Yuma, Arizona, followed by an inside look at the workshop class. | | | | |
Following the Yuma hands-on kit aircraft building workshop, Zenith held another rudder class in Boerne, Texas, hosted by local builders Jaime Puhol and Bill Fahey. Despite poor weather, participants had a great workshop experience!
"We had an amazing time learning and building the rudder kit. We loved it!"
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In-Air Podcast Studio Pablo Tirado is an executive at a multinational company based out of Chile, South America, and is an MIT trained computer engineer with an MBA in financial management.
He's also a private pilot and hosts a technology, AI and leadership podcast while flying his Zenith experimental kit airplane: "Initially, the idea was to combine my two passions: technology and aviation. In my professional career, I have a background closely tied to innovation and entrepreneurship. In that sense, when I discussed the idea with my first interviewees, we said, 'If we're going to talk about innovation and disruption, why not do it in a challenging environment?' And that's how the idea of discussing professional topics while flying took flight.
"In the case of Gert Findel (my last interviewee), he was afraid of heights and had never flown an experimental aircraft, which is precisely why he accepted the challenge. For my part, I'm happy to have in-depth conversations while my guests learn more about experimental aviation. Everyone falls in love with the aircraft because it offers unique views, reliability, and stability."
| "I am always asked where my passion for flying comes from. The answer is simple: the unique sense of freedom. But to fly safely, having the desire is not enough... Aviation teaches you method, protocols, and discipline. These also apply to the implementation of larger project management and digital transformation. | Pablo Tirado, about his Zenith STOL: "A great airplane with an iconic design... I really love it, and it's the podcast studio with the best view!" | | | | |
If someone is just starting to think about building a Zenith kit aircraft, visiting the factory in Mexico, Missouri is one of the smartest moves they can make.
First, the demo flight. Reading aircraft specs and pilot reports are one thing, but actually flying the airplane is quite another. Getting up in a Zenith design lets you feel the controls, experience the short-field capability and incredible visibility, and overall personality and "fit" of the aircraft. It answers questions instantly. Many builders say the demo flight is what turns curiosity into passion and commitment.
| Then there’s the factory tour. You get to see the CNC routers cutting matched-hole parts, the forming, as well as the kit crating and shipping / pick-up process. It’s reassuring to see the operation in person. You realize these aren’t just boxes of outsourced parts. They are carefully engineered components produced in-house by a team that understands the airplane inside and out. | You also see where every kit begins. Flat aluminum sheets start on one end of the factory, precision airframe parts come out the other. For a future builder, that transparency builds confidence. You’re not just buying a kit, but you are buying a proven product with bundled service and support. Meeting the Zenith staff might be the most underrated part. These are the same people who pack the kits, answer the phone, walk builders through questions, and often build their own Zeniths. When you shake hands with the team that will support you throughout your project, it changes the relationship from “company and customer” to something much more personal. | |
Beyond the obvious reasons, there are a lot of subtle yet equally important reasons to visit the Zenith Aircraft kit factory in person.
One big one is deciding on the model to build. If you’re debating between a STOL CH 701, a high-wing CH 750 series or low-wing CH 650, or even stepping up to the STOL CH 750 Super Duty, seeing them side by side makes the differences real. Cabin space, panel layout, cabin access, and baggage area are diificult to visualize from afar. Standing next to them and sitting in them does.
Another reason is understanding how the kits are built and put together. Watching parts move from aluminum sheets to finished parts to subassemblies to full airframes / quick build kits gives you a clearer understanding of the project, and demystifies the assembly process. What can seem overwhelming from afar starts to feel manageable when you see how the parts are put together.
Seeing the scale of the Zenith operation matters too. It reinforces that Zenith isn’t just selling an aviation dream, but it is producing parts and kits, and supporting them, all from is factory in central Missouri. That gives long-term confidence, especially when you’re investing serious time and money into a project.
A visit to the factory is also motivating! There’s something energizing about being in a place where airplanes are actively being built, crated, and flown. It turns a distant goal into something very tangible.
| | Visiting Zenith is a valuable experience and represents good use of your time. It replaces internet research with real-world experience, and that’s a powerful step toward building and flying on your own wings. And if you can coordinate your visit with a monthly hands-on workshop class, you can actually get started building your own Zenith while gaining valuable skills and learning about the tools and procedures needed to build your own kit airplane. | | These workshop classes give you the chance to learn the skills and tools needed to build your own airplane while constructing your very own rudder tail section for one of Zenith’s popular designs, such as the high-wing Zenith CH 750 series or the sleek low-wing Zenith CH 650 cruiser. Participating at a workshop is an excellent way to learn about building your own kit aircraft, and to learn out the many advantages of owning and flying an airplane that you’ve built yourself. For many, building an aircraft (from a kit) is a very rewarding experience, and today’s modern kits make it easier and quicker to build than ever before. Standard workshop fees are just $375.00 (or $425 for the CH 750 Super Duty model) and include the complete rudder kit for a Zenith aircraft. Additional helpers (spouse or other family members) are encouraged to attend and can participate for free. Prior registration is required for the rudder workshop classes and class size is limited. | | Know someone who would be interested in participating at a Zenith workshop class or visiting the Zenith kit airplane factory in Mexico, Missouri? Share this web page link with them or simply forward this email to them. | | | | |
