Zenith Aircraft staff recently returned from Florida where they participated at the Sun 'n Fun Aero Expo in Lakeland. As is often the case, the flight to and from events are just as memorable as the events themselves. After all, we're flying there in our very own airplane, flying "low and slow" and enjoying the trip and spectacular views along the way!

"Despite head winds (both ways of course!) we made it all the way home to Missouri, flying over flooded fields and villages in southeast Missouri, demonstrating once again the outstanding capabilities (including cross-country) of these fantastic STOL airplanes."

Watch the video of the flight home as Sebastien Heintz and Roger Dubbert fly the Zenith STOL CH 750 Super Duty back from the Sun 'n Fun in Florida. On their 1,000+ mile journey home, the two chat about flying Zenith aircraft, customer service, factory support, and more. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look from inside the cockpit!

Also check out the video from the first day of the journey home, as weather prevents them from leaving the state of Florida. Watch as they depart the Lakeland airport, only to fly just 20 miles north due to morning fog, and then check out their landing in north Florida in bumpy conditions as the adventure flying home unfolds.

While the Zenith STOL CH 750 Super Duty aircraft continues to gain popularity for its rugged off-airport STOL (short take-off and landing) performance, the sport utility aircraft also has some real cross-country flying capability, with plenty of space, as demonstrated with the flight to and from Florida from the Zenith factory.

The factory demonstrator aircraft is based at Zenith Aircraft's kit production facility in central Missouri and is available for demo flights.

During the week of Sun 'n Fun, Zenith staff enjoyed meeting with Zenith builders, flyers and enthusiasts at the 51st annual aerospace expo in Lakeland, Florida. Zenith showcased the various kit aircraft models available from Zenith Aircraft Company. On display were several customer-built aircraft, showing different engine installations (including auto engine conversions) and other customizations. Sebastien Heintz and brother Matt Heintz led educational forum presentations on Zenith Aircraft, covering topics including ongoing airworthiness, riveting and sheet-metal construction techniques, and the “form follows function” design philosophy behind Zenith’s STOL (short take-off and landing) aircraft.

STOL pilot Sheldon Heatherington took part all week in the Sun 'n Fun STOL Invitational & Bushwheel Basecamp, flying STOL "competitions / demonstrations" in his 100-hp Rotax-powered “Redbird STOL” CH 750. He also connected with fellow pilots and enthusiasts to share insights on backcountry flying and piloting best practices.

The sheet-metal workshop at Sun 'n Fun allowed visitors and potential builders to gain hands-on kit aircraft building experience with a unique and free DIY aluminum 3-hole binder kit project, made possible by the Chris Heintz Foundation, Inc. and volunteer helpers.

William Wynne of Fly Corvair hosted a Zenith builders and flyers social "happy hour" gathering at his booth at Sun 'n Fun, providing refreshments and after-hours camaraderie before the evening STOL flying demonstrations:

Zenith Aircraft Company holds monthly workshops at its kit aircraft factory in central Missouri. Experience what it takes to build your own airplane by participating at an upcoming hands-on workshop class and learn about the skills and tools needed to build your own. The workshop experience at the Zenith factory also includes a factory tour of the kit production facilities and a demo flight. Participants "graduate" upon completing construction of their own aircraft rudder tail section for one of Zenith Aircraft Company's popular kit aircraft designs, including the high-wing Zenith CH 750 series or the sleek low-wing Zenith CH 650 cruiser. Make plans now to join us at an upcoming factory workshop class:

April 24 & 25 | May 15 & 16 | June 20 & 21

The Zenith hands-on workshop is an excellent way to learn about building your own kit aircraft and about 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 than ever to build.

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 class and class size is limited.