Zenith Homecoming Educational Seminars and Workshops

The upcoming Zenith Homecoming is an excellent learning opportunity, whether you're a novice, a seasoned builder / pilot, or anywhere in between. We'll be hosting a full lineup of educational seminars and hands-on workshops designed to inform and engage aviation enthusiasts of all experience levels. Check out the video slideshow (from past years) for a flavor of the educational opportunities at the Zenith Homecoming.

Learn all about building your own Zenith, and the skills and tools you'll need to get started. See what it takes to build your own aircraft from the complete kit, from partial or quick-build kits. How much time and money will it cost? We'll even have a seminar about scratch-building your own aircraft from plans-only. We'll have guided tours of the kit aircraft factory and hands-on demonstrations and workshops.

• Learn about choosing the best engine and propeller for your aircraft. Factory representatives from most major brands participate at the Zenith Homecoming to answer your questions and to provide you the latest updates about their products. Check out the completed planes on the flight line and discuss with their builders and pilots about their installed equipment, cost, installation, reliability, and performance, right from the source.
• Learn about avionics, and the equipment and features you need and want, and learn the latest technology from the leading manufacturers. Check out the latest glass panel displays, custom "un-panel" installations and more. We'll even host a seminar on making your Zenith full IFR (and getting your Instrument Rating in it)!
• Learn about finishing the kit and truly making it your own: Learn about painting, polishing, vinyl wraps, and more, and also about adding fairings to your aircraft for more performance, and other hints and tips on getting the most out of your completed Zenith.

• Learn about the latest rules and regulations: EAA's Charlie Becker will provide the latest updates about the FAA's MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule and how this groundbreaking new FAA rule affects aircraft builders and owners, as well as pilots.
• We'll also have a seminar on how to register and certify your Zenith aircraft with the FAA, presented by Paul Mather, an FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) and experienced Zenith builder. We'll have representatives from the insurance industry as well, to share with you the types of coverage available and how to lower your insurance costs.
• CFI Phil Cook (from Lavion Aero) will share practical information on first flight preparedness and transition training for Zenith builders getting ready to fly their homebuilt aircraft for the first time. Meet with Zenith owners and flyers and learn from their experiences, and get tips on getting maximum performance and utility from their Zenith
• Matt Heintz, from Zenair Ltd. (Canada) and the Chris Heintz Foundation, will provide practical information about ongoing airworthiness (inspections and maintenance) for completed and flying aircraft, of special interest to second (and subsequent) owners of Zenith kits and flying airplanes.
• Learn why building and flying your own aircraft can be such a rewarding experience, and learn how to save time and money by building and maintaining your own aircraft.

"The event’s first day will consist of educational seminars and workshops related to airframe, engine, and avionics preparation. ...Attendees will come away with a further understanding of all the choices available to those building and finishing their own aircraft," reported Kitplanes magazine. "Day two will feature tours of the Zenith Aircraft kit production facilities, which have been recently expanded, along with continued seminars on kit construction and maintenance. Event goers will be able to participate in hands-on building projects inside the factory, including aircraft demonstrations throughout the day."

We'll be publishing and sharing the full event schedule soon, and of course, there's also a lot more to the Zenith Homecoming than educational seminars and workshops.

As AOPA Aviation eBrief newsletter (8/26/2025) stated: "The event welcomes aviation enthusiasts for two days of activities at the Zenith factory, including an aircraft show, social gatherings, contests, factory tours and a banquet dinner. Visitors will also have opportunities to interact with vendors and see flying demonstrations, making the homecoming a central event for the Zenith community."

We have many fun social activities as well, starting on Friday morning with a free breakfast prepared by EAA Chapter 944, compliments of Wheels & Wings and UL Power engines.

Do you know someone who may want to attend and participate at the Zenith Homecoming? Share this newsletter with them by simply forwarding this email or share this web page link.

All aviation enthusiasts, and especially builders and owners of Zenith Aircraft kit planes, are invited to drive or fly-in for the Homecoming. Check out the photos from last year's event to see why you don't want to miss this year's Zenith Homecoming. See the Zenith event page for the latest updates and details about the event (we'll post a schedule of events there soon), and also see the Facebook event page for updates (mark yourself as interested or attending to be automatically notified of event updates).

If you're planning to attend, Click here to order your dinner tickets now, and order your commemorative T-shirt (for just $10) ahead of time (and pick it up at the Homecoming).

The Zenith Homecoming is presented by the Chris Heintz Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization to promote the aircraft designs of aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz (1938 - 2021) through education and support of the Zenith homebuilt aircraft community. The Zenith Homecoming is also sponsored by Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, and supported in part by many other great aviation companies dedicated to promoting homebuilt (kit) aviation.

As in past years, there is free camping at the airport (with your plane or camper), and food and refreshments are available onsite during the event.

Zenith Builders: Contact us as soon as possible if you plan to pick up parts or kits at the Homecoming event. We will try to accommodate everyone but availability is limited.

We have a hands-on kit building workshop class scheduled immediately before the Zenith Homecoming, on September 17th and 18th. 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 hands-on workshop experience at the Zenith factory also includes a factory tour of the newly expanded kit production facilities and a demo flight. Participants "graduate" the Zenith workshop class 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. Here are the next scheduled workshops at the Zenith kit aircraft factory in Missouri:

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 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 participants (spouse or other family members) are encouraged to attend and can participate at no extra cost. Prior registration is required for the rudder workshop class and class size is limited.