Following is my report on the 2017 Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, held last week in Sebring (central Florida), with photos and videos of the trip to and from Sebring from the Zenith Aircraft factory in Mexico, Missouri.  Watch the video (below), "Recap of the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2017," for a further summary of the 2017 event.

The crew (above) on the way to Sebring (at Cullman, Alabama, where we stopped for lunch)

The trip itself is often the highlight of attending fly-ins and shows, and the 1000-mile journey (each way) allows us to spend quality time flying the planes that we spend our days building; to experience first-hand the cross-country capability (and great visibility) of our airplanes.

Above, enjoying tailwinds on the first day, making it all the way to Florida! Check out the groundspeed indicated on the Dynon SkyView in the CH 750 Cruzer.

Above: On the way to Sebring: The lakes of central Florida. Winter Haven airport is surrounded by lakes.

Video: Landing in Sebring in the Zenith CH 750 Cruzer:

This year we were blessed with great weather during the show despite early morning fog on the first day:

For the first time ever, Zenith Aircraft Company brought its two-day hands-on kit aircraft building workshop to the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo, with a total of 16 rudders built over four days in the workshop text next to the Zenith Aircraft display.

Above, the first group of rudder builders.

Video: Zenith Aircraft kit building workshop at the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo: First Session (Wednesday and Thursday):

Video: Demo flight in the STOL CH 750 around the race track at Sebring:

Roger was busy giving demo flights during the week.  During the Sebring show, Roger celebrated 24 years with Zenith Aircraft Company. 

Above video, flying around Sebring International Raceway and the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo:

Video: Zenith Aircraft kit building workshop at the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo: Second Session (Friday and Saturday):

Below, the second group of rudder builders.

Video: Demo flight in the Zenith STOL CH 750 around Sebring:

We had a very positive experience holding the workshops at the Sebring Aviation Expo, and enjoyed meeting with existing and new Zenith builders and owners!  Special thanks to Mark and Mary Jackson (CH 750 Cruzer builders) who brought us (and all workshop participants) a wonderful lunch on Saturday!

Below, media coverage of the workshop by Aero-News Network:

Video: Flying home: Recap of the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2017:

Video: Flying home: CH 750 Cruzer over central Florida:

Arriving in Eufala, Alabama, on Sunday evening:

Video: Flying home: Air-to-air video of the Zenith STOL CH 750 "Sky Jeep" over southern Alabama:

Flying low over scenic Lake Martin (Alabama):

Video: Flying home: Crossing the Mississippi River in the Zenith CH 750 Cruzer on Monday morning, before stopping for lunch at Lambert's (Sikeston, Missouri):

Video: Flying home: Following the Missouri River home on Monday afternoon:

Summary of the trip to and from Sebring:

We generally plan stops about every two to three hours when flying cross-country. Even though we have plenty of fuel to keep going, we prefer to stop to stay refreshed and to enjoy the trip. We typically fly low (500 - 1,500 feet AGL) so stops don't take very long.

STOL CH 750 featured on Sebring promotional literature:

• Photos and videos of the trip to and from Sun'n Fun 2017
• Check out photos and videos from the 2016 Sebring Expo
• See the Zenith Facebook page for more photos and videos from Sebring