Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John Austin on May 10, 2020 at 7:44am

Zero impact for me - I wasn't planning to go, anyway!  Although AirVenture has made significant improvements in crowd flow, camping, etc., it just got too big for me.  Granted, I could still see the attraction for a new builder as AirVenture provides a "one stop shopping" experience where you can look at many competing products - kits, engines, avionics, etc - all in one place at one time, but less interesting to me since my build was completed long ago. As a consequence, I began to fly to Sun 'n Fun more often, but alas, that was cancelled this year, too!

I don't know if Zenith plans any extra events, but AFAIK the 29th Annual Zenith Homecoming and Fly-In is still on in September.  I much prefer this much smaller venue and getting the chance to meet up with my fellow Zenith builders and pilots.  For those who haven't made the trek to Mexico, MO, to attend this annual event, I highly recommend it!

I live in the Southeast (East Tennessee).  A big plus as a consequence of flying to the Zenith Annual Homecomings is that when local people ask me "what's the farthest you've flown your plane?", I just keep a straight face and say, "Why, I''ve flown as far as Mexico several times!"   ;>)

John

N750A

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Permalink Reply by R Michael Moore on May 12, 2020 at 5:43pm

John A:   Yeah, flew to Mexico many times.   Fun trip.

Pilot Friend:   Wow!  Really cool.   Gosh, must have been a real challenge.  Which part of Mexico?  Yucatan and on to Cancun, maybe?

John A:  No....Missouri.

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Permalink Reply by Sebastien Heintz on May 12, 2020 at 11:06am

As we stated in our last Zenith Aircraft Updates email, "with the annual EAA Oshkosh AirVenture gathering officially canceled for 2020, we are evaluating our options for a mid-summer event at the Zenith factory (of course, only if we and visitors are fully able to follow social distancing and all other rules in affect at the time), with aircraft build workshops (inspired by the 2014 EAA One Week Wonder build project) and other building and flying events, both at the factory (in person) and/or virtually (online streaming). We'll be sharing more details on this shortly and invite you to send us your suggestions."

I've received some excellent feedback from a few builders/owners and there definitely seems to be interest for some kind of building and flying event to be held during the originally scheduled week of EAA Oshkosh AirVenture (July 20-26, 2020). I know many Zenith builders / owners still have the week scheduled off so it only makes sense to do something during that week. Of course, with whatever we organize we fully intend to follow federal, state and local guidelines and rules regarding gatherings and events (and this is obviously a much smaller event than Oshkosh so we can quickly modify the event based on the guidelines in place at the time).

Please let me know your interest (and comments and suggestions) directly and replying to this discussion.

Note that the annual fall Zenith Aircraft Homecoming and Open Hangar Days, on September 18 & 19, is still on the calendar and we do not plan to change the date for this annual Zenith event. 

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Permalink Reply by Roland Ashby on May 12, 2020 at 11:39am

I would love to come down to Mexico during the Oshkosh week for seminars, building resources, etc.   Could even pick up some part while I was there.   My recommendation is to do it over the weekend, so maybe Friday 7/24-Sunday 7/26.   Will it be possible to allow camping at the airport?    I haven't made it to the Open Hangar Days yet, so not sure what I would recommend in addition to what you normally do in September.

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Permalink Reply by John Austin on May 13, 2020 at 6:45am

Will it be possible to allow camping at the airport?  

On-airport camping has always been available for the Fall Homecoming and Open Hangar Days.  The FBO has a break room with a restroom and shower which they leave open 24/7 for the campers.

John

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Permalink Reply by fred northup on May 12, 2020 at 12:17pm

Let's fly! What if we spread the word to see how many hours of recreational flying can be done that week?

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Permalink Reply by Charles N. Sturdivant on May 12, 2020 at 6:35pm

How about some regional fly-ins/drive-ins for Zenith owners and interested parties?  I could coordinate one in Middle Tennessee.  How about it Mid TN Aviation Academy/Buzzair, are you in? Perhaps the factory could send us some tee shirts or help with the cost of some BarBQue.

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Permalink Reply by Darrell Doerhoff on May 13, 2020 at 6:36am

Hopefully, we'll be able to have our fly-in again this year at Tompkinsville-Monroe County (KTZV) on Labor Day Saturday. Our first (and hopefully annual event) watermelon bomb drop last year was a big pleaser for pilots and non-pilots alike. We even had a couple of pilots try it after it got dark.

I'll keep everyone posted.

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Permalink Reply by Jim and Amelia Isaacs on May 13, 2020 at 7:27pm

Sebastien,

 I wonder if an August event would noticeably reduce your September event turnout.

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