Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
Zenair Marks 40th Year
Zenair Marks 40th Year in 2014
One of North America's leading manufacturers of recreational aircraft kits is turning 40 this year. Zenair Limited was founded by Chris Heintz in his 2-car garage in 1974; the company moved to its current 15,000 square foot facilities on the Huronia Airport (Ontario, Canada) over 30 years ago.
Now directed by the founder's sons, the family-owned business (together with Zenith Aircraft Company in the United States) makes complete kits for a number of popular 2 and 4-seat all-metal designs as well as light aircraft floats.
Over the years, Zenair designs have set a number of world records - including longest distance flown non-stop by CH 300 for any aircraft in its category (Trans-Canada flight - 1978).
While the majority of Heintz' varied designs are used around the world for personal recreation, they are also used for glider towing, agricultural spraying and flight training. Thanks to their excellent off-airport capabilities, some are even used for missionary work and anti-poaching missions in remote areas in Africa.
As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, Zenair Ltd. is planning a fly-in and open house event at its facilities on Saturday, July 19. A week later, one of its designs, a Zenith CH 750, will be fully assembled and tested during the seven-day EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in Wisconsin. This "One Week Wonder" project will mirror similar feats accomplished by Zenair in the seventies and eighties.
"We hope that many join us for these exciting events" says Michael Heintz, company spokesman. "Thousands of our kits have been assembled by builders over the past 40 years and the July 19 fly-in will give many past and current builders, owners, and enthusiasts an opportunity to meet again and to visit the birthplace of their homebuilt aircraft."
For more information on, its aircraft kits and planned events for the company's 40th Anniversary celebrations, visit the Zenair website.
More info:
George R. Skinner
Hello Michael
Just to wish you all the best on this 40th.Red's aircraft the Pepsi flyer is still in great shape here in the Canada Aviation Museum. Unfortunately it is tucked away in the storage hangar since there is not much display space available at this time on the museum floor.My own 601HD is serviceable and ready to fly. Unfortunately its pilot me is grounded permanently so it is up for sale. I had hoped to get someone to fly me and it to your bash but did not succeed. I must send you a photo of the finished product. George
Jul 18, 2014
Zenith.Aero
Photos from the 40th anniversary celebrations held July 19, 2014, at the Zenair factory in Canada:
Jul 22, 2014
Zenith Aero
Here's the updated design timeline:
Nov 21, 2019