WHY I LOVE MY AIRPLANE

Sam McNair (of Pelzer, South Carolina) and his beloved Zenith STOL CH 801 sport utility kit airplane were featured in the June 2025 issue of AOPA PILOT magazine in a feature aptly named Why I Love My Airplane:

"N733YD, also known as the good ship Rollerskate, is my retirement airplane. I am not in a hurry to get anywhere anymore, but to enjoy the trip. It has great load hauling, short-field capability, 500-nm range, and Garmin/Dynon glass.

"It is versatile: One day hauling relief supplies, another day on the gravel bar of an Alaskan river, and great fun flying EAA Young Eagles. Because it is a bit different, people stop and ask about it, and before you know it, I have another new friend."

Zenith customers are very passionate about the airplane that they are building and flying, many with inspirational stories and great adventures to share with fellow pilots.

AOPA PILOT magazine wants to know why you love your airplane to share with their membership: Send them a high resolution photo and tell them Why I Love My Airplane (WILMA). Email pilot@aopa.org with the subject line WILMA to be featured with your airplane in an upcoming issue.