It is with great regret that we announce the passing of Chris Heintz on April 30th, 2021. Best known in aviation circles as a prolific and talented aircraft designer, aeronautical engineer, innovator, builder, entrepreneur, lecturer and author, Chris has touched the lives of thousands throughout his exceedingly productive professional life.

Chris died peacefully at his home in Southern France where he is survived by Annemarie, his loving wife of 60 years, his five children and a dozen grand-children. As per his wishes, funeral arrangements will be kept simple and private.

Additional details about his prolific life will be shared shortly.

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Comment by Sebastian Dewhurst on May 2, 2021 at 6:06pm

I will think of him every time I fly my 701. I don't really have the right words so I'm going to borrow some from John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air . . .

Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God

Comment by Mel Asberry on May 2, 2021 at 5:12pm

My condolences to the entire Heintz Family.  I assisted with building a CH601HDS in the mid nineties.  That aircraft now has over 2200 hrs. and has been all over the U.S.  Still going strong.  Currently building a 650B with fast back mod and tailwheel.

Comment by Wayne Woloshin on May 2, 2021 at 4:18pm

My Condolences to the Heinz Family, he was a remarkable man and his legacy will always be remembered in Aviation World . I am honoured and proud to be flying one of his first factory built in Midland Ch701’s C-ICMX that he was the very first one to fly it back in March 1990. I love this little plane and I thank you Chris for the enjoyment it has given me over the years.

Comment by Antonín Vinický on May 2, 2021 at 3:51pm

Upřímnou soustrast rodině Chrisa Heintze a nám ostatním.
Děkuji pane !

Antonín Vinický a OK IUG 13 Ch 601 HD

Comment by Brian Unruh on May 2, 2021 at 3:37pm

I thanked you many times at Oshkosh over the years and I will say thanks once more for having such a huge positive impact on my life. To build and fly what you brought to us from your dreams has been an amazing journey. Condolences to the Heintz family and thank you for making all our dreams reality.

Brian Unruh N701BU

Comment by Phillip Owens on May 2, 2021 at 3:34pm

Chris was my inspiration to build a Zenith CH-801 ,  He and the entire Zenith family supported my building efforts of 10 years which resulted in a great operating aircraft.

anyone who is inspired to build an airplane would obtain great advice from the Chris Heinz programs!

Thank you Chris for being an inspiring individual!

Phil Owens SFC(SS) Ret

N84349

Comment by Dan Broom on May 2, 2021 at 3:18pm

Good tailwinds CH...what a legacy you have left. 

Comment by CHRISTIAN TREMBLAY on May 2, 2021 at 2:54pm
I transmit the following message in name of CH300-CH200 191 members groups to Heinz Family.
" Would you please offer a further message of condolence on behalf of all of the 191 members of zenith@groups.io
Best Regards "
Barry.  
Comment by Larry Zetterlind on May 2, 2021 at 2:23pm

My condolences to the Heintz family.   My son and I enjoyed one of his great airplanes for many years.   And also the friendship and support of his sons and the people at the Mexico Missouri factory.   Larry Zetterlind, Chief Pilot, Hartzell Propeller retired.

Comment by Mark Haskell on May 2, 2021 at 2:21pm

Deepest sympathy to All the Heintz family, And all. Zenith,And  Zenair staff.

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