You're invited to the 2024 Zenith Homecoming / Open Hangar Days and Fly-In on September 20 and 21, 2024, in Mexico, Missouri.   [Last updated: 9/14/24]

This will be our 33rd annual event at the kit aircraft factory in Mexico, Missouri. Join us at the Zenith HOMECOMING OPEN HANGAR DAYS and Builder Fly-In on both Friday and Saturday. 

This year we're celebrating the 40th anniversary of the low-wing Zenith CH600 series designs by aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz, and we'll be showcasing the newly expanded Zenith Aircraft kit factory and hangar showroom.

• Zenith Homecoming 2024 Schedule - draft - 9-14-2024
• For the latest updates, check out the Zenith Homecoming Facebook events page. Check the Discussion tab for the latest updates about the Homecoming, and mark yourself as "Going" or "Interested" to be notified of updates

As in past years, we are planning educational and fun (including flying) activities over two full days at the factory at Mexico Memorial Airport (KMYJ). Fly-in or drive in for the activities! Note: if you are planning to attend for only one day, we recommend Saturday as the best day to visit. Click on the video above for a brief summary of last's year's event:

The annual Zenith Homecoming event is presented by the Chris Heintz Foundation, Inc. 

We'll have numerous activities for both builders and pilots of Zenith kit planes (as well as all aviation enthusiasts) starting on Friday morning. There will be new seminars and workshops (see below), and a Zenith "banquet" bbq dinner on Friday evening, and a dinner late Saturday afternoon right at the factory!

The annual Zenith Homecoming event is presented by the Chris Heintz Foundation, Inc. We thank the following sponsors and participants: 
All indications are that we'll have a great turnout this year once again.

The free seminars and workshops presented at the Zenith Homecoming are a great way to learn about Zenith Aircraft and all of the options to choose from when building and finishing your own airplane. Plan to attend all day Friday for the seminars, especially if you're a Zenith builder or flyer (or planning to become one). If you've already built your Zenith airplane, consider participating on one of the panel discussions or hosting your own seminar (focusing on a specific topic of interest to fellow builders and flyers).

2024 Zenith Aircraft Homecoming: Schedule of Events

WE WILL POST THE ACTUAL 2024 SCHEDULE SOON

(Below is the draft schedule, to be completed. We will update and confirm the schedule as we near the event. Times and topics subject to change).

 
Friday, September 20, 2024 at Mexico Memorial Airport

7:30 – 9:00 am Pancake breakfast, prepared by EAA Chapter 944, compliments of Wheels and Wings (professional builder assistance and UL Power service, by Herman Eshuis)

Seminars and workshops. Starting at 9 am.  Zenith Homecoming 2024 Schedule - draft - 9-14-2024

• Zenith Factory Tour: Travis Kobush, Zenith Aircraft's production manager, will guide visitors through the Zenith kit aircraft factory for an "insider's look" at how these aircraft kits are produced.
• Ongoing Airworthiness for your Zenith: Matt Heintz will share valuable information about ongoing airworthiness and construction standards for Zenith aircraft designs. Presented by the Chris Heintz Foundation, LLC.
• Introduction to Building your own Zenith kit airplane: Learn about getting started on your own Zenith kit project. Overview of the kit, basic skills and tools, and building tips, with Q&A about building your own Zenith.
• David Weber from Dynon Avionics will hold a seminar on "Planning for Success: Design and layout for Dynon Systems" on both Friday and Saturday 
• FAA MOSAIC and Government Issues Update. Charlie Becker from EAA will discuss the latest FAA/governmental issues affecting Zenith builders and owners, including MOSAIC, task based phase one flight testing, LODA, Basic Med and fuel issues.
• Corvair Engine: Check out Corvair automotive conversion components, see Corvair installations in Zeniths and learn more about light aircraft engine operations. William Wynne
• Panel Discussion: "So, you want to build an airplane?" Specifically for first time builders and enthusiasts, a moderated yet informal panel discussion about building (and flying) your own airplane.
• ULPower Engines: Learn about the popular ULPower engines and about their installation and operation in Zenith aircraft. Herman Eshuis, ULPower.
• Andy Womack of PlanePliers will share details about a new take on cleco pliers that “latch closed once squeezed, with magnets that cause the clecos to snap into place,” making using clecos more accessible.
• Garmin Experimental Solutions for Zeniths: A factory rep from Garmin International will discuss Garmin avionics solutions for Zenith kit aircraft offered through Zenith.
• Zenith.Aero, online community for active Zenith builders and flyers: Moderator John Austin will provide an overview of the resources available on the Zenith.aero website. www.zenith.aero
• Panel Discussion: Instrument panels. Builders/pilots talk about creating a customized instrument panel that will suit your needs and style.
• Women's Introduction to Aircraft Building workshop: Hands on workshop by and for women aircraft builders. Come learn about the tools and skills needed to assemble and build a modern kit airplane. (Zenith hangar workshop area)
• Transition Training: CFI Phil Cook, will share details on transition training, which is highly recommended to new pilots and everyone who has not previously flown Zenith airplanes, to help with a smooth transition without taking unnecessary risks
• Aircraft Engine Oil Analysis. Larry Nelson of Lab One Inc. will discuss the importance of oil analysis and preventive maintenance practices.
• Panel Discussion: Paint/Polish/Wrap your Zenith aircraft, Builders discuss the most popular methods for putting a “finish” on your Zenith aircraft
• Viking Engines: Jan Eggenfellner will discuss the Honda-based Viking Aircraft Engines, and show the engine installed in a Viking powered airplane
• Second (and subsequent) Owners of Zenith kits and flying airplanes: Discussion and information useful to owners of "used" Zenith homebuilt aircraft.
• DUC propellers for Zenith aircraft, presented by ‎Gaetan Fouozing, DUC Propellers
• ENGINE Panel Discussion: Engine company representatives, owners and pilots of various Zenith aircraft will discuss the specific engine they are flying behind in their Zenith, and will share their experiences regarding installation, maintenance, performance, and more!

5:00 - 7:30 pm (or later) Zenith Builders Banquet Dinner: Informal BBQ buffet dinner (served by Pig Up & Go) gathering of Zenith enthusiasts, builders & pilots on the ramp in front of the Zenith Aircraft factory, starting around 5:00 pm. Cash bar opens around 4:30 pm. Updates from Zenith (with special guests) presented after dinner. Awesome door prizes, and more! Purchase your dinner tickets online or in the Zenith office. Stay for after-dinner music and camaraderie!

Saturday, September 21 at Mexico Airport (Tentative Schedule. Times and topics subject to change)

The Saturday events at the Zenith factory include self-guided Zenith factory tours, hands-on building projects inside the factory, Zenith aircraft on display in the air and on the ground, great food, and fun contests for our visitors to enjoy, along with educational seminars throughout the day. Stay for the late afternoon fried chicken dinner and awards ceremony starting a 4:00pm. Note that some of the presentations on Saturday are repeat seminars from Friday. This allows visitors to sit in on presentations even if they are scheduled at the same time as other presentation.

7:30 – 9:00 am Pancake breakfast, prepared by EAA Chapter 944, is once again compliments of KITPLANES magazine and AVEMCO aviation insurance.

Seminars, workshops, and activities.

• Zenith Factory Tour: Travis Kobush, Zenith Aircraft's production manager, will guide visitors through the Zenith kit aircraft factory, including a sneak-peek at the Zenith expansion currently underway
• Design and construction for your Zenith: Matt Heintz, Zenair (Canada) manager, will give valuable information involving ongoing airworthiness and construction standards for Zenith aircraft
• Scratch-building your own Zenith: Learn about the skills and tools needed to scratch-build your own Zenith just from the Drawings and manuals. Presented by Clint Gosch, a Zenith scratch builder
• Panel Discussion: STOL Flying and Competitions. Multiple STOL pilots discuss the skills necessary for operations with flying off-airport. Also, what does it take to get involved in STOL competitions and demonstrations
• Transition Training: CFI Phil Cook, will share details on transition training, which is highly recommended to new pilots and everyone who has not previously flown Zenith airplanes, to help with a smooth transition without taking unnecessary risks.
• Propellers: Choosing the right propeller for your Zenith. Steve Boser, president of Sensenich propellers, will discuss how to properly choose the right propeller for your Zenith airplane, whether you are looking for max climb or max cruise performance.
• Zenith Aircraft Show: Public and Zenith builder judged aircraft show (like a car show, but with Zenith airplanes) with many categories and great prizes. Pick up a voting ballot and vote for your favorite Zenith – check out the planes on the ramp and meet with the pilot/builders. (Airplane owners: Register your Zenith at the gazebo outside of the Zenith factory hangar all day Friday or on Saturday morning).
• 10:50 am: Annual "Group Photo" of builders and their planes in front of the Zenith factory.
• Introduction to Building your own Zenith: Introducing the Zenith kits! Learn about getting started on your own Zenith kit project. Overview of the kit, with Q&A about building your own Zenith.
• 12:00 pm - Zenith Aircraft Expansion RIBBON CUTTING event. Join us for the ribbon cutting ceremony inside the newly expanded kit aircraft factory. Presented by the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce, with local dignitaries. Inside the new expansion (west end).
• Creating and Sharing Your Project (building and flying) Content on Social Media. Popular content creator Carson Stilson (and others) will share information on creating and sharing content as you build and fly your Zenith airplane. Learn from the pros!
• Beyond the Build: What You Need to Know. There are lots of things besides drilling and riveting that you need to know when building your own aircraft. Charlie Becker from EAA will walk you through the “other stuff” like in process inspections, builders logs, FAA paperwork, taxes, insurance, and much more.
• STOL and Flying Demonstrations: Short Take-Off and Short (Precision) Landing as well as other flying demonstrations, at Mexico Memorial Airport (weather permitting)
• Garmin Experimental Solutions for Zeniths: Factory rep from Garmin International will discuss Garmin avionics solutions for Zenith kit aircraft offered through Zenith.
• Viking Engines: Jan Eggenfellner, Viking Aircraft Engines

4:30 - 6:00 pm (or later)

• Dinner, in front of the Zenith Aircraft factory. Cash bar opens at 4:00 pm, dinner starts at 4:30 pm. Awards will be presented following the dinner. Stay for after-dinner music. 
  Purchase your dinner tickets online or buy your tickets at the Zenith office.
• Cleco Contest @ 4:30 pm: With the dinner crowd watching and cheering you on, show off your cleco skills! Join in on the fun! Sign-up sheets will be available with a limited number of contestants allowed.

• Watch a time-lapse video and the slide show of past Zenith Homecoming events.

The banquet dinner will include special presentations, and there will be some fantastic door prizes from our valued sponsors and vendors! Purchase your dinner tickets online

On the ramp at Zenith Aircraft company and Mexico Memorial Airport

Zenith builders and owners: Fly in with your Zenith aircraft and show off your plane in the new Zenith Aircraft Show (like a car show, but with airplanes) and be judged by the public and experienced builders. All Zenith aircraft are welcome and encouraged to participate in the Aircraft Show, even if your plane is older and not polished!

The Open Hangar Days event presents the opportunity for visitors to tour the Zenith Aircraft factory, meet the Zenith staff, and to socialize (safely, of course, during this ongoing pandemic) with fellow pilots, builders, and aviation enthusiasts. Join us both days for educational seminars (see below) on building and flying your own airplane, plus learn all about the latest avionics and engine technology from several vendors at the event.

[The following info in from 2023 - we will update the 2024 schedule soon] 
We'll have some great informal seminars from actual Zenith builders and pilots, including:

• Charlie Becker, EAA’s director of chapters and homebuilding, will participate once again at the Zenith Homecoming, providing updates from EAA Headquarters about the latest FAA/governmental issues including the MOSAIC NPRM, task based phase 1 flight testing, LODA, Basic Med and fuel issues. He will also present a seminar title Beyond the Build - What You Need to Know, discussing aircraft ownership besdes drilling and riveting that you need to know when building your own aircraft and “other stuff” like in-process inspections, builders logs, FAA paperwork, taxes, insurance, and much more.
   
• Steve Aupperle (from Michigan) built his own Zenith STOL CH 750 from a kit, and hand-painted his aircraft with a household paint roller. He will present a seminar titled "Hand Painting Your Airplane: Roll and Tip Method" to share his experiences, with tips and hints on hand painting your own aircraft. Check out this video from earlier this year as we spoke with Ramesh Nori who also hand-painted his Zenith with a paint roller. 
  
• Clint Gosch (from Iowa) scratch-built his own STOL CH 750 (powered by a 100-hp Continental O-200 engine) from plans (blueprints). Once again, he will share details about the skills and tools needed to scratch-build your aircraft (from just drawings). He will also share details about his experiences installing and flying with a (used) Continental O-200 engine in his Zenith. Watch the video of Clint and his airplane. 
• Women's Introduction to Aircraft Building workshop: Val Westedt (who has already built and flown her own Zenith) has volunteered to teach a workshop just for aspiring women airplane builders. "There should be more women building airplanes and I wanted to show them that they can learn the skills to do it,” she said. Back by popular demand, this workshop includes a hands-on building project. This is a great workshop not only for aspiring women builders, but also for all women (young and old!) who would like to learn more about light aircraft construction. 
  
• Randy Shannon will return with his utility Zenith STOL CH 750 Super Duty as well as his four-seat STOL CH 801, and will share information about his Zenith aircraft
  

Are you attending the Zenith Homecoming and have an interesting story to share with fellow builders and flyers (about anything building and/or flying related). Let us know and we'll try to accommodate you at the Homecoming!

Summary of Seminars: Here's an overview summary of the scheduled seminars - see the schedule for event details, times and location.

• Engines, engines and more engines! One of the big advantages to building your own Zenith is that you, the builder, get to choose the engine to install in your Zenith. That's why we invite engine companies to participate at the Open Hangar Days. Throughout the Open Hangar Days there will be presentations by engine companies as well as demonstrations (ground and in the air). There will also be the now-famous "Engine panel discussion" late Friday afternoon with expert representatives from the engine companies as well as builder/pilot experiences both installing and flying with the various engines.
• And Panels too! Zenith builders and flyers also get to choose how to configure their instrument (avionics) panels for the aircraft. Representatives from Garmin and Dynon will be on hand to discuss their latest innovations and how to install them (and fly behind them).
• Painting your own aircraft. We'll hold a panel discussion on painting your aircraft, discussing the types of paint, polish vs. painting, vinyl wraps, decals, and more! Loehle Coatings has 40 years of experience in aircraft finishes and paints, and will be available to discuss their paint system.
• Match-Hole Assembly - Hands on Demonstration: Zenith Staff will show and demonstrate the newest updates from the Zenith factory in ease-of-building technology, making Zenith kit aircraft easier and quicker to build than ever before. (Demonstration inside the Zenith Hangar)
• Aircraft building workshops and demonstrations: We are planning additional seminars and workshops specific to building (and maintaining) a Zenith aircraft.

• Morning Breakfast: Friday morning's breakfast will be provided courtesy of Wheels and Wings (builder assistance), and KITPLANES magazine and Avemco Insurance Company will provide Saturday's pancake breakfast! Come early for breakfast on Friday morning before the seminars get underway, served by EAA Chapter 944!

The Saturday events at the Zenith factory include tours of the Zenith factory, hands-on building projects, Zenith airplanes on display in the air and on the ground, great food, and fun contests for our visitors to enjoy, along with educational seminars throughout the day.
 

Saturday Events: See the schedule (above) for actual times and seminar details (Subject to change and revision). 

• Building Your Own Zenith Aircraft
• Zenith Factory Tour
• Zenith Aircraft Show: Public and Zenith builder judged aircraft show (like a car show, but with Zenith airplanes) with fun categories and great prizes. Register your Zenith aircraft at the registration booth in the gazebo outside of the Zenith factory hangar all day on Friday or Saturday morning.
• Annual "group photo" of builders and their planes in front of the factory.
• Official Ribbon-Cutting of the newly-expanded Zenith kit aircraft factory with the Mexico Chamber of Commerce. 12:00 pm noon
• Building and Flying Your Zenith Aircraft
• STOL & Flying Demonstrations: Short Take-Off and Short (Precision) Landing Demonstrations at Mexico Memorial Airport (subject to weather).
• Overview of the Tools & Skills Needed to Build Your Own Zenith Aircraft
• Zenith Aircraft Show & Fly-By: Flying and ground demonstration and show of owner-built Zeniths. All Zenith aircraft are encouraged to participate! 
• BBQ Dinner and Awards Presentation, sponsored by our friends at Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, starting at 4:00 pm

We invite and encourage all Zenith builders, owners, pilots, and enthusiasts to come out! Learn more about building, flying and maintaining your Zenith aircraft, and meet with fellow builders and flyers. Owners of completed Zenith Aircraft are encouraged to fly-in for the activities and to show off their completed project to fellow builders (we will provide tie-down space and help facilitate ground transportation if possible).

Mexico's airport (KMYJ) offers 24-hr self serve fuel at competitive prices (including MOGAS), and has a terminal building with 24 hour access to the pilot lounge (with showers and internet access!). Let us know of any special needs or requirements.

Zenith owners: Please park your airplane as close to the Zenith factory as possible (on the Zenith ramp) on Saturday. Visitors come to see Zenith aircraft so make sure your aircraft can be found! We'll try to position and group all Zeniths in front of the factory for the group photo at 10:50 am. Please bring yourself a portable folding (lawn) chair. (Note that non-Zenith aircraft are welcome to fly in to the event but please park non-Zenith aircraft on the North end of the airport ramp parking area). Non Zenith aircraft types are invited to fly in for the events, but please park you aircraft on the north side of the main airport ramp area (well north of the fuel pumps) to allow space for Zeniths on the south side.

If flying in with your own aircraft, please bring your own aircraft tie-downs, especially if staying overnight.

There is no charge to attend the Open Hangar Day or any seminars or activities, with the exception of the Friday dinner at the Zenith factory. 

Note to builders: You can arrange to pick-up parts and kits at the Open Hangar Day if the parts have been ordered, paid for and confirmed prior to the Open Hangar Day.

We can help you to carpool if you are flying in and need a ride to and from a local hotel.

Camping at the event: There will be free camping available.

Tent camping with your plane or car is available, or set up your camper in the designated camp area (north side of airport, by the entrance).

There's also a public campground at scenic Lakeview Park a few miles away in the city of Mexico.

We're be pleased to be offering the new 2024 Zenith Homecoming t-shirt at the event. Be sure to pick one up or order one now (quantities are limited!)

Thanks to all our fabulous partners and sponsors who continue to support the Zenith Homecoming year after year:

Zenith Open Hangar Days Participants and Sponsors (subject to change and updates. This list is from last year).

Aircraft Spruce and Specialty is a long time supporter and sponsor of the Zenith Homecoming events. Aircraft Spruce and Specialty is the leading aviation, aircraft, and pilot supply house in the world. 

Experimental Aircraft Association 

Charlie Becker, a director at EAA, will participate to share the latest from EAA, including updates on FAA rules and regulations affecting homebuilders and sport and recreational pilots, as well as info on EAA's available resources to help builders, owners and pilots of amateur-built aircraft, including the technical advisor and flight advisor programs.

LAVION AERO, represented by owner Phil Cook, is uniquely qualified to provide a range of flight training and services for owners of Zenith kit aircraft. Having built, flown, and tested his own Zenith CH 750 Cruzer, in addition to flying and instructing in numerous other experimental aircraft, Phil can provide builders/owners with: Build review and assistance, First flights, Transition training, Advanced avionics setup and familiarization, Phase 1 fight testing assistance, and Ferrying.
 

Garmin International Inc. will be on hand to show the new Zenith CH 750 / CH 650 Avionics Package featuring Garmin G3X Touch Experimental/LSA Avionics. Brad Brensing from Garmin will demonstrate the equipment and capabilities included in the new Garmin package being offered through Zenith. Garmin will be donating fantastic prizes once again.

Kitplanes magazine will participate to share information about Kitplanes magazine, the leading how-to homebuilt aircraft magazine, and will donate, together with Avemco Aviation Insurance, the free breakfast on Saturday morning!

Corvair Engine guru William Wynne of FlyCorvair.com will attend to show the affordable Corvair auto conversion installation popular on many Zeniths. 

UL Power will be on hand to represent the new generation of light aircraft engines. The UL Power aircraft engines are direct-drive air-cooled lightweight engines featuring full FADEC technology (with fuel injection and electronic ignition). Represented by Herman Eshuis of Wheels & Wings.

 AeroLEDs offer state-of-the art lighting systems for light aircraft with the latest LED lighting technology, including nav/strobe lights and landing lights for light aircraft. AeroLED donates fantastic door prizes!
 

DUC Propellers is attending the Zenith Homecoming, represented by Gaetan Fouozing‎, who heads US Sales for the maker carbon composite aircraft propellers.

Viking Aircraft Engines produces a low-cost Honda-based light aircraft engine, and offers complete firewall-forward packages of the engine for installation in Zeniths. Jan and Alissa from Viking are returning to the Zenith Homecoming, flying from Florida in their Viking-powered STOL CH 750 Super Duty. Learn all about the Honda-based Viking engines, popular with many Zenith aircraft builders and owners. Jan will be demonstrating his STOL CH 750 Super Duty both the on ground and in the air, and will offer demo flights!

Our friends at F&A Cycle in Columbia, Missouri, will be participating at the Homecoming once again. F&A Cycle offers exceptional powder coating services as well as Cerakote finishes. Check out the amazing finish and workmanship of Jason's STOL CH 750 airframe on display inside the Zenith hangar, and visit F&A Cycle in Columbia for a full range of products and services, from RC cars, parts and accessories, engine rebuilds, restorations, suspension tuning, paint, and full powder coating services.

Avemco Insurance Company will be participating at the Zenith event, and is co-sponsoring, with KITPLANES magazine, pancake breakfast on Saturday morning: Come early for a free breakfast with the airplanes in front of the Zenith kit aircraft factory! Avemco is the only direct writer of aircraft insurance, connecting you directly with an underwriter who is empowered to solve problems and approve coverage instantly instead of a middleman who simply passes your request on to somebody else.

Dynon Avionics will demonstrate its new glass panel display systems, and is donating some fantastic prizes to be awarded during the Zenith Homecoming!

Wheels & Wings (from north-central Florida) offers professional builder assistance services. Meet with Herman to learn more about the services of Wheels and Wings and how they can help you complete your Zenith kit project.

Sensenich aircraft propellers will attend and participate once again at the Zenith Homecoming. Steve Boser, president of Sensenich propellers, will be on hand to represent his company and present a seminar and workshop on how to properly choose the right propeller for your Zenith airplane, whether you are looking for max climb or max cruise performance.

Citizens Bank will be participating at the Homecoming for the first time. The small town bank offers competitive financing tailored specifically to Zenith kit builders, and will be offering great prizes!

EAA Chapter 944 of Chillicothe, MO has also organized an aviation-themed Missouri specialty​​ license plate featuring a Zenith STOL aircraft!

We've had fantastic events in past years at the Zenith Aircraft factory. Beautiful planes, perfect weather and awesome people! Check out some of the photos and videos from past events to get a feel about what the Zenith Homecoming is all about.

• Photos from the 2023 Homecoming | Photos from the 2022 Homecoming
• Photos from the 2021 Homecoming | Photos from the 2020 Homecoming 
• Videos: 2020 Homecoming and Aerial Views

The last few years we have moved our larger gatherings outdoors to be able to better socially distance ourselves. Below: BBQ dinner on the Zenith ramp with the airplanes. What a great way to spend the evening!

• Share the event on your Facebook page! (Mark yourself as attending to automatically receive updates)
   

• Photos and videos of the 2023 event
  • Video: Short official summary video (by Carson Stilson)
  • Video: Mark Pensenstadler's Homecoming Video
  • Video: T.Y. visits the planes of the Homecoming
  • Video: Viking Engines at the Homecoming
• Plane & Pilot magazine: Zenith Homecoming Recap (9/22/23)
• Kitplanes Magazine, Zenith Aircraft Homecoming Report, September 20, 2023
• AVWeb: Zenith Hosts 32nd Annual Homecoming Fly-In
• Local NBC affiliate news story: Aviation lovers flock to Mexico for Zenith Aircraft's annual homecoming (9/15/23)

• Watch a time-lapse video and the slide show of the 2021 Zenith Homecoming events.
• Video clip of the 2018 event | Check out the photos from the 2018 event
• Photos from the 2017 event | Photos from the 2016 event