Above photo: Zenith Aircraft delivers the first Zenith CH 750 Cruzer kit to the Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program (RAYAP) program at Peach State Aerodrome (south of Atlanta) on the way to Sun 'n Fun 2022.

The Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program (RAYAP) is a volunteer organization that introduces youth to the world of aviation, from flight training to aircraft building and maintenance. Started by aviation entrepreneur Ron Alexander and Zenith builder/pilot Jim Hoak (a lifetime EAA member and serial homebuilder) in 2013, the program provides aviation interested youth guidance, mentorship, and the opportunity to build, restore and maintain aircraft in exchange for flight time towards a sport pilot or private pilot’s certificate.

Above photo: Lead mentor, David Moffett, helps a youth builder gain new skills building the CH 750 Cruzer rudder, as youth and mentors begin assembly of their Zenith kit.

Mentors (mostly retired aviation mechanics, engineers and pilots) volunteer their time in the program to teach students.

Above photo: RAYAP youth and mentors at the Zenith Aircraft booth at EAA Oshkosh AirVenture 2021

Under the program, RAYAP is building the Zenith kit as a learning and character-building experience for the youth in the program, and plans to sell the assembled kit as a fundraising activity for the program.

Based at Peach State Aerodrome south of Atlanta, this is a wonderful aviation program with a proven track record (having already built nine airplanes).

Initially, RAYAP does not plan to finish the aircraft (will not include firewall forward, avionics, interior, or paint options) leaving these options for the assembled kit buyer to select. However, at some point, RAYAP may also complete the entire aircraft (to specifications of the buyer).

Above photo (left to right): Zenith Aircraft's Roger Dubbert and Sebastien Heintz with RAYAP co-founder and mentor Jim Hoak with RAYAP director Joe Reheiser, at Sun 'n Fun 2022 (in front of a Zenith CH 750 fuselage assembly.

Zenith builders and flyers: this is a wonderful opportunity to get your hands on a completed airframe while supporting a fantastic program at the same time. For more information, contact Joe Reheiser, Director of the Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program: 703-346-7509 or email: joereheiser@gmail.com

Above photo: RAYAP director Joe Reheiser with student Ryan Walters and RAYAP co-founder and mentor Jim Hoak with a Zenith CH 750 Cruzer at EAA Oshkosh AirVenture.

Check the RAYAP Facebook page for updates on their Zenith build project and for more information.