Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program

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.

[See comments below for the latest update]

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, Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program: 

Project lead: Dave Moffett:
N224DM@gmail.com Cell: 770-335-3779

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.

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Comment by Zenith Aero on Tuesday
The Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program (RAYAP) has completed assembly of a Zenith CH 750 Cruzer airframe kit as part of its hands-on training program for youth. They are offering the completed 750 Cruzer airframe kit for sale.
The assembled kit is ready for engine (firewall-forward), avionics, upholstery and paint (or wrap). The completed airframe includes rudder, horizontal stab, and elevator on the installed landing gear. Wings with flight controls. Wings are prewired for landing/taxi lights and position lights. All mated surfaces have been primed for corrosion protection.
Youth and mentors of the Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program (RAYAP) built this Zenith CH 750 Cruzer airframe (from a Zenith kit) at Peach State Aerodrome (south of Atlanta, Georgia). RAYAP is a volunteer organization that introduces youth to the world of aviation, from flight training to aircraft building and maintenance.
Founded by aviation entrepreneur Ron Alexander and Zenith builder/pilot Jim Hoak in 2013, Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program (RAYAP) is a hands-on aviation program and a 501(c)3 non-profit, not a "school" subject to state regulations. RAYAP has been incredibly successful, offering a helping hand to young people (14-18) who wish to make aviation a career. For every ten hours of work the kids put in working on an airplane, they receive credit for one hour of free flying time. RAYAP's volunteer mentors (made up mostly of retired Delta Airlines mechanics, engineers and pilots) offer youth a tremendous amount of aviation (and life) skills and education to help them prepare for a career as a pilot, A&P mechanic, or even flight dispatcher.
RAYAP's Zenith CH 750 Cruzer project has concluded with the finished airframe, to allow the prospective buyer to install their own engine, upholstery, avionics, and instruments. Under the program, RAYAP built the Zenith kit as a learning and character-building experience for the youth in the program, and is now offering for sale the assembled kit as a fundraising activity for the program. This is a wonderful aviation program with a proven track record (having already built a dozen airplanes).
This is a wonderful opportunity to get your hands on a completed airframe (ready to be customized with your choice of engine, avionics, and paint) while also supporting a fantastic non-profit program.
"I was the lead on this project, so you can contact me personally with any questions. While I'm a retired airline pilot, I'm also an A&P mechanic and our program director is an IA. While the students did most of the work, they were under constant supervision. I can transport the disassembled airframe via enclosed trailer to a buyer for travel costs."
For more information, contact Dave Moffett: N224DM@gmail.com
Cell: 770-335-3779
Additional info:
Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program (RAYAP): https://www.rayap.org/
Comment by Zenith Aero on March 5, 2025 at 3:43pm
Check out the Zenith 750 Cruzer kit that the Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program (RAYAP) is building!
RAYAP youth and mentors are finishing the basic build
Comment by Zenith Aero on March 24, 2023 at 4:20pm

Check out the brochure about RAYAP's offer for their CH 750 Cruzer project:

Comment by Zenith Aero on February 15, 2023 at 11:35am

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

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