For the first time ever, Zenith Aircraft Company is bringing its famous two-day hands-on kit aircraft building workshop to the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo (in Sebring, Florida, January 25- 28, 2017).

The Zenith workshops are aimed at the first-time airplane builder and have become popular with sport aviation enthusiasts who have considered building their own aircraft, but were not sure if they could handle the required skills, work-space and tools. During the workshop, which begins on Wednesday (January 25) and runs until Thursday afternoon (January 26), each participant builds and assembles a Zenith Aircraft rudder tail section from a standard kit. A second workshop session begins on Friday (January 27) and ends on Saturday.  Additionally, Zenith Aircraft staff will hold a daily one-hour seminar about kit aircraft construction. 

In the hands-on workshop, participants tackle many activities including learning how to read drawings (blueprints) and work from assembly instructions (manuals). They learn the procedures for putting together an aircraft assembly, including drilling, de-burring and blind riveting. As part of the building process they cut, file and fit the aluminum alloy (sheet metal) parts. In the end, they have an assembled rudder that is ready to install on an airplane. 

“The rest of the airframe is constructed the same way as the rudder using pretty much the same tools,” said Sebastien Heinz, President of Zenith. “People get far more out of the workshops than just a rudder. The go home with the knowledge and skills they need to finish an airplane. Most importantly, they learn that building is easy, enjoyable and something that can engage the whole family. Many of our prospective builders bring their spouses or other family member, who often encourage them to move forward with the rest of the airframe. With modern technology and good instructions, aircraft construction has become much simpler than most people imagine.”

The two-day hands-on workshop is an excellent way to learn about building your own amateur-built aircraft and about the many advantages of owning and flying an airplane that you’ve built yourself. Kit aircraft is a segment of aviation that is growing while the rest of the aviation industry continues to decline. For many, building an aircraft (from a kit) is a very rewarding experience, and today’s modern kits make it easier and quicker to build than even before.

A demo flight in a Zenith aircraft is offered as part of the "workshop experience," and participants are also invited to the Zenith dinner (time and place in Sebring to be determined).

Workshop fees are $375 and include the complete rudder kit for a Zenith aircraft. Additional helpers can participate for free. To learn more about the workshop program visit ZenithAir.com, and visit the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo website for details about the aviation expo in Sebring, Florida, January 25 - 28, 2017.

Click here to sign up for the workshop.  Note: Workshop space is limited, and prior registration is required.

Existing Zenith builders and flyers are also encouraged to attend the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo, and to fly-in with their finished Zenith aircraft projects. Come by and visit with Zenith staff, see the planes at booth S217, lend a helping hand at the workshop tent, and join us for the Zenith dinner (time and place to be announced).

Zenith CH 750 Cruzer over the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo:

Zenith STOL CH 750 over the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo:

Zenith CH 750 over Sebring, Florida:

Flight to Sebring, Florida in the Zenith CH 750 Cruzer:

Flight to Sebring, Florida in the Zenith CH 650: