ZENAIR EVENT REPORT: June 19-20, 2010

A Father’s Day get-together in France:

A significant number of Zenair owners had planned to attend this event, unfortunately the weather remained marginal all weekend, with low ceilings and scattered rain showers both days. Here are some pictures taken during one of the weekend’s rare moments of sunshine…

Still, ten aircraft made it, one from as far away as the Netherlands: “Yes, I encountered some rain”, said builder/pilot Hans Oosterhof, “the plane is cleaner now than when I left home”… (see below for a picture of his plane)

The event was hosted by Edgar Grimm (red shirt, above right) of GRIMM ULM near Epernay in the Champagne region of France. The meals were prepared by Luc Dierckx, left (also a CH 701 builder/pilot), and served in GRIMM’s well-equipped clubhouse. And, yes, a lot of corks were popped!

Above is Hans Ossterhof’s beautiful CH 601 XL. Hans just recently completed the unique (and significant!) upgrade package required by the Dutch. It is a unique combination of elements from the German, UK and American upgrades that no one truly understands, but “at least it allows us to fly” says Hans. He already has over 40 hours on the aircraft since the upgrade…



This aircraft was built on site by Edgar and his staff. It is a very fine example of the dealer-built Ready-to-Fly Zenair aircraft available today in Europe. The brand new Zodiac is for sale; contact Edgar directly for more details…

This CH 601 UL was flown in from Belgium by Dominique dutordoir and his wife. Dominique was too hot under
the bubble one too-many times and opted for a permanent solution. He etched and painted the Plexiglas dome on the exterior and padded the interior with foam insulation. This gives the plane a unique look. Yes, he lost some visibility, but he no longer needs to wear a cap…

This STOL CH 701 is used by GRIMM’s ultralight flying school. He also uses it for banner towing and for professional air-photography work. The plane was also used for a few demo flights during the weekend.

A second Zodiac from Belgium. Flown by long-time friends, Zenair builders and pilots M. Donner and M. Merlot, they came in from Maillen, an hour away, and just stayed for a brief visit (and the fabulous meal). They were on their way again before the first rain of the afternoon…


This third Zodiac from the Maillen Ultralight Club (and flown by owner/instructor Eddy Frederic) tells us how active this group from Belgium is. All three aircraft arrived independently at different times of the day and left again left on their own…

Pierangelo Mesapeza of ULM Technologie came by road on Saturday and delivered a complete CH 601 UL kit. This kit will also be assembled in the GRIMM workshop, to be sold as a new and affordable Ready-to-Fly ultralight. The CH 601 UL is a well-known and appreciated classic in Europe where it was manufactured by CZAW for many years…


Here is the second-to-last CH 601 XL produced in the Czech Republic by CZAW. The aircraft is now upgraded and flown by Claude Cordel.


This bright red aircraft was recently flown to Morocco and back by its proud owner Pascal Gomy. It is based in Epernay and is regularly flown on long trips (all across France, Corsica, etc.)…



Here is GRIMM’s own CH 601 XL trainer. The flying school offers flight instruction in either the Zodiac or the STOL CH 701.


This STOL CH 701 is stored on-site and has a place high up above the rest. As with most airports, hangar space is also limited here – creative solutions are found…

The current project in GRIMM’s workshop is this very nicely equipped STOL CH 701. The large wheels, high-tech panel, auto-pilot and electric flap system were all closely examined throughout the weekend. The aircraft will be painted, finished and flown in the next two weeks… For more information on builder-assistance or ready-to-fly Zenair ultralights, contact Edgar Grimm at: +33.03.26.52.14.04

The next planned get-together of Zenair planes in France will be in Saint-Yan for the Euro-Fly-in on July 14-18. Our hosts there will be another Zenair representative: Barge Aviation.


For additional reports on events in Europe, visit: http://zenair.ning.com/group/europe (registration required).

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Comment by Doug Dugger on July 5, 2010 at 9:39am
Michael Great report from overthere nice to see all the 601xls. Lori and I are off to Arlington WA for the airshow. Taking the 750 wow what a lot of hours to fly off and only had two weeks to do it. Flys like the 701 butt different. Will post pics of the flight up. Have a great summer. Doug
Comment by BURT R KORNOELY on June 23, 2010 at 8:47pm
That would look good in my 801
Comment by yvon tremblay on June 22, 2010 at 3:51pm
Bravo, très beau reportage et de belles images.
Comment by Stephen R. Smith on June 21, 2010 at 10:42am
Nice report Michael. Thanks, Steve
Comment by Michael Heintz on June 21, 2010 at 9:15am
Hi Mike,

Here is a better picture of that panel...

Comment by Mike Armstrong on June 21, 2010 at 8:44am
Interesting panel on the 701. Thanks for the update.

Mike Armstrong
Comment by Bob Archibald on June 21, 2010 at 8:32am
Looking good, Michael.

Cheers, Bob
Comment by Zenith.Aero on June 21, 2010 at 8:18am
Thanks for the great report from Europe!

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