Stephanie and her husband Dennis (from Texas) are serial kit aircraft builders who participated at the most recent Zenith hands-on kit airplane building workshop class at the Zenith kit airplane factory in Mexico, Missouri.
During the workshop, Stephanie completed the rudder (vertical tail) assembly for the sleek low-wing Zenith CH 650, learning about the tools and methods to build her own Zenith kit.
She then took to the skies with Zenith demo pilot Roger in the factory Zenith CH 650 demonstrator aircraft (powered by a 118-hp UL350i engine). While the demo flight was cut short due to strong, gusty winds and record heat on Saturday — during Zenith's “Fly-In to Summer” Open House — the spirit of the workshop and community remained high. Watch the video to see the flight, as well short highlights of the rudder build!
Participating at a hands-on Zenith Aircraft workshop is about more than just sheet metal and rivets — it’s a full experience! Participants not only get to build part of their own aircraft but also enjoy a factory tour and take to the skies with a Zenith demo pilot in a factory aircraft.
Attending a Zenith hands-on kit airplane building workshop is the perfect way to jumpstart your journey into homebuilt aviation. Whether you're seriously considering building your own aircraft or just curious about the process, this immersive experience gives you real, hands-on exposure. You'll learn the basic skills and tools needed to build a Zenith aircraft, guided by experienced staff in a relaxed and supportive environment.
You'll also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Zenith factory, see how the kits are made, and even go flying in a factory demo plane—truly bringing the dream to life. Plus, you'll meet fellow aviation enthusiasts and potential future builders, making connections that often last well beyond the workshop. It’s an inspiring, informative, and fun way to take the first step toward building and flying your own airplane.