As Zenith Aircraft Co. completes its new CH 650 B demonstrator plane, it is soliciting paint scheme designs. The winning design will be shown off at Sun ‘n Fun, which kicks off March 29.
According to company founder Sebastien Heintz, “We’d like the new paint scheme for our new CH 650 to help highlight the fact this is a fresh new airplane, yet it’s a traditional all-metal light sport plane. The new larger canopy and swept-back vertical tail change the look for the CH 650, while it still shares the look of the Zodiac design which has been popular since 1984. The new paint scheme needs to be relatively simple to paint (and maintain).
“We invite both creative and non-creative types to submit entries,” he continued. “We’ll post the top submissions on our website and allow everyone to view these entries and to vote on their favorite(s).
He adds this caveat: “We may not end up choosing the ‘best’ or most favored design, but may end up picking the most practical one. Also, we might end up combining several entries together (a combination of colors and/or schemes) or modifying submissions. Submitted paint schemes that are not used by us could inspire existing builders and owners. We invite you to submit several different schemes, and also encourage you to explain the reasons you’ve chosen certain colors and lines.”
He aid it isn’t really a competition. ” It’s more of a call for ideas and inspiration to help us decide how to paint our factory demo plane,” he said. “However, we will recognize ‘winners’ and have a great award available (up to $500 value) and your paint will be featured on a popular light sport aircraft worldwide for many years. (Hey, our last plane was even featured in Playboy magazine!)”
Download the form to submit your paint scheme. Deadline to submit your paint scheme is Feb. 25. Send the completed form (scanned in color) to [email protected].
For more information: ZenithAir.com
Maybe nose art commemorating those who lost their lives when their Zenith wings folded up would be appropriate. Or bolder still, perhaps some paint scheme which gives the illusion that the wings are ripping off at the root. Whose with me?