MEXICO, Mo. — Hundreds of people showed up on Friday, Sept. 19, for the pre-Hangar Day activities and hundreds more came on Saturday for demo flights, factory tours and encounters with Zenith Aircraft kit builders, factory personnel, and the curious.
Sebastien Heintz, President of Zenith said: “By all accounts and measurements, the 23rd annual Hangar Day was an incredible winner. Most felt they had learned a great deal and everyone enjoyed the camaraderie.”
On Friday there were a number of seminars and demonstrations dealing with all aspects of building an aircraft. One of the most popular classes featured a panel discussion that included representatives of the various engines that can be mounted on a Zenith. The panel discussion included Continental Motors (Kim Winner), Corvair (William Wynne), Jabiru (Pete Krotje), Rotax (Rob Seaton), UL Power (Robert Helms), and Viking Honda conversions (Jan Eggenfellner).
Among the highlights of the two-day event was the arrival of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s two Zenith aircraft. One was an EAA staff-built version of the CH 750 Cruzer and the second was the One Week Wonder CH 750 that was completed during AirVenture with assistance from more than 2,500 people.
Zenith also held its first annual STOL aircraft competition. Seven pilots participated and the winner of the STOL competition was Jan Eggenfellner flying a Zenith STOL CH 750 powered by a Viking 110 engine, a popular Honda-based auto conversion. His takeoff measured 109 feet, and his precision landing measured 110 feet for a combined winning score of 219 feet.
“We’ll do it all again next year,” said Heintz. “The popularity of this kind of event continues to grow since the emphasis always remains on having a good time.”
For more information: Zenithair.com