Zenith Aircraft Company will hold its hands-on workshop Feb. 24-25, 2023, at Boerne Stage Airfield (5C1).
The workshop is primarily for first-time kit airplane builders who are thinking about building their own aircraft, but unsure if they have the skills, workspace, and tools. During the workshop each participant builds a rudder tail section from a standard Zenith kit.
In the process of building the rudder assembly, participants tackle many activities involved in building their own airplane, including learning how to read drawings (blueprints) and work with assembly instructions (manuals), as well as drilling and blind riveting.
“The rest of the kit is constructed the same way as the rudder, using the same tools,” said Sebastien Heintz, president. “Participants get far more out of the workshop than just a finished aircraft rudder: They go home with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to build their own airplane. Most importantly, they learn that kit building is 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 kit. With modern technology, such as final hole size CNC match drilled parts, and good instructions, aircraft construction has become much easier than most people think.”
Workshop fees are $375 (or $425 for the CH 750 Super Duty model) and include the complete rudder kit for a Zenith aircraft. Additional helpers are encouraged to attend and can participate for free.
To learn more about the workshop program, go to ZenithAir.com.