The latest NEWS on Zenair in action in Europe
September 2024 (Bordeaux, France):
New Glider Tow-Plane Coming to Europe!
New Glider Tow-Plane Coming to Europe!
Planeur Services, based in Libourne, France is proposing a new Zenair-based tow-plane for glider-clubs still using or having outdated or broken aircraft at the end of their operational lives. The brand-new all-metal low-wing tow-planes are based on the well-proven CH 650 design and equipped with the powerful Belgian-made UL-Power engine and German TOST towing equipment. Staff from Planeur Services just returned from the Zenith Aircraft factory (USA) where they flew the Experimental version of the aircraft (see video); the first French-assembled tow-plane is set to complete all DGAC-required approval flights this fall. Glider clubs interested in seeing and/or testing the aircraft are encouraged to contact Loic at Planeur Services.
|
|
Aérodrome de Libourne
33570 Les Artigues-de-Lussac, France Mail: [email protected] Telephone: 06 84 67 43 13 Attn: Loic POUCHUCQ |
July 5-6, 2024 (LFFN, France)
EURO FLY'IN RSA 2024 - Brienne-le-Château
Open to pilots, builders and owners of Experimental Aircraft of all sorts and their fans, this was the 75th annual fly-in of its kind hosted by the RSA (French equivalent to EAA)! Zenith Aircraft was present at the Aéromax Services display booth (Distributor) and several Zenair designs also flew-in for the event (CH 601-XL, CH 650 and a CH 701).
Also present was Michael Heintz on behalf of Zenair who presented two "Chris Heintz" awards at the event's awards ceremony. One was to the RSA's "Pégase Project", the association's youth program that completed yet another beautiful CH 650 this year. The other was to the builders of a CH 601XL for "Best-Built ULM at the show"! Congratulations to all!
Attendance at this year's fly-in was down somewhat due to the weather, but also due to the imminent Paris Olympics as well as the Tour de France coming through town on the same weekend! Lots to see, to do and to participate-in! It was nice to see the Zenith kitplane series actively promoted and represented again, now by Aéromax Services!
Also present was Michael Heintz on behalf of Zenair who presented two "Chris Heintz" awards at the event's awards ceremony. One was to the RSA's "Pégase Project", the association's youth program that completed yet another beautiful CH 650 this year. The other was to the builders of a CH 601XL for "Best-Built ULM at the show"! Congratulations to all!
Attendance at this year's fly-in was down somewhat due to the weather, but also due to the imminent Paris Olympics as well as the Tour de France coming through town on the same weekend! Lots to see, to do and to participate-in! It was nice to see the Zenith kitplane series actively promoted and represented again, now by Aéromax Services!
|
|
Saturday June 8th, 2024 - Saint Yan, France (LFLN).
"Rassemblement des Zodiacs" (CH 601HD/HDS/UL/XL & 650)!
"Rassemblement des Zodiacs" (CH 601HD/HDS/UL/XL & 650)!
A sure sign that pandemic restrictions were finally well behind us, this event was organized by an enthusiastic CH 601-XL owner eager to again meet-up with other Zenair owners: The goal was to meet, talk "airplane", eat and fly together! Over 30 Zodiac owners signed-up in advance for this greatly-anticipated centrally-located event! Unfortunately, rain showers and thunderstorms covered much of France the entire day and only seven aircraft were able to fly-in, with many of the remaining pilots choosing to drive instead.
Many thanks to Patrice REVERDY for the initiative and superb organization; all who attended are looking forward to better weather for next year's rendition of this Zenair Owners' Fly-in. For more details, check-out Patrice's Facebook page dedicated to CH 601/650 owners!
Below are pictures of this year's attendees; can you identify the numerous Zodiac models present (CH 601XL, 601XL-B, 601XL-TD, 650Ei, 650B)? Happy 40th Anniversary to the Zodiac Series!
Many thanks to Patrice REVERDY for the initiative and superb organization; all who attended are looking forward to better weather for next year's rendition of this Zenair Owners' Fly-in. For more details, check-out Patrice's Facebook page dedicated to CH 601/650 owners!
Below are pictures of this year's attendees; can you identify the numerous Zodiac models present (CH 601XL, 601XL-B, 601XL-TD, 650Ei, 650B)? Happy 40th Anniversary to the Zodiac Series!
|
|
|
|
|
March 5, 2024 (Fédération RSA, France):
First Flight of Projet Pégase CH 650!
First Flight of Projet Pégase CH 650!
Congratulations on the first flight of another new Zenith CH 650! This one assembled from a kit by the RSA Federation Pégase program (French EAA). The aircraft flew for over two hours and made 20 landings. Jean Pierre BALLANDRAS, program director, said everything went according to plan with no anomalies reported by the pilot. "It's a very good plane!"
Great to see this first flight occur in time for the 50th anniversary of Zenair and the 40th for the Zodiac series! Félicitations!
Great to see this first flight occur in time for the 50th anniversary of Zenair and the 40th for the Zodiac series! Félicitations!
1974 - 2024 (Zenair around the world!):
FIFTIETH Anniversary for Zenair!
FIFTIETH Anniversary for Zenair!
50 years of designing aircraft & manufacturing kits for amateur aircraft builders worldwide!
Founded by aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz, over eleven thousands all-metal kits have now been sold to builders and recreational pilots from all walks of life!
Founded by aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz, over eleven thousands all-metal kits have now been sold to builders and recreational pilots from all walks of life!
|
Since 2015, Zenith designs have also consistently been the most popular kit-built Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) in North America. Popular models include the low-wing Zodiac series as well as the award winning high-wing STOL designs (2,3 & 4 seaters).
Zenair is currently restructuring and expanding its manufacturing capabilities together with its US partner Zenith Aircraft Co. The factory, distributors and many owners will hold special events in many locations this year to mark and celebrate this remarkable achievement. For more information call 705-526-2871 |
|
Autumn 2023 - Gap, France (LFNA)
CONSOLIDATION OF ZENAIR REPRESENTATION IN FRANCE!
CONSOLIDATION OF ZENAIR REPRESENTATION IN FRANCE!
We are pleased to announce that the commercial representation of the Zenair brand in France is being taken over by Aéromax Services. Jean Michel BLANC and his team are already very familiar with the different Zenair/Zenith designs since they have been maintaining and repairing these models for well over ten years. They plan to now also supply customers with new kits as well as RTF (Ready-to-fly) aircraft!
Aéromax Services will also manage aircraft certification documents for the Zenair fleet in France and plans to introduce new ULM "fiches d'identifications" in 2024 for the CH 650, CH 750 STOL & CRUZER models - at the new French ULM Gross-Weight limit of 525 kg. For all additional information, please contact Aéromax Services directly:
Aéromax Services will also manage aircraft certification documents for the Zenair fleet in France and plans to introduce new ULM "fiches d'identifications" in 2024 for the CH 650, CH 750 STOL & CRUZER models - at the new French ULM Gross-Weight limit of 525 kg. For all additional information, please contact Aéromax Services directly:
|
AEROMAX SERVICES SARL Gap-Tallard aerodrome 11 Rue Charles Nungesser - 05130 Tallard ICAO code LFNA Sales & Marketing: Jean-Michel: 06 59 35 66 06 Email: [email protected] Maintenance Shop: Pierre: 07 87 30 85 10 Email: [email protected] |
July 1, 2017 - Nancy, France (LFSN)
Zenair Fly-in - ALL WELCOME!
Zenair Fly-in - ALL WELCOME!
All Zenair owners/pilots are warmly invited to attend this European-wide "Zenair Fly-in" on July 1st! Barge Aviation is hosting this new fly-in and "Open Hangar Day" at its new facilities at the Nancy Airport (LFSN). Heintz brothers Matt (from Zenair Canada) and Sebastien (from Zenith Aircraft Co. USA) will also be at the event.
|
On this occasion, a number of new updated Zenith Aircraft kits for the two-seat Zenith CH 750 and CH 650 designs will also be on display, demonstrating the extreme ease of kit assembly with extensive use of the final-hole-size CNC match-drilled technology newly introduced by Zenith Aircraft. A number of finished demonstration aircraft will also be on display.
|
|
The Fly-in will be preceded by two days of American-style Kit Assembly Workshop. The workshop is highly recommended to anyone interested in learning more about building their own personal kit airplane. Participants start assembling kit parts under the direction and guidance of factory professionals and "graduate" upon completing the assembly of their own aircraft rudder tail section.
|
|
Yvan Barge, president of Barge Aviation states: "We invite all Zenair builders, owners, pilots and enthusiasts to this first European Zenair fly-in; we are also pleased to have the Heintz brothers lead this first assembly workshop. Join us for talk, insights, food, and fun"!
For more details contact Barge Aviation.
For more details contact Barge Aviation.
July 2016 - Vichy, France
Zenair & Chris Heintz at Annual RSA Fly-in
Zenair & Chris Heintz at Annual RSA Fly-in
|
Zenair was again well represented at this year's premier sport aviation event in France. ULM Technologie flew in with their CH 650Ei ULM while Barge Aviation had their CNSK Zenair on display. Both companies continue to market and sell Zenair aircraft in France, as kits as well as ready-to-fly.
Chris Heintz, Zenair founder, was also on-hand, signing the just-released French edition of his successful book: Flying on Your Own Wings. For more information on the aircraft - or the book - contact either distributor directly (see links). |
|
April 2015 - Aero-Friedrichshafen
NEW German Certification (Kennblatt) for CH 650Ei
NEW German Certification (Kennblatt) for CH 650Ei
|
Chris Heintz - along with several European Zenair representatives - officially received the latest German Type Certificate (T/C) issued for the Zodiac ULM series at Aero-Friedrichshafen this year. This new Kennblatt (No. 61196.3) makes it possible for owners to register and operate the newest version of the European-built CH 650-Ei in Germany - and wherever else the T/C is recognized.
|
|
Also on display at the show was a brand new factory-assembled CH 650-Ei with 100HP Rotax and glider-towing option. The Zodiac all-metal low-wing ULM is now among the most affordable certified ultralights available to European pilots. The basic ready-to-fly model starts at less than 55,000 Euros (before taxes)! For value, comfort, visibility and reliability, no other aircraft comes close; no wonder more and more aero-clubs and flight schools are turning to the CH 650-Ei.
For more information see here: http://www.zenairulm.com/rtf---ch-650ei.html
For more information see here: http://www.zenairulm.com/rtf---ch-650ei.html
August 2014
The One-Week-Wonder: Successfully Completed!
The One-Week-Wonder: Successfully Completed!
The crate containing the kit for a Zenith CH 750 Cruzer was opened at AirVenture 2014 at 8 am on the first day of the show. Just a week later, on Tuesday, August 5, 2014, the airplane that over 2500 people helped to assemble during the One Week Wonder project flew for the first time.
|
“I want to thank each and every one of the participants,” said Charlie Becker - EAA community director and homebuilt community manager (who led the program from un-crating to first flight), “you gave the crew a lot of energy to make it happen. It’s an incredibly rewarding feeling.” Becker later said: “This airplane has touched a lot of lives and will continue to touch lives by showing it can be done.”
|
|
The purpose of the project was to demonstrate what Experimental aviation is all about: hands-on involvement and the feasibility of building and flying your own self-assembled aircraft! Click here for more...
May 2014
40th Anniversary gifts & paraphernalia!
40th Anniversary gifts & paraphernalia!
|
New Zenair T-shirts, caps, lapel pins and more are now available on-line for builders, pilots and fans of Zenair Aircraft designs: Join us all in celebrating this anniversary year! These distinctive, quality items can be ordered online using PayPal or a common credit card. All items make great gifts!
Two new sticker designs being offered are ideal for use on the aircraft (fuselage sides, tail, etc.); smaller stickers can be added to a window (car or plane), tool box, log-book, etc. Show your Colors! |
|
Zenair present at Aero-Friedrichshafen
|
Zenair once again actively participated at this important European showcase in Germany. The company's presence was not as extravagant as last year for the inauguration of its new CH 650Ei factory-built ULM, yet Zenair representatives were stationed at multiple displays in 2013.
ULM-Technologie could be found promoting the new ready-to-fly CH 650Ei while members from WAASPS also manned a display and offered public forums on how they use Zenair designs in their humanitarian efforts in Africa... Click on links in text for details. |
|
Zenair unveils the new CH 750 CRUZER!
|
Zenair unveiled its newest light aircraft design at the Sun’n Fun Fly-in this year. The all-metal two-seat CH 750 Cruzer! The aircraft weighs 353kg and has a design gross-weight of 653kg providing a remarkable useful load of 300kg (600lbs.) as an amateur-built (Experimental) aircraft. Cruise speed is 118 mph, rate of climb is 1,200 fpm, and stall speed is 39 mph.
|
Complete airframe kits for the new design will be available from Zenair (or its repre-sentatives) starting in May 2013. Read more about it here!
Zenair Fly-in in Eastern France! June 15 & 16, 2013
|
All Zenair owners, flyers and friends are invited to fly in or drive to this new event hosted by "Les Ailes de St Adrien".
Come see and try-out the new CH 650Ei and visit with other Zenair fans from far and wide! Click on poster (at right) for more info. or see here. Help us spread the word! |
|
New X-Plane Flight Simulator for the CH 650!
|
|
After the very successful 2011 release of the CH 750 flight simulator program, Zenair and hydroz.net have now just released a very similar program for the new Zodiac CH 650.
The Free CH 650 download is available HERE. The X-Plane software necessary to run the program is available directly from X-Plane HERE. ENJOY! |
Zenair at Aero-Friedrichshafen!
|
|
We did it! The best new value in a factory-assembled low-wing all-metal ULM!
Individuals and clubs were impressed! Click here for details and photos! |
Pilot magazine, May 2012 issue cover story
Pilot magazine is the best-selling general aviation magazine in Britain. Dave Unwin is the magazine's Flight Test Editor and is the former editor of Today's Pilot magazine, and has also written for Plane & Pilot, PilotMag, Flug Revue, Sailplane & Gliding, Flyer, Wingspan, FlyPast, Airliner World, Airports International, Air International, Maxim, the Sunday Times and the Financial Times. He has been flying for 26 years and has accumulated around 4,300 hours in about 250 different aircraft types, ranging from antique gliders and vintage biplanes to modern turboprops and jet fighters.
"I liked the CH650 a lot ... it offers exceptional value for the money."
"I liked the CH650 a lot ... it offers exceptional value for the money."
NEW Factory-assembled Ready-to-fly Zenair ULM!
Eddy Razzano and Chris Heintz
Zenair Europe is very pleased to announce that the latest version of the Zodiac CH 650E will be unveiled at Aero-Friedrichshafen this April. The Italian-built aircraft will be manufactured as the CH 650Ei by ICP and sold by regional Zenair distributors throughout Europe as a ready-to-fly ULM (MTOM 450 kg + 5%) .
ICP was a Zenair dealer in Italy in the early 1990s before it began manufacturing its own high-wing aircraft; the two companies are now collaborating again to bring a top-quality, high-performance all-metal low-wing design to market.
Click here for more information and a joint statement by Eddy Razzano and Chris Heintz
ICP was a Zenair dealer in Italy in the early 1990s before it began manufacturing its own high-wing aircraft; the two companies are now collaborating again to bring a top-quality, high-performance all-metal low-wing design to market.
Click here for more information and a joint statement by Eddy Razzano and Chris Heintz
New X-Plane Flight Simulator for STOL CH 750!
Unveiled at Aero Friedrichshafen 2011
A free download (created by hydroz.net) can now be used to virtually fly the STOL CH 750 using the X-Plane software. X-Plane is the leader in flight simulation software, using "virtual wind
tunnel physics" to realistically simulate the real thing. Sure to become a favorite among armchair STOL pilots!
- To purchase the X-Plane software, click HERE;
- Click Here for the FREE STOL CH 750 program.
- ENJOY!
Zenair Enthusiasts to Honor Chris Heintz at AirVenture
Christ Heintz designs
gather at Oshkosh 2011.
Likely the largest gathering of Zenair aircraft owners and builders
ever assembled will convene on Oshkosh at AirVenture 2011 to celebrate
company's various models of airplanes and the man who created them. Over
the years, Chris Heintz
has introduced more than a dozen successful kit aircraft designs,
including the STOL CH 701, Zodiac CH 601, CH 650 LS and LSi, STOL CH
801, Zodiac XL, STOL CH 750 light-sport utility kit airplane, and CH
2000.
"Zeniths to Oshkosh" is a grassroots effort created through various Internet groups involving owners and enthusiasts from around the world. Zeniths to Oshkosh organizers have reserved an entire floor of dorm rooms at UW-Oshkosh's Gruenhagen Conference Center - there's already a waiting list established for those - and they're also arranging private housing for other participants. Attendees are coming from as far away as Australia and New Zealand, said Joe Scheibinger, 601 builder/owner from Oshkosh.
Fifty aircraft parking spaces have been reserved in the Homebuilts area, and they're expected to be filled, with about 25 owners already reserving a spot. "It looks like getting 50 Zeniths to Oshkosh will be a lot easier than I thought," Scheibinger said, adding that Zenith owners who bring their airplanes to Oshkosh will receive a commemorative presentation plaque.
Monday will be designated Chris Heintz Day and will include a special recognition event on the West Ramp with examples of Heintz-designed aircraft followed by showcase flights. Other events during the week will include forum presentations on the various Zenith models, an address by Chris Heintz at the Homebuilders Hangar, and a banquet. Planning for these events is ongoing and will be announced when finalized.
For more information, e-mail Scheibinger or call 001-920-237-1450.
"Zeniths to Oshkosh" is a grassroots effort created through various Internet groups involving owners and enthusiasts from around the world. Zeniths to Oshkosh organizers have reserved an entire floor of dorm rooms at UW-Oshkosh's Gruenhagen Conference Center - there's already a waiting list established for those - and they're also arranging private housing for other participants. Attendees are coming from as far away as Australia and New Zealand, said Joe Scheibinger, 601 builder/owner from Oshkosh.
Fifty aircraft parking spaces have been reserved in the Homebuilts area, and they're expected to be filled, with about 25 owners already reserving a spot. "It looks like getting 50 Zeniths to Oshkosh will be a lot easier than I thought," Scheibinger said, adding that Zenith owners who bring their airplanes to Oshkosh will receive a commemorative presentation plaque.
Monday will be designated Chris Heintz Day and will include a special recognition event on the West Ramp with examples of Heintz-designed aircraft followed by showcase flights. Other events during the week will include forum presentations on the various Zenith models, an address by Chris Heintz at the Homebuilders Hangar, and a banquet. Planning for these events is ongoing and will be announced when finalized.
For more information, e-mail Scheibinger or call 001-920-237-1450.
STOL CH 750 Flies in Italy
Not only is Italy the first country in Europe to have flying STOL CH 750 (two of them!), it is also first in the world to have one of these aircraft flying on amphibious floats!
You can follow the exploits of Guiseppe Lomonaco, builder and pilot of the first float-equipped STOL CH 750 on his personal blog where he posts comments, pictures and even videos.
For more information on the STOL CH 750 in Italy, please contact one of the two official Zenair Represetatives there.
You can follow the exploits of Guiseppe Lomonaco, builder and pilot of the first float-equipped STOL CH 750 on his personal blog where he posts comments, pictures and even videos.
For more information on the STOL CH 750 in Italy, please contact one of the two official Zenair Represetatives there.
The STOL CH 750 Arrives in France
The STOL CH 750 is Zenair's newest aircraft design in the LSA category. It is currently Zenair's best seller in the US and Canada. Rugged, roomy, and extremely STOL!
The STOL CH 750 in now officially recognized in France as a CNSK; This means the aircraft can be assembled from advanced kits; with professional assistance, and can also be used for limited commercial applications such as flight training and towing. The CH 750 is also available in other European countries under various regulations. It is currently pending approval in the UK by the LAA.
For the full story on the STOL CH 750 and its new CNSK status, the current issue of the French RSA magazine (issue No 270) has a front cover feature including 8 pages of pictures and text...
Click here for the full article... (in French)
The STOL CH 750 in now officially recognized in France as a CNSK; This means the aircraft can be assembled from advanced kits; with professional assistance, and can also be used for limited commercial applications such as flight training and towing. The CH 750 is also available in other European countries under various regulations. It is currently pending approval in the UK by the LAA.
For the full story on the STOL CH 750 and its new CNSK status, the current issue of the French RSA magazine (issue No 270) has a front cover feature including 8 pages of pictures and text...
Click here for the full article... (in French)
New ZENAIR PARTS catalogs
These new online parts catalogs makes it easy to identify all the parts an owner/operator might need; makes it easy to order new or replacement parts for the various Zenair aircraft models.
These catalogs will be especially appreciated by owners who purchased a ready-to-fly Zenair (and who therefore might not have received the full assembly drawings - always used to identify individual parts in the past).
To view these catalogs, go to: www.zenairparts.com
These catalogs will be especially appreciated by owners who purchased a ready-to-fly Zenair (and who therefore might not have received the full assembly drawings - always used to identify individual parts in the past).
To view these catalogs, go to: www.zenairparts.com
More than 40 Zenairs fly in to BLOIS 2010...
This event is the largest annual ultralight gathering of the year in France. With well over 100 exhibitors and close to one thousand ultralights in attendance, it is one of Europe's finest. Great weather helped make this year's show another great success; Zenairs were flown in from as far away as the UK, Austria and Italy.
Read the rest and see pictures HERE.
Read the rest and see pictures HERE.
Euro Fly-in: A big success for Zenair!
Zenair was out in full force and well represented at this first edition of Euro Fly-in! Regional representative Barge Aviation had four aircraft on display in the largest exhibit area of the show, including two CH 640 models. Chris Heintz was on hand to meet builders/owners and to offer Forums on his designs; numerous Zenair owners flew in with their aircraft from various countries...
Click here for more details!
Click here for more details!
Zenair Owners come together in France for Father's Day
After a very wet spring, Zenair owners came together from three countries to spent the longest day of the year together in Epernay, France. For pictures and more details, you can read all about it on the Zenair Newsletter website here.
We all look forward to better weather for the summer's upcoming fly-ins. Zenair encourages all aircraft owners to attend these events (see calendar) and to share their experiences with others afterward.
We all look forward to better weather for the summer's upcoming fly-ins. Zenair encourages all aircraft owners to attend these events (see calendar) and to share their experiences with others afterward.
