Anyone who has spent time on streaming platforms has likely noticed the growing number of TV shows focused on the “Do It Yourself” world. My theory is that, over the past 20 years, many middle and high schools have eliminated hands-on shop programs. Instead, students spent more time in front of computers “making” things. Schools no longer had to maintain expensive shops with costly, potentially hazardous equipment, and finding qualified instructors had also become a challenge. The result is a generation—or more—of people who, so to speak, do not know one end of a hammer from the other. That may help explain the popularity of remodeling and DIY shows.
The Experimental Aircraft Association began with people who wanted to build their own aircraft. EAA was founded in 1953 by aviator Paul Poberezny and other aviation enthusiasts. It started as a flying club. Poberezny later explained the organization’s name: “Because the planes we flew were modified or built from scratch, they were required to display an EXPERIMENTAL placard where it could be seen on the door or cockpit, so it was quite natural that we call ourselves the Experimental Aircraft Association.” The EAA was incorporated in Wisconsin on March 22, 1955. Homebuilding remains a major part of EAA, but the organization has expanded over the years to include nearly every aspect of aviation and aeronautics.
As EAA grew into a leading advocate for general aviation, the kit-built aircraft industry grew alongside it. EAA gave people interested in designing, building, or purchasing aircraft kits a place to find guidance and support. As prices for new and used aircraft from companies such as Piper, Cessna, and others increased, building an aircraft from a kit became a practical alternative. For example, a new Cessna 172, one of the world’s most popular aircraft, costs more than $350,000, putting ownership out of reach for many general aviation pilots.
An aircraft kit that serves a similar purpose to a Cessna 172 can cost around $50,000 or less, making it a meaningful alternative. One of the more popular kit manufacturers is Zenith Aircraft, which has refined its kits so homebuilders can spend less time assembling their aircraft than they might with some other manufacturers.
In today’s podcast, I interview Sebastien Heintz, President of Zenith Aircraft. Heintz knows Sebring well; his company was a longtime participant in the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo when we hosted the event at Sebring Regional Airport. Catching up with Sebastien was both fun and informative, and this is a podcast you will not want to miss. Be sure to check the links at the end for a tour of Zenith’s state-of-the-art factory and customer support center. Their support network will assist their customers learn what tools are needed and how to use them to build their aircraft. Recently, our school program also helped Jay and Mary Johnson complete their Zenith CH750 aircraft kit.
This coming year at EAA AirVenture, aka, “Oshkosh”, Zenith will be building a Zenith CH750 kit in one week with attendees of Oshkosh participating the build. The “One Week Wonder” completed aircraft will be then flown to Winter Haven, Florida to be an aircraft for the Aspiring Aviators Flying Club. Many of the youth in the club will be at Oshkosh assisting with building their club aircraft.
John Rousch is a columnist, podcaster, and a 58-year veteran educator. He can be reached at 863-273-0522 or johnrousch73@gmail.com. Check out “Flightlines – The Stories Behind the Stories” on YouTube. Website: flightlinestories.com
