Festivities Begin Friday Afternoon At Company HQ At Missouri's Mexico Municipal Airport

Twenty years is in business is a good track record for any company, and perhaps even more notable for an airplane kit maker in a very soft economy. But Zenith Aircraft has not only survived, but some would say flourished though a period that saw many aviation businesses close their doors. To celebrate, Zenith Aircraft Company is holding its 20th annual Open Hangar Day and Fly-In Gathering this Saturday, September 17, at the kit manufacturing factory located at Mexico Memorial Airport (KMYJ) in central Missouri. All aviation enthusiasts are invited to attend, and the Zenith Aircraft kit production facilities will be open for factory tours and Zenith's factory-demonstrator kit aircraft will be on display.

Zenith Open Hangar Day 2010

The festivities get underway Friday afternoon, with several educational seminars and workshops will be held at the factory and airport, covering various topics of interest to kit plane builders, pilots, and owners. Zenith says that, while the annual event appeals primarily to Zenith customers, all aviation enthusiasts are invited to attend and to visit the factory.

They also also invite everyone to join them for the Zenith Banquet at the Elks Lodge on Friday evening.  This will be a fun and informal buffet dinner gathering of Zenith enthusiasts, builders, pilots and employees. The company says everyone is welcome, and some great door prizes will be awarded, including a brand new Garmin Aera 510 handheld GPS (valued at over $1,000). But due to limited space, an RSVP for the dinner is required.

Zenigh CH 650 Cruiser

On Saturday, Zenith staff will demonstrate kit production and fabrication techniques used in producing the all-metal kit aircraft parts made at the Zenith Aircraft factory, including cutting and pre-drilling kit parts on the CNC router, forming and hand finishing wing ribs and other kit parts, and aircraft aluminum welding demonstrations. Visitors will also have an opportunity to build their own sheet-metal project in the Zenith factory.

Local EAA chapter 1225 will provide a hot BBQ lunch at noon on Saturday, and we will have complimentary coffee in the morning. A "hot dog and soda" lunch will be available at noon on Friday compliments of the American Light Sport Aircrafters builder assistance facility based in Mexico, Missouri.

FMI: www.zenithair.com