In 2012, Zenith hosted its first “Engine Day” at Oshkosh, with a handful of different powerplants and their representatives on hand. “We didn’t know what the response would be,” said Heintz, “and frankly we were blown away by the response. This year, all of last year’s exhibitors are returning, and we’re adding Continental and ECi, plus maybe a surprise or two.” This year, hours will be doubled. “A lot of people couldn’t make it in the morning last year,” said Heintz, “so we’re going on until 2p.m.”
So, on Thursday, August 1, at the Zenith exhibit at AirVenture Oshkosh (space 641, in the North Aircraft Display area), Zenith Aircraft will again host “Engine Day,” where two-seat Zenith aircraft with all sorts of power will be on display, and where representatives of some of the most-popular engines, as well as some newcomers, will be helping builders decide what goes up front, between the prop and the rest of the airplane.
The Chris Heintz (CH-) Zenith designs have been built using everything from electric motors to small turbines, with two-strokes, four-strokes, and rotaries in between; many of these will be available, with their owners, as will some of the most-popular engine options and manufacturers, ranging from home-made and “factory” Corvair, VW, and Honda conversions, to industry-standard, purpose-built light aircraft engines – Rotax, Jabiru, UL Power (including their new six-cylinder engines), Continental, Lycoming, and more, from 65 to 150hp.
The Zenith designs have always been drawn with an eye to allowing alternate power sources. “Chris Heintz always kept the builder’s choice in mind, when designing owner-built aircraft,” Sebastien noted, with the result that “there are probably more different kinds and makes of aviation engines under Zenith cowls than any other. Plus,” he continued, “unlike some designers, Zenith Aircraft Company encourages builders to install the engine of their choice.” There are proven power systems always available, but the designs keep the door open to new ideas. Some work better than others, certainly, but the variety is astounding – “and it is a testimony to the versatility of both the designs and the builders that so many work, and so well.”
Zenith invites all to “Engine Day” at their exhibit in the North Aircraft Display Area # 641, specifically on Thursday, August 1, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., to meet the builders, engine representatives, and pilots of a great variety of Zenith machines, old and new.
When: Thursday, August 1, 2013, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Where: Zenith Aircraft Company exhibit (Space 641, North Aircraft Display area)
Who: Builders, engine suppliers, pilots, prospects
More: www.zenithair.com
