October 31, 2010 - Zenith Aircraft Company's factory workshops have become popular with sport aviation enthusiasts, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in building their own Zenith Aircraft kit plane.

At a low cost, participants get the opportunity to actually start assembling kit parts under the direction and guidance of factory professionals, and they "graduate" from the workshop upon completing construction of their own aircraft rudder tail section of one of Zenith Aircraft Company?s popular kit aircraft designs, including the new STOL CH 750 or Zodiac CH 650.

Zenith's kits are supplied complete, with standard factory-riveted wing spars, factory welded steel parts, and all hardware included to complete the aircraft.  Kit builders can choose to "buy-as-they-build" from component (section) kits or they can purchase the full kit in one large box.  Alternatively, some builders also choose to "scratch-build" their complete airplane from the available drawings (blueprints).

Workshop participants are often surprised to learn that they do not need special skills or tools to assemble a Zenith Aircraft kit. Dubbert explained that the most effective way for potential kit builders to learn about building their own aircraft is to actually gain hands-on building experience. Builder workshops provide just that while giving participants the opportunity to "try before they buy."

Spouses, family members and friends are encouraged to attend and to take part in the rudder kit assembly (at no additional cost), making the workshop a potential fun getaway for a few days.  Participants are also invited to attend a social group dinner at the end of the first day.

"We recommend our workshops as a starting point to anyone interested in building, owning or flying a light aircraft," states Zenith Aircraft Company president Sebastian Heintz.  "Oftentimes, initially skeptical builders are surprised that they already have the skills needed to build their own and they find out that building their own airplane is both a fun and rewarding project.

?Even if you've already decided to build your own Zenith kit, we recommend the workshop as an excellent starting point to pick up useful building tips and hints, and to learn more about using the hand tools and working with the parts and the assembly drawings and instructions."

Attending a workshop is an invaluable first step in building (or selecting) a kit aircraft, and a workshop held at the factory (where the actual kit parts and assemblies are manufactured) offers also the "hands-on experience" of a demonstration flight, factory tour and meeting the people who design, fly and manufacture the kit.  For those that may not have the time or confidence to build the entire project themselves, there are several professional builder assistance centers located around the country to help builders complete the project.

If you cannot travel to the factory to attend a workshop, Zenith also offers the comprehensive ?Rudder Starter Kit? that includes the complete rudder tail kit and detailed assembly instructions that can be shipped by UPS. The rudder takes about 10 hours to assemble (with basic tools), and provides the first-time builder with an excellent introduction to building an all-metal Zenair aircraft, while actually building a control section for the aircraft.

Zenith Aircraft Company's factory workshops are held every month.  For more information on attending a workshop or on the ?Starter Kit,?   visit the company?s website