The Zenith Aircraft Homecoming marked its 34th year this September in Mexico, Missouri, continuing its reputation as one of the largest and most vibrant kit aircraft gatherings in the country. For decades, Zenith builders, owners, and pilots have looked forward to the event as both an annual pilgrimage and a practical opportunity to deepen their knowledge of building and maintaining Chris Heintz’s well-known designs. This year’s Homecoming reinforced those traditions, blending hands-on instruction, factory tours, and social gatherings with an unmistakable sense of community that has long defined the Zenith family.
The ramp outside the Zenith factory was once again filled with kit aircraft in various models and configurations. A total of 39 Zenith aircraft flew in from across the country, showcasing the creativity and finishing touches that builders apply to their projects. From polished aluminum to custom-painted designs, the arrivals represented not just the technical skill of their owners but also the personal pride that comes with completing one’s own airplane. For many attendees, the chance to walk among these examples, compare notes, and share experiences was just as valuable as the formal programming on the schedule.
Education remained the primary focus of the weekend. True to its roots, the Homecoming was packed with sessions designed to inform and support both would-be builders and experienced pilots alike. Workshops and seminars addressed detailed aspects of aircraft construction and operation. Engines were a recurring topic, with builders sharing insights into how they selected, installed, and maintained their powerplants. Avionics integration was another area of focus, with discussions about choosing systems that balance affordability, complexity, and capability. Sessions on finishes—including paint, polish, and vinyl wraps—spoke to the growing emphasis many amateur builders place on creating polished aircraft that can rival factory-built machines in appearance.
One of the standout workshops once again was the women’s-only building session. Organized and led by volunteers, this workshop has earned a loyal following for its ability to make the world of kit building accessible to those who may not have considered taking part before. By providing a friendly, guided introduction, the format encourages involvement while breaking down barriers that can exist in traditionally male-dominated hobbies. Many attendees noted that the program adds a distinctive and valuable dimension to the Homecoming, both broadening the community and ensuring that the tradition of hands-on homebuilding is sustained into the future.
A perennial highlight of the Homecoming is the opportunity to tour the Zenith production facilities. This year’s tours included a look at the company’s recently expanded factory. Attendees walked through the production line while Zenith employees explained how modern match-hole drilling techniques allow builders to assemble kits more quickly and with greater precision than ever before. The guided tours not only gave prospective builders confidence in starting their own projects but also reminded current builders of the engineering and manufacturing quality underpinning the parts they have at home in their workshops. For those who have spent hours fitting rivets or aligning skins, seeing the origin of those parts added new appreciation for the streamlined production processes Zenith has developed.
Along with workshops and tours, the Homecoming also provided an essential community component. With weather cooperating throughout the weekend, much of the social activity took place outdoors, reinforcing the relaxed atmosphere and family feel of the event. Gathering on the ramp among the displayed aircraft, builders swapped stories and shared advice well into the evenings. Friday night’s banquet drew more than 270 diners, who enjoyed local Missouri barbecue while seated under the late summer sky, surrounded by the aircraft that had brought so many attendees in.
The banquet program featured remarks from both Zenith leadership and guest speakers, including EAA’s Charlie Becker. A key topic of discussion was FAA’s MOSAIC program, widely dubbed “Sport Pilot 2.0.” Becker and others explained how the evolving regulatory framework could create new opportunities for experimental and light-sport aircraft builders and pilots. The audience, many of whom are directly affected by shifts in light aircraft rules, paid close attention as the implications were spelled out. This blend of technical updates and broad policy context highlighted the Homecoming’s role not only as a community event but also as an information hub that keeps builders abreast of developments in aviation policy.
Suppliers and sponsors once again made their presence felt. Aircraft Spruce & Specialty returned as the major sponsor, backed by a roster of vendors offering products and services crucial for kit aircraft projects. Face-to-face relationships with suppliers remain one of the unspoken highlights of gatherings like this, allowing builders to ask direct questions and examine products tailored to their unique needs. Prize drawings throughout the weekend added an element of surprise and fun, with several attendees heading home with equipment and accessories that will likely find their way into ongoing aircraft builds.
EAA Chapter 944 played their traditional part in the event, providing hot breakfasts on both mornings. Friday’s breakfast was sponsored by UL Power Engines and Wheels & Wings, while Saturday’s was supported by KITPLANES magazine in partnership with AVEMCO insurance. This grassroots dimension spoke to the cooperative, volunteer-driven spirit that permeates much of homebuilt aviation.
While the technical workshops, factory tours, and supplier interactions accounted for much of the planned program, the intangible value of the Homecoming was once again in the sense of connection it fostered. Builders who had worked alone in their garages or workshops throughout the year suddenly found themselves surrounded by peers who understood the same struggles, triumphs, and questions. First-time attendees mingled easily with those who had decades of experience. Finished aircraft stood as symbols of persistence, while works-in-progress provided reassurance that the building journey need not be rushed. The event distilled what has made homebuilt aviation such a vital subculture within general aviation: a blend of technical challenge, creativity, and collective encouragement.
Underpinning all of this was the presence and mission of the Chris Heintz Foundation, which officially presents the Homecoming. Founded by members of the Heintz family, the foundation exists to honor the work and legacy of designer Chris Heintz while continuing to promote participation in homebuilt aircraft. In line with that mission, several of the weekend’s sessions went beyond the basics of construction to focus on maintenance and airworthiness issues related to the CH-series fleet. For an expanding and aging community of amateur-built aircraft, such sessions are increasingly vital, ensuring not only that new projects are completed but also that existing planes remain flying safely for years to come.
As the weekend progressed and the last airplanes departed, the impression left by the 34th annual Homecoming was one of continuity and growth. What began as a modest gathering to celebrate Zenith designs has matured into a full-scale annual event drawing people from across the United States. It has evolved with the times, incorporating new kinds of workshops, expanded facilities, and current regulatory context, while retaining the informal, supportive energy that first made it successful.
The Zenith Aircraft Homecoming has long since become more than just an open house—it is now a touchstone on the homebuilt aviation calendar, eagerly anticipated not only by Zenith builders but by the broader community of experimental aircraft enthusiasts. With its combination of technical depth, social warmth, and organizational consistency, the event continues to exemplify what makes homebuilt aviation unique: a blend of innovation and tradition, pursued not just individually but collectively. Judging by the turnout, the enthusiasm of attendees, and the depth of programming, Zenith’s 34th Homecoming was another milestone in a legacy that shows no signs of slowing down.
