There are events that entertain, and then there are events that refuel a project. Zenith’s annual Homecoming sits firmly in the second camp. This year’s gathering in Mexico, Missouri, packed a builder’s to-do list into two days: factory tours, skills sessions, transition training briefings, avionics and IFR equipage talks, plus an aircraft show judged by fellow builders. The schedule had the right balance—hands-on work, design deep dives, and time on the ramp to study real airplanes built by knowledgeable and experienced people.
Zenith’s 34th annual Homecoming brought builders and prospective builders to Mexico, Missouri, for two days of factory-centered learning, networking, and hands-on exposure to the kit maker’s processes and community. The event ran September 19–20 at Mexico Memorial Airport, pairing educational depth with ramp access to finished aircraft that reflect the variety of engine, avionics, and configuration choices in the fleet.
For a builder, the value proposition is straightforward: the program is designed to answer practical questions with direct access to people who build and support these airplanes every day. Friday’s schedule began with educational seminars on the airframe, engines, and avionics, supplemented by topics like insurance, transition training, and first-flight prep. Charlie Becker, Director of EAA Chapters & Homebuilt Community Manager, delivered policy context on MOSAIC, the task-based Phase I flight test protocol, Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA), the BasicMed medical certificate alternative, and fuel issues—evolving guidance and concerns around avgas and alternatives. This includes unleaded avgas transition, ethanol content in mogas, material compatibility, vapor lock risks, octane requirements for various engines (certified and experimental), and operational practices during the homebuilt test phase—guidance that directly informs planning and test-flying for new projects. The day closed with the traditional catered BBQ banquet in front of the factory, featuring guest speakers and time to compare notes with other builders and pilots on the line.
Saturday leaned into production and proficiency. Factory tours highlighted the newly expanded kit production facilities, giving attendees a close look at how parts are fabricated and kitted before they show up in the workshop. The Zenith aircraft show awarded multiple categories, a cue to walk the line and study how different builders approached interiors, panel layouts, and firewall-forward installations. More technical seminars covered kit construction and maintenance, and the day concluded with a fried chicken dinner and awards ceremony that capped the informal knowledge exchange that runs through the event.
Hands-on remains a theme. Zenith scheduled in-factory build projects that let attendees practice core skills in a controlled environment—riveting, fit-up, and fabrication techniques that can shave weeks off a first-time builder’s learning curve. More than a dozen vendors were on hand across avionics, engines, and insurance, which turns shopping into a conversation about integration: how to route wiring, size cooling inlets, or manage weight and balance with alternative engines or expanded panel capability.
Homecoming is also a window into brand culture. Zenith positions itself around accessible build hours and broad engine and avionics compatibility, and the program reflects that with seminars that speak to both new builders and owners managing maintenance and upgrades. The event’s cadence—education, factory immersion, and ramp study—mirrors how successful projects come together. It’s not just a social fly-in, but a structured opportunity to build confidence, set realistic timelines, and make smarter configuration choices before the first buckled rivet at home.
Camping at the airport and sold-out hotels underscore the draw for the community, as do the fly-in arrivals spanning STOL CH 701 and 750 models, the CH 750 Cruzer, and the CH 650. The mix shows how builders tailor missions—from backcountry short fields to efficient cross-country cruising—within a consistent build philosophy. For prospective builders, it’s proof of concept; for current builders, it’s a benchmarking session. For those who have recently completed their projects, this is a place to share lessons learned and help the next project take off sooner and more safely.
