The post Why Angle of Attack Is a Lifesaver appeared first on KITPLANES.

The annual fly-in event is a homecoming for Zenith Aircraft customers from across the U.S., with many Zenith customers flying in to central Missouri, with their completed Zenith kit aircraft (whose parts and components were all made at the Zenith Aircraft factory in Mexico, Missouri). The Open Hangar Days & Fly-In event include two full days of activities, with educational seminars and workshops, an aircraft show, contests, social activities, as well as a Zenith banquet dinner on Friday evening. This year we’ll be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the low-wing Zenith CH600 series designs by aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz, and we’ll be showcasing our newly expanded Zenith Aircraft kit factory and hangar showroom. Factory tours (of the modern kit aircraft factory), aircraft building and flying demonstrations, and other activities are planned for all visitors.

On the first day (Friday, September 20th) educational seminars begin in the morning and take place throughout the day featuring various airframe (the aircraft fuselage, wings and tail), engine, avionics seminars, with suppliers like Dynon and Garmin avionics, Corvair and Viking auto engine conversions, and more participating. The knowledge gained from these educational seminars gives the individual aircraft kit builders an opportunity to learn more about the choices they have in building and finishing their own aircraft. Charlie Becker, EAA’s Director of Chapters & Homebuilt Community Manager, will speak about government issues affect sport aircraft owners and builders, including MOSAIC, task based phase 1 flight testing, LODA, Basic Med and fuel issues. There will be additional seminars and panel discussions on topics of interest to Zenith builders and flyers, including flight safety (transition training and first flight preparedness). Friday’s activities conclude with the popular Zenith Aircraft banquet (catered BBQ), held outdoors in front of the Zenith Aircraft factory with the planes (weather permitting), with special guest speakers and entertainment.

Saturday’s schedule is packed full of activities including:

• Ribbon-cutting ceremony (at noon) of the Zenith Aircraft factory expansion
• Tours of the newly-expanded Zenith Aircraft kit production facilities,
• Zenith aircraft “show” with many categories and prizes,
• Seminars on Zenith aircraft kit construction and maintenance,
• STOL and other flying demonstrations at the airport
• Dinner (fried chicken) and awards ceremony starting at 4:30 pm
• …Great camaraderie throughout the day with lots of hangar talk and food!

Hands-on building projects in the Zenith factory are being planned, including a “women’s only introduction to aircraft building” workshop class. There will be Zenith Aircraft presentations on aircraft kit construction, as well as representation from more than a dozen vendors of products and services for Zenith customers (avionics, engines, insurance, etc.).

The Zenith Aircraft Homecoming – Open Hangar Days and Fly-In is a popular annual event for Zenith customers and aviation enthusiasts.

The annual Zenith Aircraft Homecoming – Open Hangar Days and Fly-In event is a great way for Zenith Aircraft’s customers to meet with each other to share their love of building and flying, and to get to know the factory staff, while also learning about building, maintaining and flying their airplanes. While area hotels sell out well in advance of the event, there will also be free camping available at the Mexico airport. Further details are available on the Zenith Aircraft website, with a detailed seminar and events schedule (to be published closer to the event date): https://bit.ly/zen24-homecoming

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/ouKksYYUuhyK5zzx/

The post Zenith Aircraft’s Annual “Homecoming” Open Hangar Days & Fly-In appeared first on KITPLANES.

Oshkosh 2024

1 of 129

The post Postcards from Oshkosh 2024 appeared first on KITPLANES.

The post OSH Live Interview with Rotax’s Marc Becker appeared first on KITPLANES.

We know because we’re built that way too. That’s why we’re pleased to announce the 2025 Ultimate FLYING Giveaway.

The grand prize winner will receive a $100,000 credit to be used toward the purchase of any aircraft listed on FLYING’s Aircraft For Sale marketplace. This opens up a world of possibilities, allowing the winner to choose their dream airplane—from a light sport aircraft to a multi-engine machine.

But that’s not all! The giveaway also features exciting monthly prizes ARV of $1,000, including gift cards and essential pilot equipment and accessories.

Entering the sweepstakes is simple.

Kitplanes Magazine subscribers are automatically entered, giving them an extra incentive to stay up to date on the latest aviation news and trends. Those who aren’t already subscribers can enter by purchasing a subscription to Kitplanes or one of the other participating aviation publications: FLYING Magazine, Plane & Pilot Magazine, Aviation Consumer Magazine, Aviation Safety Magazine, or IFR Magazine.

For those who prefer a free entry option, a mail-in method is also available.

The giveaway starts on July 21, 2024, and runs until May 31, 2025. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to take flight toward your aviation dreams. No purchase necessary. Making a purchase does not increase your chance of winning a prize.

For full details and official rules, visit https://www.flyingmag.com/2025-ultimate-flying-giveaway-official-rules/.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Starts 7/21/24 and ends 5/31/25, subject to 11 entry periods and Official Rules available at https://www.flyingmag.com/2025-ultimate-flying-giveaway-official-rules/. Open to legal residents of the 50 US and DC, at least 18+ or age of majority, whichever is greater. Void where prohibited.

The post Kitplanes Announces 2025 Ultimate FLYING Giveaway appeared first on KITPLANES.

“Our brands have consistently aligned in our mission to continuously enhance products for the betterment of the aviation community,” said Tyler Wheeler, CEO of WAT. “AeroLEDs has built a remarkable reputation for reliability and innovation, and together, we will continue to deliver high-quality, durable, and efficient lighting solutions that our customers trust and rely on.”

AeroLEDs will maintain its brand and manufacturing operations in Boise, Idaho, while working closely with WAT to ensure a seamless integration. The combined strengths of both companies are expected to drive advancements in aviation LED lighting technology.

“We are thrilled to join forces with WAT,” said Nate Calvin, CEO of AeroLEDs. “This combination is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and innovation. With WAT’s resources and our combined expertise, we will push the boundaries of what is possible in aviation lighting, always with the goal of enhancing safety and performance for our community. Importantly, AeroLEDs will continue to provide the same exceptional products and customer service that our customers know and love.”

The post Whelen Aerospace Technologies Announces Acquisition of AeroLEDs appeared first on KITPLANES.

Building on the iLevil trim-tab autopilot, the new self-powered trim-tab introduces wireless communication and self-sustaining power capabilities, eliminating the need for traditional wiring. It also features enhanced functionalities, including yaw damping, providing pilots with a comprehensive solution for superior flight control.

“The beta release of our wireless, self-powered trim-tab marks a pivotal moment in aviation technology,” said Ananda Leon, Product Developer at Levil Aviation. “We are looking for passionate pilots to join us in this exciting journey, helping us refine and perfect this innovative product before its official launch.”

Key features of the self-powered trim-tab include:

• Wireless Communication: Seamless integration with the iLevil autopilot system without the need for traditional wiring, reducing installation time and complexity.
• ⁠Self-Sustaining Power: A small, efficient spinning turbine generates power for the servo, ensuring consistent and reliable performance without external power sources.
• ⁠Enhanced Flight Control: Enables pilots to maintain wings-level flight, follow flight paths, control altitude, and now, enjoy Yaw damping capabilities with ease.
• Beta Testing Opportunity: A select group of 20 pilots will have the unique opportunity to test and provide feedback on this groundbreaking technology.

Interested pilots can apply for the beta testing program at the Levil booth at Airventure 2024 (Hangar C booth 3074) or contacting info@levil.com

The post Levil Aviation Announces New Wireless Autopilot appeared first on KITPLANES.

The post I Am Woman, Hear Me Rivet! appeared first on KITPLANES.

If you plan to go to AirVenture this year, you can find our “Oshkosh LIVE” Redbird Studio on-site at Redbird Exhibit space 301, adjacent to Hangar A and facing Knapp Street. If you have never been to AirVenture, we hope tuning in to our daily coverage will inspire you to make the trip to Oshkosh one day.

If you’re simply unable to join this year, our goal is to ensure you don’t miss out on all of the excitement by bringing the experience to you live across several of our websites and social media channels.

What to Expect

Daily live segments hosted by editors from FLYING, KITPLANES, Plane & Pilot, AVweb, The Aviation Consumer, and AirlineGeeks will host daily live segments featuring interviews with the world’s top airshow performers, a look at some of the most rare aircraft in the world, tips for how to build your own aircraft or pursue a career in aviation, and features on the rich history that has shaped AirVenture.

When and Where to Watch

Our live broadcast will run daily, Monday through Thursday, July 22-July 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CDT (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT).

On Friday, July 26, we will livestream additional original content from the week throughout the day. You will find us broadcasting and streaming live across all of our brand websites—on the FLYING and AVweb YouTube Channels, as well as FLYING and Plane & Pilot Facebook pages.

Watch it here: kitplanes.com/oshkosh-live

Follow us on Facebook or click subscribe to one of our YouTube channels and you’ll receive alerts that we are live!

We hope to see you in Oshkosh or that you’ll tune in to see all the exciting news and activity from this year’s EAA AirVenture.

The post Watch for ‘Oshkosh Live’ During AirVenture appeared first on KITPLANES.

Attend the Open House & Homecoming Fly-In

The 20th Sonex Open House and Homecoming Fly-In event will be held on Sunday, July 21st, the day before the official start of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Sonex pilots flying into AirVenture make this event their first stop for the week, making a great opportunity to see customer built aircraft, meet their owners, tour the Sonex facility and meet the staff.

More info here.

Factory Tours

Sonex will be offering tours of our factory headquarters facility every morning, beginning Tuesday July 23rd through Saturday July 27th at 10am. You can drive directly to Sonex Aircraft or RSVP to catch free transportation from the Sonex exhibit booth on AirVenture grounds.

See New Prototypes

AirVenture is a great time to see the latest progress on our new Sonex Highwing and SubSonex JSX-2T prototypes, both of which are making good progress as we lead-up to the show. You might even be able to try the Highwing on for-size.

Part Order Pickups During AirVenture

Sonex will again be accommodating part order pickups during AirVenture this year. All part orders must be made in-advance.

The post Sonex Open House & Homecoming Fly-In at AirVenture 2024 appeared first on KITPLANES.