Visiting the Factory
Visiting the Zenith Aircraft Company kit production facilities in Mexico, Missouri
What better way to learn more about Zenith Aircraft Company’s kit planes than by actually visiting the factory where the kits are made? Factory demonstrator kit aircraft are available for demonstration flights to potential builders and scheduled factory workshops allow potential builders to gain hands-on experience in building a kit aircraft. Demo flights are available strictly by appointment, weather permitting, and are to demonstrate to potential builders the normal operating envelope and characteristics of the aircraft.
Centrally located in the United States, Zenith Aircraft Company is conveniently situated 100 miles west of St. Louis, Missouri. The City of Mexico (pop. 12,000) boasts eight parks, 33 churches, several shopping areas, and many recreational activities including golf and fishing. There are several hotels in Mexico (including a Bed & Breakfast) and several camping areas nearby. Scenic Mark Twain Lake is about 30 miles to the north, and the popular Lake of the Ozarks tourist area is 85 miles to the south.
The Zenith Aircraft factory is located on Mexico Memorial Airport, making it easy to drive or fly-in to visit the factory.
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My visit to the factory was worth every bit of what it cost, and I accomplished my mission goals. A kit build project involves a long-term relationship with the factory, and the only way to be sure is to test it out.EAA Sport Pilot magazine, May 2007 The Factory Adventure - Visit before you buy by Earl C. Downs, pages 52 - 57.
BY AIR: See Kansas City Sectional.
Mexico Memorial Airport (MYJ):
39° 09’ 28″ N 91° 49’ 07″ W, 822’ ASL
Two Paved Runways: Rwy 06-24: 5,500’ x 100’, Rwy 18-36: 3,200 x 50’
Unicom (CTAF): 122.9 AWOS: 120.575 (573-581-7868)
FBO: (573) 581-0162. An airport courtesy car is available (by prior arrangement).
The new terminal building has a pilot lounge with 24/7 access, with restrooms, showers and internet.
BY ROAD: Mexico Memorial Airport is located on Hwy. 54, three miles east of the City of Mexico. From I-70, Exit 148 northbound on Hwy. 54, and follow Hwy. 54 right to the airport (approximately 15 miles from I-70, and 90 miles west of St. Louis).
Click here to download the Google Earth Placemark for Zenith Aircraft Company.
APPOINTMENT: Before making travel arrangements to visit the factory, please make an appointment, and schedule appointments during our regular business operating hours (8 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday). Call (573) 581-9000 to schedule a factory appointment. The falling leaves seem to tell the change of seasons.
Other Information
If flying in by commercial airline, we recommend that you fly in to St. Louis (STL) and rent a car for the duration of your visit. The St. Louis airport is an easy 2 hour drive. Directions
Also, check for flights into Columbia, Missouri (COU). This is a regional airport with several scheduled flights per day, about a 45 minute drive to Zenith. Directions
