Zenith Aircraft Company: Quality kit aircraft manufacturing since 1992

An accomplished aeronautical engineer, Chris Heintz is a graduate of the E.T.H Institute in Switzerland. After serving in the Air Force, Heintz worked for Aerospatiale on the supersonic Concorde jetliner, and later became chief engineer at Avions Robin (France) where he designed several fully-certified two and four seat all-metal production aircraft.

In his spare time, Heintz began to design and build his own aircraft, which he named the ZENITH, anagram of Heintz. Being an engineer and not a craftsman, his all-metal homebuilt aircraft incorporated simple construction methods throughout. After a little more than a year’s work, the two-place low-wing Zenith was rolled out and successfully flown in 1969. Soon after, detailed blueprints and construction manuals of the aircraft were drawn up and offered to the growing number of interested builders and flyers.

ZENITH #0001, piloted by Chris Heintz (1969)

In 1973, Chris Heintz, his family and the Zenith moved to North America, where Heintz worked for de Havilland (in Toronto) as a stress engineer on the Dash 7 commuter. Chris decided to form his own aircraft company in 1974, and under the name of Zenair Ltd. started to manufacture Zenith kits himself from his two-car garage. Through the company, Heintz has introduced more than twelve successful kit aircraft designs over the years. In 1992, Heintz licensed the kit manufacturing and marketing rights to Zenith Aircraft Company for the STOL CH 701 and the ZODIAC CH 601 designs, and has developed the new STOL CH 801 and the new ZODIAC XL for Zenith Aircraft Company.

As founder, president and chief engineer of Zenair Ltd. since 1974, Mr. Heintz has designed and developed more than 12 new aircraft models, which have been marketed as kit aircraft around the world. More than 800 aircraft are presently flying around the world in 48 different countries. Heintz designs have earned an excellent reputation among pilots, builders, the press, and aviation authorities for their durable all-metal construction, normal flight characteristics, reliability, and low maintenance requirements. With a career-long dedication to aviation, Chris Heintz is a past recipient of the EAA’s coveted Dr. August Raspet Memorial Award "for outstanding contribution to the advancement of the design of light aircraft," and his designs have been honored with numerous awards around the world. In 1995 the Federation Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) awarded Zenair Ltd. the prestigious Honorary Group Diploma for "greatly contributing to the progress of aviation" and Chris Heintz was inducted into the EAA "Hall of Fame" in 1999. Designer Chris Heintz was named the LAMA / Kitplanes magazine "Outstanding Individual" for 2001. Heintz was selected by his peers (aircraft designers and manufacturers) for this prestigious award from the Light Aircraft Manufacturer's Assoc.

In 1996, Chris Heintz and Zenair Ltd. obtained FAA type-certification for the ZENITH CH 2000, a two-seat low-wing aircraft based on Heintz' kit aircraft designs.

Chris Heintz does not only design, test and promote aircraft, he is also actively involved in all facets of general aviation as a long-time EAA member, frequently giving lectures and forums at chapter meetings and fly-ins. Heintz is also a sought-after light aircraft engineering consultant, consulting to governments, organizations, universities, and private individuals. A leading authority on light aircraft design and market direction, Heintz has worked closely with aviation authorities and organizations in developing new aircraft regulations and has been actively involved in promoting aviation (and industry) in developing countries. Chris Heintz was actively involved in promoting, developing and implementing the standards for the FAA's new Sport Pilot / Light Sport Aircraft category. While Heintz officially retired in 2003, he is still very active as a designer, engineer and consultant.

Zenair^TM designs have been recognized on numerous occasions for their contributions to the industry, including:

1974		‘Best New Design’ (EAAC) for the prototype Zenith CH 200
1975		Winner of the Pazmany efficiency contest (two seat category)
1975		NASAD (National Assoc. of Sport Aircraft Designers) Seal of Quality (Drawings)
1976		‘The Eight Day Wonder’ A Zenith was constructed and flown in just eight days during the 1976 EAA Oshkosh convention. EAA president Paul Poberezny presents Zenair with certificate for "service and dedication."
1978		FAI World Record: A Tri-Z CH 300, piloted by Red Morris, was flown non-stop from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean (2,800 miles in 22.75 hours).
1978		The Dr. A. Raspet Memorial Award was presented to Chris Heintz "for outstanding contribution to the advancement of the design of light aircraft" by then EAA president Paul Poberezny.
1979		NASAD Seal of Quality awarded to all Zenair kits.
1981		University of Wisconsin Certificate of Appreciation for contribution in its Project School-Flight program.
1984		‘Best New Design’ (EAA Sun’n Fun) for the ZIPPER ultralight.
1984		‘Best New Design’ (EAAC) for the prototype ZODIAC CH 600.
1985		NASAD Seal of Quality awarded to ZODIAC drawings and kits.
1986		A ZODIAC CH 601 was completely assembled from a kit in only ten days at the World EXPO’86 in Vancouver.
1987		A STOL CH 701 kit was completely assembled and flown in just seven days at the EAA Sun’n Fun fly-in by volunteers, supervised by Zenair staff. This feat was repeated at the 1990 and 1991 EAA Sun’n Fun fly-ins, and honored ‘Best Workshop’ by Sport Pilot magazine.
1991		EAA Sun’n Fun Convention presented Zenair and Chris Heintz with award for "dedication and generous support" of light aviation.
1992		Zenith Aircraft Company begins manufacturing Zenair kits under license in Mexico, Missouri, centrally located in the US.
1993		‘The Seven Day Challenge’ A Super ZODIAC CH 601 HDS was completely assembled and flown in seven days at the Sun’n Fun fly-in convention by volunteers, supervised by company staff.
1994		Heintz’ newest design, the ZENITH CH 2000, receives FAA and Transport Canada type-certification. Not a kit aircraft, the new design is marketed only factory-assembled as an affordable all-purpose two-seater and trainer.
1995		Federation Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) awards Zenair the prestigious 1995 Honorary Group Diploma for "greatly contributing to the progress of aviation."
1996		Zenith Aircraft Company introduces the GEMINI CH 620 twin-engine concept kit aircraft, the first "personal twin-engine" kit design in the industry.
1997		"Certificate of Appreciation" presented to Zenith Aircraft Co. for their "distinguished servicing and appreciation for their contributions in developing, promoting and advancing Private and Sport Aviation." Presented by EAA, Chapter 229.
1998		Introduction of the new 4-seat STOL CH 801 and the new ZODIAC CH 601 XL. US Aviator magazine awards the ZODIAC XL its "Best Aircraft of Show" award following the introduction of the new design at EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh).
1998		Zenith Aircraft Company doubles the size of its kit production facilities at its Mexico, Missouri factory.
1998		Zenith Aircraft Company is awarded the "1998 Excellence in Tourism Award" by the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce for its "outstanding contributions to further Mexico tourism."
1999		Zenair Ltd. celebrates its 25th anniversary as a kit aircraft manufacturer: A quarter century of excellence and leadership in the kit aircraft industry.
1999		Zenith Aircraft Company is presented with a silver anniversary plaque "in appreciation of 25 years support" to the EAA Sun'n Fun fly-in convention.
1999		Zenith Aircraft Company is named the winner of the first-ever Missouri Industry of the Year Award (small business), presented by Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
1999		Designer Chris Heintz inducted to EAA Hall of Fame.
2001		Designer Chris Heintz awarded "Outstanding Individual" by LAMA / Kitplanes magazine.
2001		For the third consecutive year, Zenith Aircraft Company is named to the Deloitte & Touche "FAST 50" program.
2002		Chris Heintz is the recipient of the Recreational Aircraft Assoc. of Canada (RAAC) "Aircraft Designer's Award."
2003		Chris Heintz recognized for his "diligent and sustained effort that provided a direct contribution to the technical integrity of the standards." ASTM Sport Pilot / LSA Committee.
2004		Zenith Aircraft Co. awarded the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce's 2003 G. Andy Runge Ambassador Award "in appreciation for bringing great statewide and national recognition to Mexico, Missouri."