Visiting the Factory
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 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 (KMYJ), making it easy to drive or fly-in to visit the factory.
Directions
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).
Accommodations and Regional Information
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.
| Accommodation | Contact | Info | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Western Teal Lake Inn (Website) | 573-582-0700; 800-780-7234 | Request Zenith Rate (Passcode Code is 5735819000) (Indoor Pool Health/Fitness Center On-Site) | Directions |
| Gillette House B&B (Website) | 573-975-4188 cell: 573-253-4721 | 3.3 miles from Zenith | |
| AP Green Bed & Breakfast | 573-567-2223 | 4 miles from Zenith | Directions |
| Days Inn (Website) | 800-DAYS INN; 573-567-3666 | 5 mi. from Zenith | Directions |
| Kingdom City hotels | 15 miles south of Mexico | Directions | |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Website) | 573-310-6020 | Located 15 miles south of Zenith | Directions |
| Super 8 in Kingdom City ((Website)) | 573-642-2888 | Located 15 miles south of Zenith – Request Zenith Corporate Rate | Directions |
| Days Inn in Kingdom City (Website) | 573-642-0050 | Located 15 miles south of Zenith | Directions |
| Comfort Inn (Website) | 573-642-7745 | Located 15 miles south of Zenith | Directions |
Factory Tour video
Additional Information
Mexico Missouri Chamber of Commerce (Website),
Kingdom City / Fulton (Website), Located 20 miles south of Mexico – for directions click here.
Columbia Missouri (Website), Located 40 miles SW of Mexico Columbia is home to the University of Missouri and offers many hotels and restaurants and is an easy drive. For location click here.
Lakeview Park (Website), Mexico Missouri – Call 573-581-2100 or e-mail. For directions click here
Mark Twain Lake (Website), 30 miles north of Zenith – For location click here.
Directions from St. Louis, Click here
City of Mexico Official Website, Click here
Mexico Chamber of Commerce, Click here
Placemark for Zenith Aircraft Company, Download ( Google Earth)
Current / Forecasted Weather in Mexico Missouri, Click here.
AirNav,Click here (plan your stops for your flight to Mexico MO)
Commercial Airlines into St. Louis, 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
Commercial Flight into Columbia Missouri, Also check for flights into Columbia Missouri (COU). This is a regional airport with several scheduled flights per day and is located about 45 minutes drive from Zenith. Directions
Safety at the Zenith Factory
and Builder Workshops
Children under 16 years of age are not permitted in the factory area unless under direct adult supervision. The factory is not a safe play area for children. While in the factory and while working on the rudder kit, please use good common-sense safety practices: Wear the supplied eye protection, and use caution with power tools and around sharp objects. We also highly recommended proper shoes (for in the shop and for the demo flight), and clothing suitable for a “shop” environment.