EAA Chapter 563

Zenith Cruzer s/n 11547

For Sale

Work on this airplane began in the spring of 2022. Experienced builders from EAA Chapter 563 are guiding area high schoolers in the construction of a Zenith Cruzer. On this site, one can read the project description and view the ongoing build log with photos.

All components are new. A few factory parts have been modified, mostly for additional access panels. It will be left to the buyer to select and arrange for personal decorations including painting, although the chapter can assist with this if desired. The two seats are being upholstered in a neutral gray by a local auto shop.

The factory's demo airplane

An asking price has not yet been set. The chapter wishes to recover the cost in materials so that another airplane can be built by a new group of teenagers, and a few components have yet to be purchased. Currently, the replacement cost of all the parts is a little over $100,000. Completion of the airplane is estimated to be late 2025.

The engine installed is that recommended by Zenith, the 118 hp ULPower 350i. In addition to av-gas, this engine is rated for 87 octane car-gas.

These components for a Dynon SkyView VFR avionics suite are being installed:

The buyer will select the specifications to present to the FAA. While the Cruzer is marketed by Zenith in the current LSA category for a day VFR airplane with a gross weight of 1320 lb, it could be registered instead at the design gross weight of 1440 lb. This airplane is being built with lighting suitable for night VFR, so it can serve as a day or night VFR airplane with a useful load of about 650 lb.

Beyond the FAA paperwork, the buyer will also have to manage the test flights of the airplane, for a chapter of the EAA is not permitted to own an airplane which is flown. Our airplane is configured with the same engine as the factory demo airplane, seen above, and prospective buyers are encouraged to take a test flight in that airplane. Pilots can be hired to do the initial fly-off of an experimental, and our chapter has a DAR who can perform the final paperwork before flight.

Supervision of the build has been by chapter members who are either EAA Tech Counselors, A&P mechanics, or have finished their own kit airplane.

For more information, contact the chapter secretary, Karl Kleimenhagen.