AVweb
One of general aviation’s most prolific aircraft designers and a pioneer of the modern homebuilt movement, Zenair founder Chris Heintz died at his home in France on April 30. He was 82. In his more than 40 years as the head of Zenair, Heintz designed at least 12 aircraft that became acclaimed kits and plans-built aircraft. “Best known in aviation circles as a prolific and talented aircraft designer, aeronautical engineer, innovator, builder, entrepreneur, lecturer and author, Chris has touched the lives of thousands throughout his exceedingly productive professional life,” the company said in announcing his death on May 1.
Heintz started Zenair in his garage in Midland, Ontario, in 1974. He designed a new aircraft and the kit parts to build it every few years and to date more than 10,000 have been completed. The company built a U.S. plant to serve that growing market and the company remains in the family. Heintz was inducted into the EAA Hall of Fame in
Zenair’s Chris Heintz RIP
3rd May 2021 13:40 Europe/London
Aircraft designer and engineer Chris Heintz has died, aged 82. Chris was best known for the series of kitplanes from his company Zenair.
Chris’s family released this note:
“It is with great regret that we announce the passing of Chris Heintz on April 30th, 2021.
“Best known in aviation circles as a prolific and talented aircraft designer, aeronautical engineer, innovator, builder, entrepreneur, lecturer and author, Chris has touched the lives of thousands throughout his exceedingly productive professional life.
“Chris died peacefully at his home in Southern France where he is survived by Annemarie, his loving wife of 60 years, his five children and a dozen grand-children.”