Above is the proposed route for the aptly named "48 State Challenge" journey to Oshkosh. "Launch day is quickly approaching," said Dave: "Soon this Bucket List item will be started: To land in my airplane in each of the 48 states! I'll start this Saturday, July 9th, in West Texas. I'll fly there on the 8th from my home. I wish I could have tried this before everything got so expensive, but the stars didn't align.
"This will be an all or nothing attempt: Oshkosh or Bust!"
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"With costs skyrocketing into the absurd, I'm reaching out to fellow aviation enthusiasts. If y'all can help, I'd appreciate it very much!" said Dave.
Click here to donate online. "My current goals: To fly the challenge in 14 days or less, solo, with auto fuel, as cheaply as I can do it (the seat now reclines in case I need to sleep in it). See y'all in Oshkosh!"
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"Once I get started you will be able to track me on Flight Aware, as well as the "48 State Challenge" page on Facebook, stated Dave Tillema. "Fellow Zenith builder/pilot Bill Fahey and Jan & Alissa (from Viking Aircraft Engines) will be coordinating logistics en route, and I would definitely appreciate any hospitality, accommodations and/or fuel along the journey. My final stop each day will be determined by weather mostly, so planning for the trip is going to be day by day."
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Check out this video (from Oshkosh 2021) where Dave shares details about his planned "48 State Challenge" flight and about his Zenith CH 750 Cruzer, powered by a 130-hp Viking (Honda) engine with a DUC/Viking In-flight adjustable Propeller (VIP) system.
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How can you help Dave achieve the "48 State Challenge" flight to Oshkosh 2022?
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Join his Facebook group, 48 State Challenge, for updates and for details on how to follow him along his "48 State Challenge" flight to Oshkosh 2022
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Donate directly to the project to help cover some of his expenses.
- Check the route, and if you're close by, offer hospitality, accommodations and/or auto fuel at one of his stops along the journey.
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Join his Texxas 750 Cruzer group for ongoing updates about him and his Zenith CH 750 Cruzer.
- Visit with Dave at Oshkosh after he's successfully completed the journey, to meet with him and see his airplane (at the Viking booth in the North Aircraft Display area).
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Share with your friends, especially those living near where he plans to fly.
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Share the Love! Dave is also on a mission to share his love of flying with others: he's already taken 99 passengers up flying in his Zenith CH 750 Cruzer (as of this writing) and logged nearly 800 hours in his airplane in less than three years. Check out this video where Dave takes Zenith Aircraft's Sebastien Heintz flying in his CH 750 Cruzer with the Viking / DUC VIP prop combination.
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Viking Power Dave's CH 750 Cruzer is powered by the popular 130-hp Viking (Honda) engine with a variable pitch propeller system, giving him an endurance of 8.5 hours at economy cruise (averaging less than 4 gph of auto fuel!). About his aircraft, Dave gushes: "It's very inexpensive to fly and very quick to build. It's a great combination."
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As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, Zenith Aircraft Company is committed to connecting with the ever-growing community of Zenith builders, owners and flyers. Online resources and social media make it easier than ever to stay connected to the Zenith Aircraft community. Check out some of the available resources below:
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With over 7,500 active members, the Zenith.Aero online community is a resource available exclusively to builders, flyers and owners of Zenith aircraft. Zenith builders, owners and flyers from around the world create and share the content, with more than 31,000 photos about building and flying, over 2,000 videos, and thousands of discussions on building and flying Zenith aircraft.
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos of building and flying Zenith aircraft. Our channel has more than 800 exclusive videos on building and flying Zenith aircraft, with more than 34,000 subscribers and millions of video views!
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zenithair.com Of course, check the Zenith Aircraft website for product details and information, kit pricing and ordering, event updates, etc.
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