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What primer is everyone using to prepare their aircraft. Is it reall necessary to use Zinc Chromate primer. Especially if your going to go with auto paint. Isnt any good auto primer just as good?

You must remember that you are dealing with a completely aluminum structure vs steel and/or plastics on autos.

I am not sure of all the issues, but the fact that aviation painters use zinc chromate is good enough endorsement for me.

I would check with who ever you buy the paint from.
I have heard that Urethane paints do not like Zinc Cromate primer.
Can't remember where I heard or read this when I was having
my plane painted. My plane was primed with an epoxy primer
after an acid wash.
Also, in another post you stated that you wanted to use a good auto paint rather than aircraft paint. Dupont Emron
was/is used on trailer trucks. I think any good Urethane
would be just fine.

Use the recomended primer for the paint, and be sure it is for use on properly prepared aluminum. It doesn't have to be Zinc Chromate. This will normally be a 2-part primer for Urethanes (Urethanes are only one option, BTW). There are 2-part Zinc Chromate primers available for use with some Urethanes, but may not be compatible for all. You're looking for general answers, but you'll have to do specific research on each individual product you intend to use, to ensure compatability, before settling on all of the variables involved.