AircraftOwner Online

Sun 'n Fun had a lot of that great springtime aviation experience feel to it.

I arrived at Sun 'n Fun looking forward to getting a good size dose of aviation to help launch me into that summer time flying feeling -- and it worked.  People were asking me what I thought of this year's attendance and while I characterized it as "medium" I did find plenty to do for the entire week.  

I arrived on-site Tuesday morning and stayed through Saturday.  My strategy on the larger shows is to take a day or two to see all of the vendor exhibits, starting with an overview then focusing on the things I want to delve into in greater detail.  I like to do this earlier in the week before the weekend crowds get there. 

This year I studied products like 406 ELTs, auto-pilots (I'm looking for one for my Cessna 182), small profile radios and portable GPS units. I am in the market for one of each and found plenty of products to check out. However, I will say that the exhibit area appeared a bit "lighter" than in the past, a reflection of the slow improvement in the economy. But there was plenty to see anyway.  

After the product exhibits, I checked out the aircraft and organizations. Spending quite a bit of time with my friend Stu Horn of Aviat Aircraft and the guys from the "RAF" Recreational Aviaiton Foundation. The two go hand-in-hand as the RAF works mightily to help keep backcountry airstrips open (and open more) and Stu's company builds the Husky which I like to fly into those backcountry strips.

I did check out all the current production aircraft as well including the new and updated offerings from all the airframe makers I could find. I just hope the economy continues to improve so we can see some of them flying!

As you know, I am also love vintage aircraft and had a good time walking through that area. I was most surprised to find a WWII Stearman with the words "N.A.S . OTTUMWA" painted on the side. Ottumwa, Iowa is my home town and N.A.S. stands for Naval Air Station. It was a huge WWII primary training base for Navy pilots (I guess they didn't need water at that stage in the training).

Walking around the Warbirds and watching the aerobatics took at least half-a-day as well.  At night it seemed there was no shortage of social functions. One was the Lindbergh Foundation (which I am a Director of)
awards banquet it was a great event. I then hooked up with Congressman Sam Graves who is a constant General Aviaiton proponent in congress and who lives and loves the General Aviation lifestyle.  When the opportunity to support Sam in re-election comes around, I hope you will answer the call. He is a huge GA supporter. 

Now that I'm back in Minneapolis I can't wait to hope in the cockpit and go flying -- in fact, I think I'll do that right now!  

Greg