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

 

I just arrived in Lakeland for a week at Sun ‘n Fun and I am definitely looking forward to it. Sun ‘n Fun to me symbolizes the beginning of the summer flying season.  It’s not only a flying thing but it’s an opportunity to reconnect with people and contacts that have been hibernating during the winter months.  And, there is no shortage of reconnecting to be done.

Already the week is nearly full with meetings parties an barbeques with such diverse groups as the EAA Young Eagles “Gathering of Eagles” Planning Committee, the Lindbergh Foundation award Ceremony, a BBQ at Kermit Weeks Fantasy of Flight, a mini-reunion of National Air Tour People and several other parties and gatherings of pilots seeking to dust off contacts as well as wings. It’s great!

I arrived at 12:30 a.m. this morning took a short sleep and got together with a good friend, Richard Hornbeck, to drive around the North Tampa area. One of our stops was a rather sudden one when I saw some orange power line warning balls hanging in the air. I immediately braked and swerved into a drive way leading to a small airpark I had never heard of. There we had a cup of coffee and a brownie with a wonderful volunteer who was getting ready to mow the grass. The conversation covered everything from Cessna 140s to his Navy days. It was just plane “out of the box” conversation and we had a great time.

From there we went to a flea-market and then on to Tarpon Springs where I learned all about the Florida sponge industry (mostly of yore) and had my picture take n front of a large fiberglass shark while eating an ice cream cone and holding a box of cigars I had just purchased from a Cuban refugee who spoke no English but rolled a some great smokes. 

When I finally made it to the hotel they told me they did not have my reservation and were full. Naturally, my confirmation is sitting on my desk in Minneapolis. They managed to find a spot for me but tomorrow I need to get them the confirmation. At least I can get a night’s rest and shower before dealing with that.  Once accomplished, I’ll be off to Sun ‘n Fun, camera phone and video cam in hand and will report back to you!

More to come,

Greg

I don't know that I've ever written about my involvement with the Lindbergh Foundation (www.lindberghfoundation.org), but I've served as a Trustee for five years now, and find the work to be personally quite rewarding, especially as it speaks to the heart of issues confronting General Aviation.

This year the Foundation is teaming up with Sun n Fun to present our 32nd Annual Awards Celebration on Wednesday night, 14th.   Here's a link: http://www.lindberghfoundation.org/docs/index.php/awards-a-events/events  At that Event, we honor both individual and corporate standouts whose efforts in using technology to solve environmental challenges.  I've attached a PDF "Executive Summary" of the evening's ceremonies, including some fun information about our special auction that night.  In short, I think it'll be the premier industry mixer at Sun n Fun, and of course, for a good cause.

It turns out that our registrants for the event--hosted by John and Martha King--include numerous aviation luminaries: high-level attendees from GAMA, NBAA, EAA, AOPA (past and present heads),  not to mention support from various industry influencers.  To make the evening even more lively and entertaining, we're having a live auction of such one-of-a-kind items as: A day at King Schools and dinner with John and Martha; a 10 day Kenya Wildlife Safari, a Garmin 560, a signed Erik Lindbergh bronze casting of a Columbia 300, a P51 ride with Kermit Weeks, an aerobatic flight with Sean D. Tucker, and a complete Forward Vision EVS system, including display and STC kit! 

And something else you may appreciate: We'll be showing the Miles O'Brien film, "Over Africa", which he (and wife Sandy) shot, directed, and produced after their visit to our partner KWS last year.  After the showing, John and Martha, Patty Wagstaff (trainer of KWS pilots), and Larry Williams (CEO of BRS Parachutes)--all veterans of a trip to Africa/KWS--will be on hand for Q&A.  Thursday 15th has been designated Lindbergh Foundation Day at the Sun n Fun "Green Space"; here's a link to the presentations and speakers we have coming for that--and this event is open to all Sun n Fun attendees at no additional charge http://www.lindberghfoundation.org/docs/index.php/component/content/article/40/387-lindbergh-foundation-day

I hope you and some of your team will consider making it a point to join us. Be sure to register soon; the Event is nearly sold out, and there probably won't be a chance to get in at the door if you haven't already signed up.  In case you can't make it to Sun n Fun but are interested in supporting our work at the Lindbergh Foundation, I hope you'll consider making an online donation.  And if you've read this far, I have some inside scoop: you can bid on the auction items online: http://www.lindberghfoundation.org/docs/index.php/awards-a-events/events/394-2010-on-line-auction-temp

I you're coming to Sun N Fun, I hope to see you at either or both Lindbergh Foundation Events!
Best regards,
Greg