The Sun 'n Fun Experience
By Greg
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
s
trips.
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
