Sun ‘n Fun - The faithfull return
Once again the faithful have made the trek to Lakeland, Florida for the EAA’s Premier Spring event. Early week storms cleared on Tuesday and the area weather was nearly perfect with sunshine and about 80 degrees for most of the week.
Light Sport Aircraft were clearly the hot item at this year’s show. The LSA Mall was populated with the latest offerings and many of the now old favorites, if one can apply the term old to any LSA model. Manufacturers on hand included Gobosh, Tecnam, Jabiru, Cub Crafters and Cessna, among others. Comments from the crowd in the LSA area suggest the Ultralight group is moving up to LSA models and many licensed pilots are looking to downsize into LSA as a way to control flying cost and beat, at least for awhile, the inevitable medical certificate issues.
The warbird flightline was filled with all the favorites from the last 70 years, exciting and new to a generation of young fliers. It is always a thrill to see these treasures restored and preserved for us and the next generation. Thanks to those who have worked so hard to preserve this part of our heritage. For those who love to see the newer military offerings the Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, aka the Thunderbirds, were on hand, now in their 55th year. The F-16s offered a great show for fans of all ages.
The Seaplane Splash-In moved to its new home this year at Lake Agnes, part of the Fantasy of Flight complex just off I-4 at Polk City. The event had outgrown its former home of many years at Lake Parker in Lakeland. Participants were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the new location with its wide beach and excellent ramp for launching and recovering amphibians. For the first time seaplane crews could camp with their aircraft on the Fantasy of Flight grounds. While the event lasted all week, Thursday was the main event with almost 100 aircraft participating.
In the commercial area vendors were demonstrating an extensive array of new avionics, as well as an impressive collection of virtually everything aviation. If you could not find it at Lakeland it probably does not go in or on an airplane. New flight simulators offered a peek into the future of general aviation training tools. Also on hand were representatives from more than a dozen residential aviation communities. With real estate still in the doldrums it was interesting to see the interest in and enthusiasm for these communities. Pilots love the idea of living with their aircraft.
The Sun ‘n Fun gates have closed for 2008 but the flyin/airshow season is just getting underway. Check your calendar and the events schedule in Atlantic Flyer to plan your summer flying. Fly safe.
By Mike Likavec