Kermit Weeks announced March 4 that Fantasy of Flight, his central Florida aviation-theme tourist attraction, will close to the public after April 6, the last day of this year’s SUN ‘n FUN airshow/fly-in just 20 miles down I-4. Continue Reading →
Tips for flying the media and other influencers
Posted on February 9th, 2014 by Drew Steketee
We often encourage activist pilots and airport advocates to engage the media and community leaders, including by flying them. For two-plus decades, that was part of my job. I had a few ironclad principles for this. A potential disaster with... Continue Reading →
GA’s ‘Voice in the Newspaper’ turns 90
Posted on January 23rd, 2014 by Drew Steketee
Today, a mailbox in Warren, New Jersey, should be overflowing with birthday cards and good wishes. The occasion? It’s the 90th birthday of Jack Elliott, longtime aviation columnist for The Newark (NJ) Star-Ledger. Longevity did not win this praise; it... Continue Reading →
Time to recall GA’s World War II heroes
Posted on December 19th, 2013 by Drew Steketee
This year marked the final roll call for brave World War II fliers fading from the scene. No, it wasn’t the Doolittle Raiders, whose four survivors (three present) celebrated their final reunion last month. There’s another band of brothers: Some... Continue Reading →
I could lose sleep over this!
Posted on December 16th, 2013 by Drew Steketee
Ever go to a car show and marvel at the British sports cars of our youth? MGs and Triumphs, how small they look now! How could I ever fit? Answer: We were slimmer then. After decades of fast food, career... Continue Reading →
Tragedy and TV news
Posted on November 21st, 2013 by Drew Steketee
Nov. 22 marks 50 years since JFK’s assassination changed the nation. Nov. 25 ended four days of shock with his sad funeral, modeled after that of Lincoln. The nation was bound together as one around its TV sets all weekend.... Continue Reading →
When pigs fly…
Posted on November 20th, 2013 by Drew Steketee
After a boffo debut last year, SUN ‘n FUN reconvened its “When Pigs Fly South BBQ Challenge” Nov. 15-16 in Lakeland, Florida. Expectations were high. But crummy weather muted the event, which drew 51 competitors this year. Continue Reading →
More than an aeronautical landmark
Posted on November 6th, 2013 by Drew Steketee
Flying VFR in New York City’s Hudson River Corridor, you’re now required to report abeam “Alpine Tower,” a longtime FAA visual reporting point. I was recently reminded of the radio pioneer behind that tower. Don’t know Edwin H. Armstrong? Know... Continue Reading →
History’s mysteries, from above
Posted on October 31st, 2013 by Drew Steketee
This year marks the 150th anniversary of a momentous year in American history. Events in and around 1863 changed us forever and left their traces on the land. We pilots have a “box seat” over such visible history in places... Continue Reading →
Dumb mistakes and dumb luck
Posted on October 7th, 2013 by Drew Steketee
The other week, we Florida east coast residents enjoyed a strong, refreshing breeze — welcome tonic after a long summer. The weatherman said it was out of the north, but flags on the beach weren’t parallel to the surf. Reminds... Continue Reading →
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