SPLOG By DAN JOHSON
“LSAs, Unite!” might be the campaign slogan.
Sector-only air shows are rare. By that term I mean an all-one-class or -type event. Club fly-ins occur where all owners of a certain brand get together at a regional airport. A gathering of Van’s aircraft builders can bring quite a flock of flying machines. However, competing brands don’t work together nearly as frequently. Perhaps because Light Sport Aircraft are the “new kids on the block,” presenting them together is a concept that really seems to work well. This benefit is recognized by both vendors and potential buyers.
We all love the big aviation shows like Sun ‘n Fun, AirVenture and AOPA. They offer something for everyone who flies…and that’s the problem. At the largest shows you must walk extensively (or ride trams) to see all the aircraft in the LSA community. LSA Malls at these events help at lot, but they don’t facilitate vital functions like demo flying for purchase.
Indeed, this is one of the most compelling reasons for the January Sebring LSA Expo. All day long, every day of the show, you can arrange for a demonstration flight, weather permitting, of course.
Sebring is not alone anymore. An increasing number of events feature LSAs, many brands all presented wingtip to wingtip. The Midwest LSA Expo is attempting a new annual event in early October. The Mid-Atlantic Pilots Association held its second annual LSA Jambo in early July. Earlier this year, in March, many southerners attended the Heart of Texas LSA Expo. All these follow the early success of the all-LSA Sport Pilot Tour sponsored by EAA. Those 13 events at airports across the country drew many thousands and it appears the idea planted a seed for a new type of air show.
Nothing changes the vigorous competition for sales, but it’s great to see aviators working together to advance their goals.
For more information: ByDanJohnson.com
