The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo was supposed to kick off today (Tuesday). But the fly-in was tentatively pushed to May 5 due to restrictions caused by the coronavirus.
That hasn’t stopped several companies from continuing on with their planned seminars, activities, and show specials – but now instead of on the SUN ‘n FUN campus on Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) – all of those will be available online.
Check out the rest of the story to see the virtual fly-in offerings from Sporty’s, Garmin, and Wilco.
Sporty’s
“The Sun ‘n Fun Fun Aerospace Expo may be postponed until May, but Sporty’s is trying to help pilots get in the spring flying spirit while they’re at home,” officials noted.
This week Sporty’s will be offering a variety of remote learning options, savings on pilot supplies, and even the chance to virtually ride along with airshow pilot Patty Wagstaff via YouTube.
Sporty’s is providing a number of free resources to help pilots stay current, officials note.
Pilot’s Guide to Airspace, an hour-long video course, is available at no charge for a limited time. It can be viewed online or in Sporty’s Pilot Training app for iOS, Android, and smart TVs. There’s also a review quiz at the end, and the option to request FAA WINGS credit.
Sporty’s is hosting a live “Flying with the iPad” webinar on Thursday, April 2, at 2 p.m. eastern. The latest tips about flying with electronic flight bag apps will be shared, including new iPad models and datalink weather strategies. Visit Sportys.com/Webinars to sign up.
Sporty’s also has released a number of new aviation YouTube videos, including a Product PIREP video on using a home flight simulator and a new series called Touch & Go, which offers quick tips on popular products. Go to YouTube.com/SportysVideos to watch any of Sporty’s more than 250 videos.
Sporty’s also is offering a number of show specials, including $50 off Sporty’s courses, a free Bose SoundLink Mini II speaker with the purchase of a Bose aviation headset, savings on Flight Gear bags, and more. Go to Sportys.com/Specials to see the complete list.
Of course, pilots need to have some fun, too. That’s why Sporty’s partnered with aerobatic champion Patty Wagstaff to film one of her airshow routines. You can ride along with her as she performs snap rolls, lomcevaks, tailslides, and other stomach-churning maneuvers.
For additional training, Sporty’s also offers an Intro to Aerobatics course with Wagstaff. Go to Sportys.com/Aerobatics to find out more.
For a complete list of promotions, go to Sportys.com/VirtualFlyIn.
Garmin
Garmin will host a series of aviation webinars during the week, ranging from an overview of its latest products, such as the GI 275 and GTN Xi series, to cost-effective autopilot upgrades.
Garmin aviation webinars are scheduled in Central European Summer Time (CEST) or Central Time (CT) in the United States to accommodate customers’ schedules around the world. Select webinars are presented in German, as AERO in Friedrichshafen, Germany, has been canceled. Depending on their time zone, customers can sign-up for a variety of webinars via either link below:
Aviation Webinar Descriptions
The Latest Products from Garmin: GI 175, GTN Xi and more: Check out the latest avionics available from Garmin, including the GI 275 electronic flight instrument and the GTN 650Xi/GTN 750Xi touchscreen navigators.
Autopilot Retrofits: The GFC 500 and GFC 600 retrofit autopilots offer reduced maintenance, as well as safety-enhancing capabilities such as Garmin Electronic Stability Protection (ESP), underspeed/overspeed protection and coupled approaches, according to company officials. This webinar will focus on the features and benefits of both autopilots.
Cost-effective Avionics Upgrades: Learn about upgrading an aircraft panel with avionics such as the GPS 175, GNC 355 and GNX 375 navigators, G3X Touch and the GFC 500 autopilot.
Garmin Services Overview: Learn how Garmin services, including Pre-Departure Clearances, eAPIS, and international trip support, can simplify international flying.
Garmin Avionics for Experimental Aircraft: Check out experimental avionics options from Garmin, including the G3X Touch flight display and the G5 electronic flight instrument, GMA 245 audio panels, and more.
Garmin’s Spring 2020 rebates and promotions
Garmin also is offering the same rebates and promotions that it planned to offer at SUN ‘n FUN and AERO.
Avionics Rebate: Garmin is offering special savings on autopilots, navigators, ADS-B Out transponders, audio panels, and more. Customers can attend one of the webinars above to learn more. Eligible purchases must be made by April 6.
Portables Rebate: Customers can take advantage of a $150 rebate on the D2 Delta PX, D2 Delta S and D2 Delta aviation watches, and a $100 rebate on the GDL 50/51/52 series. Eligible purchases must be made by May 29.
eLearning Promotion: Pilots who are looking to stay current while at home can check out Garmin Aviation eLearning courses, which are now 10% off through April 30. Go to Fly.Garmin.com/Fly-Garmin/Training to learn more.
Wilco
The new dates for the fly-in don’t work for Wilco, which sells aircraft parts and supplies.
While company officials note they will miss seeing their friends and family at the fly-in, “we do not feel that those who have had their plans disrupted should be penalized because of it. Therefore, we want to proceed as if SUN ‘n FUN is still happening in early April, however, we will do so virtually and from our office in Wichita.”
The company is offering its show prices to all customers through April 30, 2020, via its website, WilcoAircraftParts.com, as well as to all call-in customers. Be sure to use the coupon code SNF 2020.
This discount applies to all items except 4130 Steel Sheet and Plate.
Company officials added they also will cap all freight charges to $10, except for batteries and windshields, if you let the company decide how the items will be delivered. Expedited shipments and the cost of shipping batteries and windshields will be paid for by the customer.