SUN ‘n FUN is coming up soon. If you are heading to the show in Lakeland, Florida, what else can you do while you’re in Florida? Of course, there’s always Disney World, but why not see the hub of America’s space program, the Kennedy Space Center? Granted, it ain’t cheap and without advance planning, you […]
Fantasy of Flight to close as tourist attraction
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. The site will continue to function as an aircraft restoration center and will welcome group functions such […]
Looking ahead to SUN ’n FUN
Won’t make the “Living Legends” dinner for Bob Hoover in Los Angeles this month? Perhaps you’ll grab another opportunity to dine with the legendary aviator and other aviation celebs at SUN ‘n FUN’s “Dinner with Legends” event — part of a full plate this year at the airshow season opener in Lakeland, Florida April 1-6. […]
Tips for flying the media and other influencers
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 Ralph Nader’s consumer organization dramatized why! This month’s passing of Nader’s long-time publisher and collaborator […]
GA’s ‘Voice in the Newspaper’ turns 90
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 was Jack Elliott’s storytelling and his “human interest” focus on people who fly. Elliott’s Sunday […]
Time to recall GA’s World War II heroes
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 of GA’s World War II heroes who reunited annually for more than 60 years. Their […]
I could lose sleep over this!
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 stress, no time to exercise and skimping on healthy foods, we are a nation heavier […]
Tragedy and TV news
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. The Kennedy era had fostered modern TV news and my interest in aviation’s reputation. For […]
When pigs fly…
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. BBQ pros hailed from as far as Columbus, Ohio, Kansas City and Las Vegas. During set-up one worker […]