News

On St. Patrick’s Day, Paul Rachels of Yuma, Ariz., flew 13-year-old Arlene Martinez on the 1.3 millionth Young Eagles flight since the program was started 15 years ago. Rachels is one of more than 40,000 pilots who have participated in the program, which gives kids their first flights in GA airplanes. “Some volunteers have flown […]

After more than 30 years, Sun ‘n Fun has a new logo. The traditional logo with the biplane has been replaced by a logo that incorporates a single-engine, low-wing airplane flying across a setting sun. There’s also a palm tree and the words Lakeland, Florida, “to remind people why Sun ‘n Fun is such a […]

In his first air show appearance as CEO of Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corp., Wan Abd Majid turned over the keys of “The New Spirit of St. Louis,” the Columbia 300 Erik Lindbergh used to recreate his grandfather’s historic flight, to the St. Louis Science Center, at this year’s Sun ‘n Fun. “We’re so happy that […]

Texas Sport Aircraft Co. introduced the Texas Sport at this year’s Sun ‘n Fun. The factory-new aircraft kit intended for amateur builders is from the same people behind American Legend Cub. The Texas Sport is similar in appearance to the Piper Cub utilizing a J-3 wing design, PA-11 struts, and outboard wing attachments like the […]

Priorities are shifting at Flight Design, the company that dominates the Light Sport Aircraft market in the U.S. “In the beginning, it’s easy to sell airplanes,” says Matthias Betsch, CEO of the Germany-based company. “Later, you have to make the customers happy.” Making those customers happy is the main component behind the company’s new service […]

The new president of Mooney came to his first Sun ‘n Fun with one message: He’s committed to making sure the company’s bottom line remains strong. “A strong company financially is going to stay around a long time,” said Dennis Ferguson. Expected to bolster Mooney’s bottom line is the Acclaim, which was introduced at Sun […]

Cadets in the Royal Air Force Air Training Corps can solo in gliders before they can drive and many do, according to their leader at Sun ‘n Fun, Flight Lieutenant Richard Turner. The cadets have been an integral part of Sun ‘n Fun for the past 10 years. This year a record 42 cadets and […]

For those who decry the evils of television and its questionable influence on our kids’ lives these days, get ready for a change of perspective. The devil’s workshop brought heaven to a bunch of kids – and parents – in Nigeria. During Sun ‘n Fun, Lyn Freeman, head of Build A Plane, shared the story […]

Just three days after its first flight, the Comp Air 12 turboprop arrived at Sun ‘n Fun in time for opening day. “Obviously it’s here. We told everyone it would be, and it is,” said a smiling Ron Lueck, the company’s president, who flew it in from the Comp Air plant at Merritt Island, Florida. […]