Wednesday at SUN ’n FUN, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) launched an online poll that will be the basis for its 2013 Flight Training Excellence Awards. “Our awards program, and this unique pilot poll, will give people a great opportunity to share feedback on their flight training experiences,” said Shannon Yeager, vice president […]
Live webstream from SUN ’n FUN from Other People’s Airplanes
David Allen, the man in front of the camera at the Other People’s Airplanes video blog, is streaming episodes of the show live from around the grounds at SUN ‘n FUN. He is joined each day by Ben Sclair, publisher of General Aviation News. The show is scheduled for 3:30 pm (EST) each day except […]
SocialFlight launches Version 3.0, partners with General Aviation News
Did you know there are aviation events going on in your area this weekend? If not, you might want to check out SocialFlight. The newly released version 3.0 is available on the web, on your tablet or smartphone. “We’ve signed up 15,000 users in just nine months,” said SocialFlight founder Jeff Simon on opening day […]
Discovery 201 makes SUN ‘n FUN debut
The first Russian aircraft to be privately owned, developed and certified is at this week’s SUN ’n FUN. A partnership of people from around the world, called Discovery Aviation, has the Discovery 201 on display. The plane is a twin-engine five seater, with massive side doors and access to the rear baggage area through an […]
Piper strikes deal for up to 100 aircraft
Today at SUN ’n FUN, Piper Aircraft announced it had reached a three-year agreement with Airline Transport Professionals (ATP) for the sale of multiple Piper Archer TXs. ATP, which specializes in airline pilot training, agreed to initially purchase a fleet of 15 Piper Archer TX single-engine piston-powered training aircraft (pictured) for delivery in late 2013. […]
Overrun for Cessna
Aircraft: Cessna 172. Injuries: None. Location: Suchez, Ga. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot was intending to land on the 2,000-foot grass runway. He overflew the airstrip to check the windsock and flew an approach to the runway, but executed a go-around because the airplane was too high. He made a second approach. […]
Put me in coach
While it’s common knowledge in the aviation community that SUN ’n FUN’s International Fly-In and Expo is massive, you may not know the whole story. Sure, you’ve read about the economic impact of this weeklong event creeping up on $70 million. You may have heard rumors of the staggering air traffic, too. The fly-in will […]
Tornado tragedy turns into blessing
What began as a tragedy has turned into a blessing for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Two years ago, in March 2011, a tornado ripped through the SUN ’n FUN International Fly-in and Expo, damaging a number of aircraft, including a Cessna Grand Caravan owned […]
Senators to introduce bill to stop FAA tower closings
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tomorrow, April 10, U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and David Vitter (R-La.) will introduce legislation to prevent the FAA from closing air traffic control towers. The Protect Our Skies Act, which is co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of 18 senators, […]