Joni M. Fisher took these photos at the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, which opened April 13, 2021, explaining: “Central Florida Aerospace Academy students Andrew Lumpuy (left) and Nick Poucher prepare for their ride on the Experimental Aircraft Association’s B-17 “Aluminum Overcast” on the day before SUN ‘n FUN opened. Both are members of the Lakeland Aero Club. Club President Mike Zidziunas bought Nick a ride for his birthday. Another club member donated a ride to Andrew.”
Experimental Aircraft Association
FAA changes will revolutionize homebuilt flight testing
Task-based Phase I ensures that every hour spent in flight testing is meaningful and is contributing to both validating the airworthiness of the aircraft and gathering the data necessary to build a detailed operating manual. This will benefit the builder in ensuring full exploration of the aircraft’s operating envelope, and it will benefit subsequent owners in having access to quality data on the aircraft. In exchange for this work, the aircraft will be released from Phase I when it is ready, not based on an arbitrary time requirement, according to EAA officials.
Oshkosh camping experience prize in Pilot Your Own Adventure contest
To win, you must write up to 1,000 words about flying in a general aviation aircraft to a unique adventure. Deadline for entries is June 1, 2021.
EAA’s B-17 kicks off national tour in March
The year-long tour begins in the Florida, then heads northward, with the B-17 expected to be “back home” for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this summer.
EAA Air Academy canceled again in 2021
“Given the difficulties in providing the operational extras needed for youth residence camps in the current environment, it simply wasn’t possible to plan a quality Air Academy experience for young aviation enthusiasts this year,” said Ron Connolly, EAA’s museum and education director.
AirVenture 2021 will look much different, thanks to the pandemic
The pandemic is changing a lot at EAA AirVenture 2021, including the cancellation of several events where social distancing is not possible, including the Monday night concert, the Runway 5K, and large corporate events and receptions.
Sporty’s Foundation giving tops $160,000 in 2020
Bequests were made to organizations from the Young Eagles to aviation scholarships to the Recreational Aviation Foundation.
EAA launches AeroEducate for kids 5 to 18
“AeroEducate aims to take that youthful discovery and fascination with flight into a positive direction that builds goals and fun for young people, as well as resources for their parents, teachers, and local mentors.”
When acronyms come together
When acronyms come together, it can only be good for general aviation.