Four years ago, Ravi the Raviator didn’t even know what CFI stood for. Now he travels the country, giving inspiration talks about how to rejuvenate aviation and increase the number of people in our community. “It’s important to go out and fan that flame,” he said. “This is an opportunity to participate in one of […]
Pilots
Say again?
Throughout his years as a musician Ravi the Raviator ran into a lot of musicians who had hearing problems — mostly the weekend warriors who played in bars. The professional musicians knew better, which is why he worked with Sennheiser to create a hearing protection package for those part-time musicians. Once he started flying, he […]
What is ‘safety’ all about?
By BEN COLEMAN, Safety Advisor to the Sun ’n Fun President The subject of insurance was not very popular in my formative years. As a kid, I can recall my Dad complaining about insurance rates, especially when my older brother came of driving age. It was explained to me that insurance would pay you back if […]
Tips for getting the most out of a demo flight
Sun ’n Fun is in full swing in Lakeland, Florida, this week and one of the main reasons people attend air shows and fly-ins is to do some comparison shopping for aircraft. The experience isn’t complete without a test flight, but you need to be prepared to get the most out of the event. First, […]
Garmin debuts AC-U-KWIK for glass panels
Garmin reported at Sun ’n Fun that it will begin offering AC-U-KWIK Airport Directory data for its glass flight decks. “Pilots around the world depend on the AC-U-KWIK directories for up-to-date information on unfamiliar airports,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin’s vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “The electronic extension of this data integrated right into Garmin […]
The family flying station wagon
There are many men who will tell you that when they suggested the idea of buying an airplane to their wives, it very nearly resulted in divorce. But Kenneth Spivey Jr., from Vestavia, Ala., says he had a completely different experience when it came to the purchase of his Cessna 170B. “My wife actually MADE […]
Cessna owners in the Cloud
On opening day of Sun ’n Fun, Cessna introduced a custom-designed interactive online portal called Cessna Connect. The customized, cloud-based program provides a way for Cessna owners to streamline their record keeping, track flights, log expenses and tax reports, and connect with other owners and enthusiasts. The subscription-based service is designed to work with a […]
Earthrounders hold reunion
Have you ever wanted to fly around the world? Those lucky pilots who have held a reunion before SUN ’n FUN began and hosted a variety of forums throughout the airshow, according to Bob Gannon, chairman of the Earthrounders 2012 reunion. To become a member of the Earthrounders, a pilot must have flown a single- […]
Their unique sound marked a generation…
So says the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation. I don’t know much about helicopters — most general aviation pilots don’t. But these guys are grabbing attention and filling seats at airshows. And I had hardly heard of them before. What sound? It’s the distinctive “whop-whop-whop” of a two-bladed Huey of Vietnam War fame. Under the moniker […]