Gearing up for Sun ’n Fun

Sun ’n Fun 2012 is about to begin. Billed as the “Spring Break for Pilots,” the central Florida airshow is revving up in numerous ways, thanks partly to the show’s new leader, John “Lites” Leenhouts (and yes, everyone really does call him “Lites,” his Navy pilot nickname). His team is refreshed and ready for a new event. The turmoil from last year’s tornado is behind them and many changes are planned.

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Making movies, talking aviation

When videographer Dave Loveman first approached me in 2009 about doing videos I was hesitant. I may have been unsure, but website visitors spoke clearly and you know what? I like doing them as much as you like viewing them. More than 138 videos are available, all for free. Many more are works in process.

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Flying the Alto 100

While Sebring 2012 crowds were the best ever and plentiful aircraft made for good shopping resulting in a flurry of sales, one of the best aspects of Sebring 2012 was ideal weather. Numerous pilots experienced some of their final choices before handing over the cash. Such perfect conditions also allowed reporters to get in on the action. More detailed reports will follow but now I am pleased to offer a mini-report on the Alto 100.

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Flying the Allegro

LSA America builds the Czech-designed Allegro in America as one of the first companies (but not the last, I suspect) to cross the Atlantic. Ironically, this results in an aircraft less expensive than other LSAs that come from Eastern European countries where we once thought low wages and high aviation skills would upset U.S. airplane manufacturing. Funny how life works out, and in only six or seven years.

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Cessna takes commanding lead in LSA market

The LSA Market Share numbers are complete for 2011 and we offer them below.

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Beauty and the bird: Do esthetics matter?

Even those who are not Apple fans agree the trend-setting California company’s focus on design beauty draws attention to its products. From its position near the back of the pack a dozen years ago, Apple has become the most valuable tech company in the world. Could this be due to its highly-refined sense of esthetics? More to the point of aviation enthusiasts, is artful design an ingredient in pleasing customers?

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Microsoft embraces LSAs

Microsoft recently announced the return of Flight Simulator, once one of the best-selling games on computers. Well, in truth, it’s no longer called Flight Simulator, rather simply “Flight.”

In 2009 Microsoft abruptly dropped Flight Sim, leaving only the techy X-Plane for digital joystick jockeys. It’s way above my pay grade to understand why the Microsoft billionaires dropped a good seller but, who cares? It’s back with one Great Big Surprise: The iconic Icon A5 LSA seaplane is the default aircraft and shows even titanic Microsoft sees where the action is in aviation. The other two aircraft coming with Flight are an RV-6 and a Boeing Stearman, a significant change from the Cessna 172 or bizjet of Flight Sim.

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Tecnam’s design juggernaut: Do these guys sleep?

Tecnam already released news about its new Sea-Sky Hydroplane option of straight or four-wheel composite amphibious floats for the Echo Classic or Eaglet models. For the Echo, also known as the P92 (referencing 1992), this represents the sixth generation of that model. The in-house-designed Sea-Sky Hydroplanes (pictured) should be present for Sun ’n Fun, according to importer Tecnam North America.

As late-night TV ads shout, “But there’s more…!” Tecnam also introduced its brand-new taildragger version of the venerable Echo, done in what Phil Solomon calls a “retro style,” with a wood panel and other touches. [Read more...]

Sebring breaks records

The eighth running of the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, just finished and a resounding success it was on nearly all counts. Smiles were broad from most attending or exhibiting at Sebring 2012. The weather was the best ever with temperatures hitting 80° and every day sunny and pleasant.

We can look at several ways to measure the action at Sebring:

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Sebring’s record crowds, brisk sales & sunny skies

The eighth running of Sebring just finished and a resounding success it was on nearly all counts. A few dour faces noted exhibitors were off a rather modest 5% (according to officials) but in every other category, smiles were broad from most attending or exhibiting at Sebring 2012. Read my full run-down of the show here.