Category Archives: aircraft

2017 SUN ‘n FUN International Fly- In & Expo

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A great show to attend if you have never been.

2017 SUN ‘n FUN International Fly- In & Expo
(January 13, 2017 Lakeland, FL) Mark your calendars for aviation’s season opener during the 43rd Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly- In & Expo presented by VISIT FLORIDA from April 4-9, 2017 in beautiful Lakeland, FL. The Fly-In is SUN ‘n FUN’s largest fundraiser for the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), a 25-acre, 11 building campus dedicated to aerospace and STEM education. Approximately 200,000 guests, exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and performers are expected to attend. Proceeds from the event support numerous community activities in addition to ACE.
This year, you are Cleared to Land on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus. Fly- In or drive- in, you are not going to want to miss the once in a lifetime chances SUN ‘n FUN is going to bring to you this year.
SUN ‘n FUN would love to welcome our French Allies on Tuesday April 4th, as the French National Team, Patrouille de France, performs during the airshow. The team is thanking the United States for our participation during the World War. The day will also honor America’s participation as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of America entering the air war in Europe, and the 70th Anniversary of the Air Force. We are proud to welcome the world-renowned Blue Angels back to the SUN ‘n FUN stage. The team will perform Friday- Sunday. Art Nalls will bring the only civilian Harrier on the airshow circuit in for the weekend, April 7-9.
The highlight of the week will take place at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 when a Flight to Honor will return along with much fanfare from Washington D.C. carrying WWII and Korean War veterans.
Event attractions include improved and increased flightline viewing areas, daily autograph session with performers, Thunder Alley Vintage Jet Display, Warbirds in Review showcase series, B-1 Bomber static display, and much more. A twilight midweek airshow is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5th. The evening program on Saturday, April 8th will include fireworks with a night air show.
In the Southeast Exhibit Area, guests will find hospitality at the International Visitors Center and Veterans Plaza. On Saturday and Sunday, classic cars and motorcycles will be in the area showcasing collections circa 1974 and older.
The 9/27 Club VIP hospitality with flightline seating is available for purchase again this year.
Attendees are encouraged to use hashtags #SnF17 and #LoveFL on social media while posting about the Fly-In. 

Air show and workshop schedules, camping reservations, registration for activities, and ticketing information can be found on the SUN ‘n FUN website at flysnf.org. Keep up with all the fun on facebook.com/sunnfunflyin and twitter.com/sunnfunflyin.

Buying an airplane to learn to fly.

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Buying an airplane to learn to fly.

Question.

I’m looking at getting a private pilot rating in the next year, and thinking buying an airplane of my own to use during instruction. I have been told it would help me save on rental fees and it does seem, that you can buy more affordably than rent! However, can a student pilot get (affordable) insurance on his personal aircraft while learning to fly? Seems there may be a contradiction here?

Also, I enjoy reading your articles; they are always informative and entertaining.   I would appreciate any information you might provide in response to my question,

Answer.

I do think buying can be a good way to go. Ownership frees up the planes schedule and you can get it whenever you want. No overnight charges if you take a trip. You know the maintenance history and as an owner, you get comfortable with the aircraft.

But, the biggest problem is buying something that might not be what you want at a later time. Surprisingly, the wants and needs get mixed up, so what you want, might be different than what you really need. If possible fly a few different models of aircraft. That might mean going to a few different FBO’s and getting in their aircraft. But after you get a few hours, you will be able to tell the difference between a Cessna 150 and a Cherokee 140. You know, high and low wing, landing, visibility, all these factors are important to every pilot in some manner. Make sure you try them all out before you purchase.

After the decision, a lot depends on what is “affordable” to you. If you were to buy a $25,000 Cessna 172 or Cherokee 140 you would probably spend about $1,000 a year in full coverage insurance. A Cessna 150 would be a little bit less because of only having two seats. A tail-wheel aircraft would be a little more.

Cessna airplane

Cessna 172

EAA STATEMENT ON FAA RELEASE OF THIRD-CLASS MEDICAL REFORM RULE

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Exciting news!

EAA STATEMENT ON FAA RELEASE OF THIRD-CLASS MEDICAL REFORM RULE
FAA’s BasicMed will take effect on May 1, 2017

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (January 10, 2017) — Years of effort by EAA and AOPA culminated on Tuesday morning as the FAA announced regulations that will implement the aeromedical reform law passed last July. The regulations will be published Wednesday as a final rule, to take effect May 1, 2017.  According to the FAA, no changes have been made to the language in the law.

Because it is final, the rule – named “BasicMed” by the FAA – will not go out for a typical public comment period. The FAA also said it would publish an advisory circular describing the implementation of the rule later this week.
“This is the moment we’ve been waiting for, as the provisions of aeromedical reform become something that pilots can now use,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO/chairman. “EAA and AOPA worked to make this a reality through legislation in July, and since then the most common question from our members has been, ‘When will the rule come out?’ We now have the text and will work to educate members, pilots, and physicians about the specifics in the regulation.”
Tuesday’s announcement finalized the highly anticipated measure that was signed into law last July as part of an FAA funding bill. That was the ultimate success of a long effort by EAA and AOPA to bring significant aeromedical reform to pilots flying recreationally and eliminate the time and expense burdens on those holding third-class medical certificates.
The law guaranteed that pilots holding a valid third-class medical certificate issued in the 10 years before the reform was enacted will be eligible to fly under the new rules. New pilots and pilots whose most recent medical expired more than 10 years prior to July 2016 will be required to get a one-time third-class exam from an FAA-designated AME.
The FAA was required to implement the law within 180 days of its signing, or this Thursday (January 12). Since AirVenture 2016, FAA senior leadership has been assuring EAA that the 180-day deadline would be met. Despite the release of the regulations as a final rule, EAA will be reviewing the language carefully to ensure it fully reflects the language and intent of the law.
EAA has updated its Q&A and will continue to update them to provide the latest information. EAA is also working with its aeromedical and legal advisory councils to provide resources that will help members and their personal doctors understand the provisions of the new regulations.
About EAA
EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 200,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA.
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