Category Archives: airplanes

2017 Seabird Splash-In and Sun N Fun.

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SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc.
Jackie Jenkins
Communications Coordinator
Office 863-904-4002
jjenkins@flysnf.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2017 Seabird Splash-In

(February 2, 2017 Lakeland, FL) Mark your calendars for the 2017 Seabird Splash-In set for April 1st and 2nd, 2017 at Tavares Seaplane Base in Tavares, FL, airport identifier: FA1.
The weekend will include contests on the water and transit to the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus for the 43rd Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly- In & Expo on Monday, April 3rd. 100 LL Fuel will be available on the base and facilities will include mooring, docking and ramp access.

While SUN ‘n FUN continues to look for a suitable location for a Splash-In near Lakeland, Seabird Co-Chairmen Geoff Nye and Bob Highley met with the management of Tavares Seaplane Base and determined that a Splash-In at Tavares was not only feasible, but a great location for Seabirds on their way to SUN ‘n FUN this spring. Tavares, known as Americas First Seaplane City has all the facilities for seaplane activities, as well as walk-to hotels and restaurants. Tavares is experienced in conducting seaplane splash-in events and is excited to host the participation of SUN ‘n FUN Seabirds.

More information will be available on SUN ‘n FUN’s website, flysnf.org as it becomes available.
For more information on the Splash-in, please contact Geoff Nye, Seabirds Co-Chair at 215-913-4768 or email him at g.nye@att.net

SUN ‘n FUN is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, located on the grounds of the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, FL. Proceeds from all year-round events are returned to aviation-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs, activities and facilities, and used to support on-going scholarship funding.

HISTORIC FLIGHTS, GREAT AVIATORS, LATEST INNOVATIONS FEATURED AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2017

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Each day of weeklong event has unique highlights and themes
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (January 12, 2017) — Historic aviation achievements, legendary pilots, and groundbreaking innovations will all be featured as some of the themes of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 on July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The events create a weeklong series of highlights for the 65th annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) fly-in convention.  The fly-in annually draws an attendance of more than 500,000 people and 10,000 airplanes.
Among the themes schedule for each day are:
·         Monday, July 24:Opening day and a tribute to legendary aviator Bob Hoover, who died last October
·    Tuesday, July 25:Innovations Day, featuring the latest creations and inventions in the sky, plus a 25th anniversary celebration of the EAA Young Eagles program, which has flown more than 2 million young people since 1992
·     Wednesday, July 26: Honoring the 75th anniversary of the famed Doolittle Raiders mission over Japan, and the annual WomenVenture activities that encourage aviation participation by women of all ages
·     Thursday, July 27:Commemorating the 90th anniversary of Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight over the Atlantic Ocean, and a look to the world’s future in space
·        Friday, July 28:An Apollo space program reunion, and EAA’s annual Salute to Veterans Day
·       Saturday, July 29:Bomber Day, which welcomes a parade of bomber aircraft from throughout military history, plus an observance of the 8th Air Force’s 75th anniversary
·      Sunday, July 30:Fox Valley Day, a thank-you to the Oshkosh region for the support of The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration held in Oshkosh since 1970, as well as what is known as the “world’s greatest aircraft departure show”
“EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is known as a full week of unmatched activities, unique airplanes, and unforgettable moments, but these themes create unique highlights for each one of the seven days,” said Rick Larsen, EAA vice president of communities and member programs who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “No place brings all this together in the same way as we do at Oshkosh.”
More details on these AirVenture theme days, as well as additional features and attractions, will be announced as they are finalized.
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA. 

Question from a reader – Should I buy an aircraft to learn to fly.

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Q.  Sky, I’m looking at getting a private pilot rating in the next couple of years, and have considered purchasing an airplane 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? 

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

A.  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 $1200 a year in full coverage insurance.  A Cessna 150 would be a little bit less because of only having two seats.  A tailwheel aircraft would be a little more.