Wings, Wheels and Water

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.

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.

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