Tag Archives: Cessna

SUN ‘N FUN 2023 TITLE PARTNERSHIP WITH E3 AVIATION ASSOCIATION

Posted on by

February 8, 2023
For Immediate Release

SUN ‘N FUN AEROSPACE EXPO ANNOUNCES 2023 TITLE PARTNERSHIP WITH E3 AVIATION ASSOCIATION

LAKELAND, FL (February 6, 2023) — SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, one of the largest and most successful aviation events in the world, announced today that E3 Aviation Association is the new title sponsor for the March 28 – April 2 event in Lakeland, Florida. As the first major air show and expo of the year, the partnership allows for the more than 200,000 aviation enthusiasts from around the world to enjoy what has become known as Aviation’s Season Opener and Spring Break for Pilots.

“E3 Aviation Association is the perfect partner to join SUN ‘n FUN this year. It’s an amazing brand fit in every way with the experiential event we’ve created,” said Gene Conrad, President and CEO for SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo. “At the core of it all is our shared passion for aviation. We have so many fun and interesting surprises waiting for our visitors this year.“

“As the premier aviation membership platform, we owe a lot to the incredible passion that aviation fans and pilots have created across the country,” said E3’s Vice President of Marketing, Josh Volpe. “The pinnacle of aviation events and airshows, like SUN ‘n FUN, is a big reason why the industry has grown into such a phenomenon for pilots, aviation enthusiasts and students. When we were introduced to the SUN ‘n FUN team; it was an easy decision to become the title sponsor after seeing their passion, cause and vision as they continue to inspire and educate people of all ages.”

Taking off for its 49th year, SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo showcases hundreds of aircraft on display including Vintage, Homebuilt, Aerobatic, Warbird, Jet, and Light Sport. One of the highlights of the five-day expo is the Blue Angels, the high-flying and awe-inspiring flight demonstration squadron of the U.S. Navy. Additional special airshow acts include U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightening II Demonstration Team, the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightening II Demonstration Team, and Doug Rozendaal flying Mr. Mulligan, the Howard DGA-6 pioneer racing plane. SUN ‘n FUN also features more than 500 exhibitors, hands-on workshops teaching building and maintenance skills, and educational forums from pilots and maintainers about safety, new products, and other timely topics.

Tickets for SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo are available online at flysnf.org.

Connect with SUN ‘n FUN at:
• Facebook: @FlySNF
• Instagram: @FlySNF
• Twitter: @SunnFunFlyIn
• TikTok: @flysnf

Access Press Release at flysnf.org

Sunrise Crop Duster

Posted on by

Sunrise crop duster on the way to Oshkosh.

On my drive to Oshkosh and AirVenture 2022, I was able to watch a crop duster early in the morning.

Was a very beautiful sunrise and a cool sight to see the airplane at work.  Even more impressive in person.

Beech Skipper?

Posted on by

What do you think of the Beech Skipper?

Beech Skipper

From a reader – “I am not a pilot yet. Not even a student pilot. I want to start flying lessons sometime later this year.  I am thinking about buying a plane and then receive instructions in it.  After some research, I am inclined towards buying a Beech Skipper.  The plane was only produced from 1979 -1981. What do you think of the Skipper?”

Buying is good.

Well to start, buying an aircraft to learn in, is a great way to go… if you know you like the aircraft before you buy it. The Beech Skipper is a nice trainer, and a comfortable run around aircraft.  While it might not be a great cross-country traveler, it can be used for that if you have the time.  It look’s like only about 350 of the aircraft were built, so production and finding a good one might be an issue.

Fly more than one.

First, I would make sure you fly in a number of different aircraft before you settle on the Skipper.  Many new pilots buy an aircraft and after the first few hours realize they really would rather have a different model.  I would start my lessons and get hours in a few of the different aircraft available.  Cessna, Piper, Beech and many others all have advantages or disadvantages.

Insurance?

From the insurance angle, buying your own aircraft and buying insurance is not a problem if you stay away from complicated (complex), high performance or very expensive aircraft.  The underwriters do not want to put student pilots in aircraft that will increase their chances for claims.

Typically, insurance rates will be about the same for the similar models of trainers.  I would guesstimate that a zero hour, student pilot could insure a trainer for under $1,200.  That number is based on a $20,000 hull value, two seats, fixed, tri-gear, and all metal trainer.  A Cessna 150 would probably be a little less than the Skipper, mainly because of the numbers of aircraft that the underwriters have experience with.