Tag Archives: Sun N Fun

Time to buy an airplane?

Posted on by

Buy an airplane?

If you are thinking you might buy an airplane, this may be a good time to get serious. Besides the fact that spring always seems to bring out more buyers it also seems like the market is “right” for buying an airplane. By “right” it appears that in today’s economy you can buy some airplane models and probably be able maintain their value or even make a few bucks over the next couple of years. I’m not saying buy new, but good used  popular models.

Anyway, I have been involved in the aviation market for a number of years. I can remember when buying an aircraft (especially a Cessna 172 or Cherokee Archer etc.) was almost a guarantee to make money. Used airplane prices were always going up.  Of course, there were years of high gas prices or high interest rates which had major impact on prices. And then the crash in the in the 2006 – 2007 area where prices went lower than 1995…

But, recently it looks good again.  I was researching aircraft prices for a recent Cessna Owners and Piper Owners Magazines article where I was discussing how to value your aircraft.  Personally, I like to use VREF as a pricing guide and included a recent graph in my story of the light single engine market prices.  See the graph below.

Take a look at the 3rd quarter of 2016. The single engine market started an uphill run and doesn’t look like it will slow down. It looks like if the economy keeps up the momentum, maybe we can get back to the peak prices we had back in 2000 – 2001.

buy an airplane

Of course don’t forget to get an insurance quote from SkySmith for the airplane you are thinking about buying! Click here to get a quote!

Opener BlackFly personal aircraft

Posted on by

OPENER NAMED PRESENTING SPONSOR OF EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2020 INNOVATION SHOWCASE

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 16, 2019) — Opener, the company that designs and builds the all-electric BlackFly personal aircraft, has been named the presenting sponsor of the Innovation Showcase at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020. The 68th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and annually draws 600,000 people and 10,000 aircraft.

The Innovation Showcase at EAA AirVenture is focused on research and development in the aviation and aerospace industries. It welcomes cutting-edge companies that seek to bring their new products to the public and the aviation marketplace.
“Opener has an unparalleled leadership position in new technology driving personal flight,” said Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of business development and membership. “They have been a part of the Innovation Showcase at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for the past two years and have been a prime example of the innovative aviation technology we’ve been introducing at AirVenture. Having them as the presenting sponsor of this area will bring even more companies to Oshkosh who are interested in highlighting the newest and best in aviation.”

Opener spent the last 10 years in stealth mode, designing, developing, and testing new innovative technologies, which have now evolved into an all-electric, vertical takeoff-and-landing vehicle, BlackFly. Opener made its public debut in July 2018, shortly before displaying BlackFly at Oshkosh that year. A BlackFly v2 is now on display in the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh.
“EAA AirVenture has always been synonymous with what’s new and game-changing in aviation,” said Ben Diachun, Opener’s president. “Seeing how attendees at Oshkosh welcome and encourage new ideas in all areas of flight convinced us that we needed to help foster it even further by sponsoring EAA’s Innovation Showcase.”
Only 20 exhibitors are selected from all applicants to be included in the Innovation Showcase. Any aviation-related product or service that demonstrates unique, forward-looking technology is invited to apply for complimentary exhibit space in that area. In 2019, nearly 75 companies applied for this area at Oshkosh. Applications for 2020 are currently being accepted through April 1, 2020, through the EAA.org/Innovation website.

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.

Opener

F-35A Lightning II Demo Team @Sun ‘n Fun

Posted on by
For Immediate Release December 10, 2019

F-35A Lightning II Demo Team to Dominate the Skies at  2020 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo

The U. S. Air Force announced its 2020 schedule for the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team today at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) and the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is honored to be its first east coast stop. Showing off its newest member, Air Combat Command and the 388th Fighter Wing will showcase the U.S. Air Force’s newest fifth-generation fighter that provides next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability through its aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics. The F-35A Lightning II Demo Team’s performance is known to push the aircraft to its limits as they pull off the kind of aerial acrobatics that can give even the most casual observer a thrill.

The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo had previously announced participation from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds who epitomize the pride and precision of today’s Air Force. “Having both demonstration teams as part of our 2020 SUN ‘n FUN airshow lineup is a privilege” says Greg Gibson, CMO and Air Show Director for SUN ‘n FUN Fly-in. “Aviation enthusiasts know how special it is to have these teams at our event so come Experience Flight in 2020 and be prepared to be wow’d.”

“The mission of these demonstration teams compliments the overall objective of the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo which is the largest fundraising event for the Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE)” says John “Lites” Leenhouts, CEO / President of the ACE. “The opportunity to connect with America at an event like ours and as a result inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals in whatever path they choose, is invaluable for our engagement with youth as well as the Air Force’s goal of recruitment”.

SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo will be making additional announcements regarding its air show schedule in the near future. This year’s event is March 31st – April 5th, 2020 and tickets are available at www.FlySnF.org.