Here's my not so short Sun n Fun report. It is kind of an organized stream of consciousness thing, so I apologize in advance.
Flew in Tuesday late afternoon, and arrived at KPIE. Got the rental car and hit the road. I knew by the time I got to Lakeland, the show would be over for the day, but I planned on having dinner with some Tecnam guys. After sitting in Tampa traffic for too long a time, I finally broke free and was on my way. Spoke with Mark, and we decided on a steak restaurant in Lakeland,
www.texascattlecompany.net. Highly recommended. Was joined at dinner by Enrick here on the forum and his co-worker, and also Jason from Eagle Creek, Mark Gregor, and another P2008 owner not on the forum.
Shockingly, we talked all things aviation for two hours, and in the process developed successful new aircraft designs to bring to market, and streamlined the FAA's regulation system. Having solved the world's aviation problems, we waddled off to our vehicles and headed back.
Wednesday was a full day at the show. Very, very hot day, so decided to do outside booths in the am, and inside hangar booths after lunch. The LSA section was completely separate from the rest of the show, which concerned me a little. But when I headed over there, it was fairly busy so that was good. Most manufacturers were there, and here are my thoughts in no particular order:
LSA Tecnam - Great booth, the Sierra, P92, P2008, P2010, P2006, and Astore all on display. Good traffic. The twin got the most people to stop and ask questions. They were in the main part of the show, not the LSA section. I think that was a good decision with both part 23 and LSA on display.
Vans - Two experimental aircraft built and on display, but not the 12. (booth was in main section of show) I know these guys are successful and have a huge following, but I just don't warm up to that aircraft.
Sport Cruiser - Nice display, and good looking plane, but I feel this plane needs to innovate soon. No 912is, no 914, and no Garmin option. With all the competition, they can't afford to rest.
Bristell - Same display as previous shows, and a fairly busy booth. In my opinion these are one of the guys poised to take away sport cruiser sales, in addition to Tecnam with the Astore.
CT - Flight Design Germany was not at the show, but Aerojones had a booth. When I went by, there was no one in the booth, but could have been just the time of day. This is a confusing situation to say the least, with two companies representing the same product in the US. The CT reminds me of the Sportcruiser, definitely needing upgrades (i.e. 914) but the fight over ownership/bankruptcy, etc. has distracted them.
Carbon Cub - Both the taildragger and the float versions on display. What a beautiful aircraft. I can see how they command the dollars they do. And the XCub is a winner as well.
Searey - A few of their popular ambhibs on display, including one all powder blue. I really like this aircraft, but it just looks too homebuilt for me.
Super Petrel - Biplane amphib. I really like the looks of this aircraft, and it does come in a 914. But not a traveling aircraft, more of a fun to fly machine.
Jabiru - Both entry level trainer and their larger LSA on display. I wish they would do better, but being non Rotax doesn't help. Another good aircraft in a crowded LSA market.
Aeropilot L600 and Viper - These are a high and low wing offerings at the show from two different companies. They are getting some attention as they are hitting the lower price points, both in the low 100's to start. Not sure it's realistic, but interesting nonetheless. As we know, you've got to have the financial strength to stay in this market, so selling is step one, and then supporting the plane is step two. Nobody wants to own an orphaned aircraft! Much too often companies come in with the next greatest thing, and then don't have the capability or will to support their aircraft. I do hope they survive and succeed, but time will tell.
Icon - Not at the show. I know they just had a mishap, so probably good they weren't there with all of their recent troubles, but why they do not exhibit at sun n fun is beyond me. I want them to succeed, but I'm not terribly optimistic.
Airplane factory - They got delayed flying from the west coast, so they were just setting up their booth when I strolled by. Again, a solid competitor in a crowded LSA market. Their experimental 4 seater with the 914 could benefit from the 915, but not sure what their plans are.
Other LSA- I didn't really stop at the Glasair or Remos booths, or even remember much of other LSA booths.
Non LSA planesCirrus - No planes on display that I could see, just gift shop type stuff. Again, I'm not sure I understand the logic of not displaying aircraft at a show this large.
Piper and TBM turbo props. Gorgeous cabins. Above my pay grade.
Jets - Ditto to above.
Diamond - I don't remember seeing them, but could have been there.
Mooney - I really don't like the ad campaign "when you're ready for the training wheels to come off". I don't think insulting owners of fixed gear aircraft and challenging their pilot manliness is a way to entice them upmarket. I could be wrong, but I don't see a bright future for this company.
FoodFood was surprisingly better than expected. Lots of lemonade and ice cream, both of which are sorely needed in Florida! Had lunch with Mark, and we struck up a conversation with a husband and wife, both pilots. They met when he was providing spin training. I did not ask if the spin of the aircraft made them dizzy and clouded their judgment that day.
Pilots are just great people all around.
Other boothsSo many booths to see, but they kind of blur over after a while. Also, owning a newer LSA means you don't need most of the stuff for sale, so I'll just mention a few:
Rotax - Saw the new 915is, and lots of talk about this. Both Tecnam and Bristell announced the 915 to be put into aircraft in their line up. Rotax confirmed the need of a constant speed prop, so not sure how this will shake out. Will we see a new part 23 aircraft, or an experimental? Fun to watch what happens!
Garmin - Garmin was there and had their usual busy crowds. It's hard not to feel a little superior when you see the G5 being touted as an amazing development in the part 23 world. Truth is the certified world owes the LSA new plane buyers a big thanks for pushing the market forward with the latest avionics.
Levil - The new BOM is a great product for part 23 aircraft, and shows what innovation can really look like in aviation. If you haven't seen the product, go look it up. Just awesome!
Bose - Busy booth with A20's all on display.
AOPA - Had a pretty busy booth, with lots of traffic. Also they did a rusty pilot seminar, which I overheard while taking in a shade break. The presenter was mentioning what was new in aviation, and it was reassuring for me to know the answers to the questions he posed to the audience. Almost like "hey you have come a long way from last year".
EAA - Booth was a little disappointing, not as well organized or focused as AOPA's. I was hoping to see Jack Pelton and add my two cents about the weight limit on LSA, but didn't expect I'd see him.
Foreflight - Thanked them for the great product and urged them to keep the web version improvements coming.
Various real estate fly in communities - Spruce Creek, Big South Fork, and several other Florida and Carolina fly-in communities exhibited. It would be cool to live in a fly-in community. A second home there? Probably not, as wife would want something closer to the beach.
Forums Didn't attend any this year, not enough time.
AirshowsDon't really go for the airshows. Did glance up in awe a few times at the incredible skill these pilots have.
Wednesday nightAfter the show, had a home cooked dinner at the house the Tecnam guys were renting. Drew (jet cat) joined us, and we had another few hours of aviation discussion. Again, did I mention how great people are in aviation?
Drove back to the hotel and caught an early flight out next morning out of PIE, and back to work by 10 AM Thursday.
SummaryA very busy show with a definite upbeat feel. The market this year is much stronger, and a lot of smiling exhibitors and attendees. Add to that the camaraderie that you have with pilots all talking aviation, and it makes for a great few days. If you haven't been to Sun n Fun or Oshkosh, they are both awesome shows!
Pilots are just great people all around.