www.PSFmagazine.com | March-April 2018 | 7 6 | March-April 2018 | Powered Sport Flying Press Pass The 2018 Sebring Sport Aviation Expo Completed the 14th Annual Event This past January 24-27 at Sebring Regional Airport, event organizers reported an increase in ticket sales, happy exhibitors, warm temperatures, and many new offerings for participants during the 14th annual Sport Aviation Expo. The Expo serves to promote light sport aviation, help put vendors and purchasers together, and promote the Sebring Airport facility, itself. All of those goals were met. Exhibitors had good things to say about the event. Lou Mancuso, President of Bristell Aircraft had this to say, “We have two deposits on planes and three more people interested…” Tom Peghiny, President of Flight Design said, “I’m pleased at the weekend... Many qualified buyers coming to our booth. …great job promoting the event.” Jan with Viking Aircraft Engines remarked, “…quality people, good traffic.” Many companies had an opportunity to see what the Sebring Regional Airport had to offer. In fact the airport gained a new tenant and is in the process of confirming a second one as a direct result of the successful event. Dr. James Drury, a certified faa Flight Surgeon, will have an office on-site and will be offering pilots the ability to get their 2nd and 3rd class medical exams. The annual event introduced Hendricks, the new mascot. The pink flamingo was displayed as a life-sized directional sign, was a photo op for visitors, and reproduced as a cuddly stuffed animal. All exhibitors were given a Hendricks plush toy with which to participate in a contest to win a free booth for 2019, up to $1000 in value. “The contest has proven to be wildly successful,” said Beverly Glarner, the concept’s creator. Exhibitors were invited to snap a photo, using the furry creature creatively, and photos have been pouring in to the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo office. Hendricks, who is colorful and dynamic, embodies many of the same traits as the hundreds of aviators and aviation enthusiasts that attend the iconic event every year. The name Hendricks is a historical one and pays homage to the B-17 pilot school that once operated at Sebring Regional Airport – Hendricks Field. The flight school operated from 1942 to 1945 and was named in honor of 1st Lt Laird Woodruff Hendricks, Jr. A few of the offerings that attendees were able to take part in over the four-days: • Guests were invited to recall the energy, passion, and excitement of the roaring ’20s by flying aboard the Ford Tri-Motor, known as the first luxury airliner. This offering was sponsored by eaa; • Take flight in the original Batcopter from the 1966 Batman TV series; and • Youth participated in school-sponsored field trips to hear inspiring speakers such as Captain Niloofar Rahmani, the first female fixed-wing pilot in the Afghan Air Force; Dr. Story Musgrave, a 30-year astronaut with nasa; and Julie Wang, the first Asian woman to pilot an airplane around the world solo. The 15th annual Sport Aviation Expo is scheduled for January 23-26, 2019. To learn more, visit www.sportaviationexpo.com.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUwNDI3MA==