As mentioned in the SPLOG from Friday Oct. 21st, I have some big news in the world of recreational flying…literally big in the sense of involving the biggest “ultralight” of them all, the AirCam twin. This delightful flying machine, first created by Phil Lockwood and crew, has been languishing under the leadership of investor Antonio Leza who became full owner of the design a few years ago. That’s all about to change when Antonio and Shawn Okun, the ambitious head of Sebring-based Floatplanes & Amphibs, make a detailed announcement at the LAMA/LSA Marketing Group “hospitality tent” during AOPA’s Expo in Tampa November 3-4-5. They will announce that a group assembled by Okun has signed an agreement to take over ownership of Leza AirCam and its building and land lease on the Sebring, Florida airport. Come hear the details at the Peter O.
Archives for October 2005
Sebring Expo Postponed; Big Announcement Delayed
Sebring’s U.S. Sport Aviation Expo has been postponed due to complications related to Hurricane Wilma. The Expo has rescheduled for January 12-15, 2006. Despite the weather situation, another significant Sebring airport news announcement is imminent. SPLOG will have more on this story soon. Sebring is home to the Expo, to Lockwood Aviation’s successful enterprise, and to the new CubAir Academy. It’s also home to Floatplanes & Amphibs (FP&A), the outfit that burst on the scene a couple years ago and has rapidly gathered momentum. FP&A has already taken over the Ukrainian Aeroprakt distributorship (Spectrum Aircraft’s John Hunter now works with FP&A) and the company represents Quicksilver, AirBorne trikes, Powrachute PPCs, and the Drifter which they’ve played a role in redesigning. But what’s coming is much bigger and this exciting news will be announced as soon as a new venue can be selected.
New and Old Technologies Combine in Zephyr
Atec Zephyr is a modern-looking LSA that wraps a slick carbon fiber shell over multilaminate wood bulkheads. Zephyr’s shapely compound leading and trailing edge wing uses a wood spar, composite leading edge, and fabric aft covering. The T-tail is composite over wood. A backwards-opening bubble canopy tops off a roomy cockpit. This aircraft is available through the LetsFly.org group of over 100 cooperatives. The Zephyr, Faeta, R-80, C-42, Thorpedo, and several other aircraft are available in a partner-like program that is well established and proven. Cooperatives operate somewhat like clubs in allowing a share purchase for modest cost. They are operated by a local manager who earns a percentage of airplane sales and accessories. LetsFly.org boasts a broad line of new and pre-owned airplanes available. If the price of LSA puts them out of your reach, LetsFly.org might have a solution.