Can aviation lead us back toward normal? Globally, governments have ordered their citizens to stay at home and all the rest, as you’ve heard ad naseum. Some places — Florida, as a sunshining example — is more open than others but much of civilization remains restricted. • Article updated… see at bottom —DJ
Again I ask, “Can aviation lead us back toward normal?”
Asking Too Much?
Does it seems too much ask that aviation — numbering somewhere around one million pilots globally plus the industry that supports them — provide the path back to better times? I certainly don’t know the future but we’re about to get a first real test of aviation’s resiliency as Sun ‘n Fun 2021 begins on Tuesday April 13th.
Seamax will display at Sun ‘n Fun 2021 after a solid year continuing to expand their business. At the show next week, they’ll be promoting their new carbon fiber wing (image below), a major design enhancement, following on last year’s IFR model.
Sun ‘n Fun has for years been one of Florida’s largest spectator events so even if attendance is off it still implies a very large gathering.
To offset any perceived risk, Sun ‘n Fun offers several real positives: the show greatly benefits from being much more an outdoor event than an indoors one; those who wish can easily maintain social distance in most locations, visit any vendor, look at lots of airplanes, and see a great airshow; Sun ‘n Fun is following widely-accepted guidance to assure safety for visitors.
Not everyone will chance attending Sun ‘n Fun. Covering all the bases in their usual adroit fashion, Dynon and its sister companies will exhibit inside with a “spaced-out” presence plus offer a “virtual booth” experience that everyone staying home can visit. Dynon said both methods of visiting will present their whole line-up.
Given Florida’s warm conditions, a mostly outdoor venue, and with many attendees already vaccinated, the environment is very welcoming and everyone I know is pulling for Sun ‘n Fun Inc., to log a major success.
If you can attend, BRAVO! Sun ‘n Fun will welcome you with open arms (or at least elbow bumps). All their on-site staff and a small army of volunteers will certainly wave and smile. After all, the show is called “sun” and “fun.”
All Y’all, Come On Down!
For those that cannot attend, I’ll do my best to buzz around continuously looking for interesting stories in light aviation. Although I’ll be working solo while Videoman Dave is not allowed to leave Canada, I will do my best to post here daily if possible.
Montaer makes its first U.S. appearance after sorting out its representation. Launching into the dense U.S. sportplane market is a daunting task but Brazilian manufacturers and designers continue to enlarge their American footprint.
The amazingly energetic and positive Miguel Rosario spreads his wings further as Seamax grows globally. The company’s U.S. operation appears securely grounded and functioning well and he’s got a newly-designed carbon wing.
LAMA’s LSA Mall will exhibit a different look this with a new tent arrangement but presents a group of modern aircraft for review by visitors, including one you’ve never seen. Thanks to the DeLand Showcase for this money-sparing loan of their tent. The association is pleased to be on-site to provide industry support. The LSA Mall venue will also be host to a couple receptions and daily “happy hour” live music, compliments of the Flying Musicians Association. It’s a great place to watch the evening “airshow” as a flurry of light aircraft take to the sky every day after the main airshow ends. See it all — and buy — in the LSA Mall.
Luscombe makes a return to the market. Accepted by FAA as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft some years ago, the iconic brand so loved for its wonderful handling will now be produced in Jamestown, New York, as reported here. One novelty: This is a rare company stating, “Cryptocurrency Accepted.” Grab your Bitcoin wallet and come have a closer look.
I have tried getting in contact with Seamax…never get a response. Are they still in business?
Of course, they are still active. I just talked to their people at the DeLand Showcase 2021. I assume you followed the contact methods found in this link.