Oshkosh is over but wait! There’s more! *** One of the surprise hits last year was the Midwest LSA Expo lead by capable Chris Collins. Held at Mount Vernon Outland Airport (MVN) in Illinois, the new show attracted 42 airplanes and 30 exhibitors and what was reported far and wide as a focused and motivated LSA crowd. *** Many sales were closed in the months following the 2009 gathering. One main factor was the psychological continuity Midwest provided after Sebring (Jan.), Sun ‘n Fun (Apr.) and Oshkosh (July/Aug). By postponing the “end of summer” flying mindset into early Fall, normally an aviation wind-down time for pilots who live in the less temperate parts of the country, potential customers got one more opportunity to refine their buying decision process. *** The Midwest LSA Expo will run a week earlier this year: from Sept. 23-25. Mark your digital calendars! *** Attendance should be strong: there’s a huge population base in the midwestern market that stretches from Chicago to New Orleans, Denver to Charlotte. *** Chris Collins hopes to grow the event and does everything to make it as enjoyable an experience as possible, including shuttles to local restaurants and lodging from the airport. *** So far, more than 35 vendors are scheduled to show up and they’re bringing many of the most popular LSA. Quite a few of the biggest players and several others you’ve wanted to see up close are expected. *** I’ll be at the Midwest LSA Expo too, to get in some flying and flight reporting that proved to be impossible in the crush of Oshkosh. *** If you’re flying in, here are some particulars: • 6500’ x 150’ main runway • five precision approaches including ILS • 9.25 acres of concrete ramp space • Class “E” airspace • ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) Index A for those of you familiar with this safety index. • Aircraft exhibitor spaces will be right out on the main ramp to make lots of demo flights easy…that’s important when you’re out there kicking tires.
Leave a Reply