Just Aircraft’s SuperSTOL still draws huge attention but it was their little Part 103 Solo that wowed crowds.
Sun ‘n Fun 2018 is done. The show actually closed early at about 1 PM due to forecasts of severe weather. Within hours, a bustling event began to look like a ghost town.
Despite the rushed finish, the event appeared to be a huge success. Reports were that it was a all-time record result for Sun ‘n Fun; we’ll wait to see the numbers to know more detail. My conversations with several vendors indicated strong sales interest and orders were taken, so customers and vendors both appear to be satisfied.
I spoke to many fans at the show and our conversations demonstrate to me that light aviation is very alive and well. In fact, I see this as one of the most invigorated periods in recent years. The interest is broad based and includes Part 103 ultralight vehicles, gyroplanes, modestly priced Special LSA, and top-line LSA models. On the kit side, interest also appears strong enough that backlogs are growing. For pilots who can’t wait, a deepening market is developing for used LSA, many with very low time and great equipment installed — with a growing number of businesses serving the second-hand LSA market. It’s a great time to be a buyer and flyer.
Kolb is finding strong demand for its Part 103 ultralight-compliant models.
I also met dozens of folks who very graciously said they enjoy our output in words and video and I am deeply appreciative of that positive feedback.
While the severe weather never actually transpired in Lakeland, an abundance of caution is warranted with human lives and so much expensive equipment at risk. I applaud Sun ‘n Fun management — led by John “Lites” Leenhouts — for making the right decision. Certainly from a participant standpoint the decisive move was appreciated as it allowed vendors to get back to a normal week of running their enterprise and customers to return home to their jobs and families.
Thanks for Our Best Day Ever
Rans Aircraft appears to have a major hit on their hands with the S-21 Outbound.
Showing a high level of enthusiasm from readers of this website who could not attend Sun ‘n Fun, we set an all-time record* for website views Sunday, even as things wound down. With more days like today, this website can better reach aviation aviation enthusiasts with the message of Light-Sport Aircraft, light kit-built aircraft, and ultralight aircraft.
I attribute this intensity to daily reporting of interesting aircraft. I will try to continue the pace next week at Aero Friedrichshafen. In addition, you will soon begin to enjoy numerous videos as Videoman Dave can edit them (a large task; please be patient).
Revolt is the newest SLSA and continues the winning ways of Evolution Trikes. Did you notice the yellow theme in all these images?
We have one day at home to wash clothes, repack, and leave the following day for a flight to Germany yet I would not trade this kind of work for anything. I look forward to seeing many friends and fans in Europe as well as reporting to Americans back home plus many readers all over the planet.
It is amazing to use the technologies of just this last decade or so to provide such coverage. I’m honored to have this opportunity and I so appreciate your loyal readership. Thank you!
* Based on reader views from April 15, 2018, if this rate was sustained, ByDanJohnson.com would generate substantially more than a million views per year. While AOPA’s leading magazine, Pilot, may generate this many views in only a month or two, ByDanJohnson.com enjoys the attention of readers singularly interested in the aircraft we cover. No one is looking for warbirds or spam cans here.
Dan: You seem to have the ear of the LSA industry. The last thing we need is another $200,000 carbon fiber Light-Sport that only the 1%’ers can afford. Where’s the Light-Sport version of something like the RV-3 that will take an O-200 or O-233, do some aerobatics, stall at 40, and land on an occasional unimproved strip? Please spread the word.
Hi Bob: I hear you about expensive-ish LSA (it depends on your wallet and what other new aircraft you are comparing), however, we do have a number of modestly priced options about which I’ve written, though few that leap to mind with the legacy engines you mentioned. The better priced LSA and light kits tend to use Rotax or auto engine conversions. Additionally, a growing used market may address the budget conscious.
Too bad both Sun ‘n Fun and Aero Friedrichshafen fall square in the middle of my Spring academic term. This time of year, I’m up to my ears in eager students trying to use the improving weather to make up for a long winter flying hiatus. An embarrassment of riches for my little flight school, but also proof positive that the LSA revolution is alive and well.
Safe Skies!
Paul
Hi Paul: Your enthusiasm is infectious! Unlike you, the the timing is not bad for me but I wish these shows were not quite so close. However, at least for 2018 and 2019, I can report from both. After that, they are in direct date conflict for some years. Arrrggghhh!