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Highlands Today

Sport Aviation Expo Increases Size ... Again

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: January 2, 2008

SEBRING — Potential pilots won't have far to go to get the latest scoop on Light Sport Aviation (LSA) Aircraft and obtaining a pilot's certificate.

Sweeping Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) changes make it cheaper and easier to fly an airplane.
Almost 200 aircraft dealers and other manufacturers catering to that newly created, fledgling market are clamoring to visit Highlands County at the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo on Jan. 11-14.

The number of hours required to obtain a pilot's licensee was significantly cut, pilots are limited to a single passenger and a pilot with driver's license is charged with self-certification, which supersedes a stringent physical examination for those who have never failed one.

While founders hoped to create a local economic stimulus, exhibitors from 28 states and five foreign countries are expected to set up displays at the internationally recognized fly-in.
Since the expo's inception, the number of exhibitors doubled. This year, the number of exhibitors will increase to 187 from last year's healthy gathering of 112.

"As a committee we wanted to foster economic development and county tourism and increase acceptance of knowledge of recreational aviation," said organizer, Bob Woods.

Controllers at a temporary air traffic tower, rather than by UNICOM, will welcome flyers.
Flight patterns will be altered to smoothly accommodate both vendors transporting potential customers and arriving and departing aircraft.

"Anybody who is serious about an airplane can go up to the dealer and get a demo flight without interfering with visitors flying in and out," said Woods.

Woods said about 2,000 aircraft landed during last year's expo and he expects significantly more in 2008.

Although LSA planes are smaller and lighter, they're not your grandfather's 50-year old canvas-winged Piper Cubs.

"LSA planes are less expensive to operate, but the aircraft is equipped with the newest technology," said Woods.

GPS moving maps replaced the rudimentary instruments of the Piper Cub. In-plane weather forecasting technology recently entered the cockpit.

But still, simple is a key to LSA Aircraft. Retractable gear and variable speed props are reserved for generally more experienced pilots.

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