Sport Aviation Expo

According to Bert Simpson, Air Traffic Manager Orlando International ATCT (MCO) North Florida District, "…During the 8 hours the Sebring Regional Airport tower was open on Saturday it was the busiest in the world."...

Kneeling; Mike Flanagan-CPC, Front Row L-R; Joelle Zucali-FLM, Joel Brown-CPC, Johnny Crosby-CPC, Ken Palmer-FacRep, Rob Cannon-CPC, Bert Simpson-ATM, Karl Redinger-CPC, Back Row L-R; Mike Raulerson-FLM, Bob Lucht-CPC, Eric Spaulding-CPC, Boyd Martin-OM, Rick Privette-CPC, Dale Samson-CPC, Carl Reda-FLM, Patrick Sugrue-OM and Kevin Sullivan-FLM The FAA established a temporary tower January 19-22, 2012 in the 70 year old Hendricks Field Control Tower; which was built for the Army Air Corps and was one of the B-17 training facilities throughout WW II in Sebring, Florida.  The airport is now known as the Sebring Regional Airport (SEF) where the original tower is used twice a year by the FAA.  At the request of the Sebring Regional Airport Authority, the FAA establishes a temporary tower for the U.S. Sport Aviation EXPO in January and again in March for the 12-Hours of Sebring Automobile Race that started back in 1952.  Craig C...

WINNERS:  12 and under - Kevin Cheatwood, 13 – 18 - Rhoni Gavagni, Honorable Mention: Haylee Nelson. Rhoni Gavagni received a scholarship from the EAA Chapter 1240 Young Eagles last year for her Sport Pilot license. The scholarship covered a significant portion of the training cost. She has gone through all but her AAA check ride and has already solo’d. Rhoni is a senior at Lake Placid High School and received an $80,000 scholarship to attend Florida Institute of Technology. Thanks to our sponsors for helping with this event: Michael's of Sebring, Testors, Historic Aviation, and Revell....

EXPO ended on Sunday, January 22 with record-breaking numbers. Stated Bert Simpson, FAA Staff Manager, North Florida District, "There were a total of 3,434 flight operations during the four-day event with Saturday being the biggest at 1,256. The busiest hours were Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with 222 flight operations taking place at that time, making Sebring Regional Airport (SRA) the busiest airport in the country. Expo recorded a total of 156 exhibitors with 149 aircraft on display. Sebring Regional Airport Executive Director, Mike Willingham stated, "There were approximately 16,000 attendees. We are ecstatic with these preliminary results." The show saw huge numbers of visitors on Friday and Saturday, and exhibitors were very pleased. Ticket sales were approximately 15% over last year’s numbers. “The success of Expo was a culmination of great weather, increased marketing, and the addition of new even...

Exhibitors had great things to say about this years Expo SeaMax And, this from Richard Rofé, “The show went smoothly… liked having my space all set up for me in advance of arrival and liked my location.” UL Power and Zenith Aircraft Explained Robert Helms, “We were able to use the show to build new relationships with Kitfox and Just Aircraft to supply our engine.” Said Roger Dubbert, Customer Service with Zenith, “We will sell 6-10 planes just from the show” Aerotrek Aircraft Rob Rollison took time out on Sunday to share this with us, “We sold two planes… Combination of the upsurge in LSA market, and good weather was a a huge advantage. We’ve been doing this show for 8 years… No racetrack noise this year was a plus.” JD Kinsley: “General impression—much better than last year.” CubCrafters Kathy Davis enthused, “We sold one plane and got two or three solid leads. Friday and Sat...

We spoke to an enthusiastic Dave East with GATVonline.com yesterday afternoon. Said he," This was our fourth year to cover the Expo and the response from the exhibitors and attendees this year was awesome. We shot over 4 hours of raw video and interviews and are planning to devote an entire episode of GATV to the expo. Look for the Sebring Expo coverage to air soon. Thank you for the invitation and the use of the golf cart." Photo courtesy of Matthew Baker...

Gourmet Aviator is introducing the "Aviators Wing Sauce" and "Aviators BBQ Sauce" with their award winning logo honoring the golden age of aviation and wonderful flavor. For samples or more info stop by the flight time radio boot or call my cell at 904-885-2950. Alex "The Gourmet Aviator" Montanez www. GourmetAviator.com...

We had a booth to publicize Arcadia Aviation Day on Saturday March 3rd. We were not expecting the kinds of crowds that attended. We had a very busy booth every day interested in coming to Arcadia for our event. This shows for sure that Aviation is not dead ! Thanks so much. George Chase,Chair Arcadia Aviation Day Committee...

We wish to thank Bob and Barb Wood for all there wonderful help and support during the planning and preparation for 2012 EXPO. Pictured left to right: Bob Wood, Barb Wood, and Nancy Owen attending the 3:30 Wine and Food Pairing event held in Hangar 44....

We wish to thank the Southwest Harley Owners Group Fort Myers for planning a ride to EXPO today. The "HOGs" attended the 3:30 wine and food pairing event Saturday and enjoyed visiting the exhibitors as well....