Re: 2016 Expo
Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 11:41 pm
Here is my report on the expo.
Decent weather on Thursday, and got to see a lot of aircraft. Knew the weather was going to get worse over the weekend, so we focused on outside displays. Saw the Sportcruiser (see Richard's picture), and wife really liked the low wing. As background, it has been a lot of work to get my wife on board with the idea of me becoming a pilot. It was great to have her at the show and get her thoughts. I have had my eyes on high wing aircraft (mostly for ease of entry, plus I like the looks of the CTLS). So I was surprised when she took a liking to the Sportcruiser. Then we see the Bristell, and she really likes that even more. She thinks it looks like a real serious plane, and likes the fit and finish of the aircraft. We move on, and I show her the RV12, and the Jabiru. Love the company behind the RV12, but no chute, and love the storage space in the Jabiru, but no chute. Go to the CTLS booth, and wife not as enamored as I am.
Then we head over to Tecnam. Their hangar has about 8 aircraft in it. What a great display of aircraft, from the Eaglet to the twin engine 2006t. Really like their stuff. Really liked the P2008. Nice fit and finish on that aircraft. Eaglet seemed a little tight, and just felt more entry level.
So we head back to the Bristell booth, and decide to take a demo flight. What a beautiful aircraft. Spacious, and handles beautifully. Did I mention incredibly quiet? The Bristell had the 912is, and the Bristell guys also mentioned it might have had a special muffler system to reduce noise. I get done the demo flight, and my wife agrees to go up in the plane as well. That is a major achievement!
Thursday night we have a meet up dinner. What a great night. It was so good to meet all of you sport pilots and have a conversation about what you fly, and what your mission is. It really was an eye opening experience for me. Specifically, many pilots and/or flight schools have discouraged me from getting sport pilot, insisting that the private pilot is the way to go. Meeting sport pilots who are happy with their choice, and explaining how they fly regularly, was terrific. I can't say enough about how that dinner had a major impact on my thought process. In addition, when I mentioned buying a plane and training in it, I didn't get a look like you think I'm crazy. You guys said "that's a great plan." Very exciting to hear that!
The next day is Friday we go to the show, and turns out it's closed. Oh well. Still needed a fix, so we go back to Tecnam. Richard had the same idea, as we bump into him and his friend (who also owns a Sportcruiser). More great conversation about missions and planes.
Saturday back to the show. Mid 50's and very windy, the tents are flapping like crazy. The only one flying is the Cub, and even then just for the morning.
Ran into Jason Schappert on the way to the Runway Cafe, and told him how much I enjoy his youtube videos. He was very gracious.
One more trip back to the CTLS booth. Sit in the CTLS, I really like it. Wife is warming up to the CTLS. More progress!
Didn't attend any forums, but with the show closed Friday, that compressed our plans. Did go to the inside displays, and I really liked Garmin's stuff.
That's all for now!
Decent weather on Thursday, and got to see a lot of aircraft. Knew the weather was going to get worse over the weekend, so we focused on outside displays. Saw the Sportcruiser (see Richard's picture), and wife really liked the low wing. As background, it has been a lot of work to get my wife on board with the idea of me becoming a pilot. It was great to have her at the show and get her thoughts. I have had my eyes on high wing aircraft (mostly for ease of entry, plus I like the looks of the CTLS). So I was surprised when she took a liking to the Sportcruiser. Then we see the Bristell, and she really likes that even more. She thinks it looks like a real serious plane, and likes the fit and finish of the aircraft. We move on, and I show her the RV12, and the Jabiru. Love the company behind the RV12, but no chute, and love the storage space in the Jabiru, but no chute. Go to the CTLS booth, and wife not as enamored as I am.
Then we head over to Tecnam. Their hangar has about 8 aircraft in it. What a great display of aircraft, from the Eaglet to the twin engine 2006t. Really like their stuff. Really liked the P2008. Nice fit and finish on that aircraft. Eaglet seemed a little tight, and just felt more entry level.
So we head back to the Bristell booth, and decide to take a demo flight. What a beautiful aircraft. Spacious, and handles beautifully. Did I mention incredibly quiet? The Bristell had the 912is, and the Bristell guys also mentioned it might have had a special muffler system to reduce noise. I get done the demo flight, and my wife agrees to go up in the plane as well. That is a major achievement!
Thursday night we have a meet up dinner. What a great night. It was so good to meet all of you sport pilots and have a conversation about what you fly, and what your mission is. It really was an eye opening experience for me. Specifically, many pilots and/or flight schools have discouraged me from getting sport pilot, insisting that the private pilot is the way to go. Meeting sport pilots who are happy with their choice, and explaining how they fly regularly, was terrific. I can't say enough about how that dinner had a major impact on my thought process. In addition, when I mentioned buying a plane and training in it, I didn't get a look like you think I'm crazy. You guys said "that's a great plan." Very exciting to hear that!
The next day is Friday we go to the show, and turns out it's closed. Oh well. Still needed a fix, so we go back to Tecnam. Richard had the same idea, as we bump into him and his friend (who also owns a Sportcruiser). More great conversation about missions and planes.
Saturday back to the show. Mid 50's and very windy, the tents are flapping like crazy. The only one flying is the Cub, and even then just for the morning.
Ran into Jason Schappert on the way to the Runway Cafe, and told him how much I enjoy his youtube videos. He was very gracious.
One more trip back to the CTLS booth. Sit in the CTLS, I really like it. Wife is warming up to the CTLS. More progress!
Didn't attend any forums, but with the show closed Friday, that compressed our plans. Did go to the inside displays, and I really liked Garmin's stuff.
That's all for now!