Editor’s Report from SnF – Day 1 – Tuesday, April 21

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The Sun n Fun Fly-in opened to improving weather today, and many pilots worried about making it to the annual event in Lakeland were able to find their way through clearing skies to find friends, vendors, and new products waiting for them. Most of the exhibitors have made it in with their demonstrator airplanes, and many potential builders were asking questions about the latest kits and accessories. Superior Engine’s announcement of their new diesel program generated lots of discussion among builders who are always looking for new power plants and hope that this might be available sooner rather than later for their future projects.

SubSonex Fly-By (Photo: Sonex Aircraft)
SubSonex jet

Although we haven’t seen many entirely new aircraft designs yet, most kit and accessory companies are showing off improvements to existing aircrafts and avionics that will be of interest to those in a shopping mood. The afternoon air show featured the new Subsonex jet flown by Bob Carlton, and crowd reaction appeared to be positive to his graceful routine.

There is still plenty of room in Homebuilt Parking and the Homebuilt Camping areas, and the forecast for the rest of the week is promising dryer weather and more sunshine – so if you are in range with your airplane, come join the fun – but bring the sunscreen!

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Paul Dye
Paul Dye, KITPLANES® Editor at Large, retired as a Lead Flight Director for NASA’s Human Space Flight program, with 50 years of aerospace experience on everything from Cubs to the Space Shuttle. An avid homebuilder, he began flying and working on airplanes as a teen and has experience with a wide range of construction techniques and materials. He flies an RV-8 and SubSonex jet that he built, an RV-3 that he built with his pilot wife, as well as a Dream Tundra and an electric Xenos motorglider they completed. Currently, they are building an F1 Rocket. A commercially licensed pilot, he has logged over 6000 hours in many different types of aircraft and is an A&P, FAA DAR, EAA Tech Counselor and Flight Advisor; he was formerly a member of the Homebuilder’s Council. He consults and collaborates in aerospace operations and flight-testing projects across the country.

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