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-   -   What's Been Missing at SnF! (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=125055)

GLPalinkas 04-26-2015 10:23 AM

Seems for the last year I've been spending more time away from home. Wish I was home so I could have gone to SnF to see old and new friends. Missing my -6, also :)

I don't go for the hoopla or the exorbitant pricing, that's for sure. By the way, what ever happened to $25 per pilot and passenger flying in? Just a question for Lites as he promised a friendlier attitude for aircraft owners willing to display their work.

Thanks for the correction Jerry. I even did a newsletter article for our chapter about his visit to us when he promised the lower pricing for displayed aircraft. Can't believe I misremembered his handle. Must be old age. :)

jlisler 04-26-2015 11:29 AM

Don't get my first post wrong. I go to the Sun-N-Fun every year that I possibly can and have only missed a couple of shows in 20 years. With the exception of the high food prices, everything else had to do with the weather, unprepared attendees (not up to speed on the procedures, pancaking in on the runway, etc.) and traffic control. I had no problems once on the ground. This year was just my worse experience in getting to the field. Flying the approach and getting there is my most favorite part. I think it is the excitement and fear that has got me hooked! :eek:

g zero 04-26-2015 11:37 AM

Sun and fun
 
I made it this year. Been there a few times but this was the first time in my own homebuilt . Got too busy talking with people and missed out on having my plane judged . Had a fun day with the group I flew in with .
I'm planning Osh this year , maybe camp 2 or 3 nights . I would like to meet some of the forum guys in person .

See you at Osh

Ironflight 04-26-2015 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rv8guy (Post 978014)
Back to Paul's question.

Actually, I didn't intend to start a debate on SnF...my question was simply why I see so many fewer VAF hats and shirts than I used to! That was basically it....;)

Freightdawg 04-26-2015 03:42 PM

Paul,

I was there Thursday wearing my VAF hat. I could also be easily identified by the smell of burning plastic as I gave my credit card a workout. :eek:

Steve 04-26-2015 06:00 PM

It was a short hop from Vero Beach to Lakekand. However, we got to look at the shoreline of Lake Parker 3 times before the field was reopened Saturday morning. I parked in HBC even though we were just staying for the day. HBC is definitely off the beaten path and is the next-to-last tram stop. On the other hand, your plane wont be disturbed by inattentive attendees.
Anyway, after tying down and visiting with Mr Jay Pratt and downing an ice cold bottled water courtesy of the HBC crew, we found the tram to take us to the gate for wristbands.
We wandered through the exhibition hangars until noon then bought a meatball sandwich and a drink over at the Sunset Grill. For the record, beers were $6 for the 20 oz and $9 for the 32 oz size - much cheaper than stadium/arena prices.
After lunch we wandered to the fly market and then along the flightline before catching the tram back to HBC to watch the Thunderbird performance. Once again thanks to the HBC crew for the water and snacks. I can't speak about the showers but the porta-potties near HBC seemed lightly used and thus were relatively fresh. A quick stop for fuel ($3.75/gal) at nearby Bartow and we were pushing the plane into the hangar just before 8 pm.
See ya'll next year.

stamper 04-26-2015 09:57 PM

My son and I flew all the way down from Alaska(commercial). we had a great time and meet some very smart and educated people. I am building a rv10 and I must say I was wishing there was a few more 10's to look at. I believe we only found 4 and one of them was the 2004 model parked at the Vans tent. All in all for the few days we got it was still worth going all that way for.
I am never able to make it to Oshkosh do to the time of year they hold it so sun-n-fun is my only chance. Thanks to all those that talked to me and gave me there point and thoughts on building an airplane.

David-aviator 04-27-2015 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironflight (Post 978096)
Actually, I didn't intend to start a debate on SnF...my question was simply why I see so many fewer VAF hats and shirts than I used to! That was basically it....;)

The short answer for many is "been there done that".
And doing SNF and OSH is too much so some opt for the big one.

Jerry Fischer 04-27-2015 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsacks05 (Post 978012)
Every year these SNF posts are either "SNF sucks" or "SNF is awesome". After 15 years attending and nine of those flying in, here is my perspective.

The SNF organizers set the stage but its up to the weather and attendees to make it a success. Yes, it is a money making operation for the organizers and the city. Otherwise it would not take place.

IFR over the field, NORDO Zenith cruising down 27 when all traffic was using 9er, pancaked landing leading to a field closure. All happened within one hour as I stood at the fence with my handheld receiver. Whose fault is that?

I said it before, if you are flying into SNF you can optimize your experience by bringing your own food and drinks, stay in HBC where a donation will get you snacks and cold drinks (BTW MJ pays for it all out of her pocket, SNF only provides the tent, chairs, and camper RV for her and fam), do most of your exploring before noon and after 4. Spend the hot afternoons in a shady place.

SNF is what you make of it. Every year I am fascinated by the variety of planes and grateful for the old friends and new ones I run into. Don't believe rumors and bitter posts. Do some research and planning. It pays off.

I agree completely Bruce...nice job!

Raymo 04-27-2015 08:37 AM

Too busy finishing/closing the aft section of my RV-7A last week. I even took vacation from work so I could focus on the job and get so much done in a week.

Now for the front (and expensive) half of the project :)


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