SNF...worth it?

[ncarmon]

Thinking about going down to SNF. Specifically to see EFIS systems, instrumentation, panel makers and engine makers to make final decisions about panel and engine.

Is it worth going? Will enough of them be there?

I'd like to see a bunch of RVs to get ideas, but if they aren't there, it won't be a loss.

Not being able to get to see all the products LIVE would make the trip worthless.

Let me know your thoughts!

[pierre smith]

Hi Nc,
Trust me.....there'll probably be 50 RV's, plus Lancairs, Glassairs, Eze's, big numbers of Warbirds, Spitfire, antique's and more and more vendors than you could imagine, including more than likely, Van himself and the crew. All the biggies go there...Dynon, Bose, Lycoming, Cirrus, Cessna...you get the idea...only the biggest "happenin' " in the Southeast every year!

If you're flying in your personal airplane, download the approach procedures from their web site because you won't get a chance to speak to them, only listen...it's very, very busy. It's probably too late to get a motel reservation in Lakeland now but you can try some of the outlying nearby towns,

Welcome,

[Geico266]

Originally Posted by pierre smith

Hi Nc,
It's probably too late to get a motel reservation in Lakeland now but you can try some of the outlying nearby towns,

Welcome,

I can't think of any vendors that don't go to SnF.

There are rooms available, but the locals love to rip off SnF (vacationers) attendees so make sure you know your room & rental car rate for the entire stay. Get it in writing. Room rate typically jump 120% during this week. Lock your room tight, take your cash & valuables with you, lock them in your car. There are a lot of transients, drugs and associated crime in this area. Don't stay at the Crossroads Motel.

If your going to look at airplanes do that each day in the morning because by early afternoon they shut the flight line down for that same boring drug out airshow. So thats the time to hit the vendors. Each year I go, I tell myself I'm not going back next year. But I have no will power and I love airplanes so I'll be there again this year, I hope only for a few days and then where going on vacation to see the rest of the state and look at airparks. I also believe that SNF is catering more to the certified aircraft each year. IMHO.
Steve Raddatz

[Mel]

Originally Posted by Geico266

There are always rooms available, but the locals love to rip off SnF (vacationers) attendees so make sure you know your room & rental car rate for the entire stay. Get it in writing. Room rate typically jump 120% during this week.

I can't over emphasize this. I've had them argue with me even when I had it in writing. They say things like "You must have been talking to the wrong people. We can't possibly honor that rate. Pay us what we ask and we'll work it out later." Sure they will.

[mhflyit]

YES - it's worth it. And if you order items there you'll often get a discount or extra things thrown in.

You can stay an hour away in Tampa or Orlando - I use www.hotwire.com for most of my hotel stays in the US - always the best rates at good hotels. The only draw back is once the room is booked you can't cancel.

Enjoy the show!

[mannanj]

It's worth it! I'm lucky to have friends to stay with on the East Side of Tampa not far off the Freeway. I fly into Vandenberg Field and rent a car there. Good FBO and Car Rental right in the terminal.

Another plus in my view, there's less of a chance of getting killed by some idiot that doesn't follow the NOTAM and isn't current since he only flies twice a year; SNF and OSH!

[Sid Lambert]

haha. I wondered if I was the only one that did that. As soon as they start the airshow I hit the vendors.

I'll won't be able to make it this year. First year in many years of not going but I'd say it's worth it. Especially if you live in the southeast.

Originally Posted by raddatz

If your going to look at airplanes do that each day in the morning because by early afternoon they shut the flight line down for that same boring drug out airshow. So thats the time to hit the vendors. Each year I go, I tell myself I'm not going back next year. But I have no will power and I love airplanes so I'll be there again this year, I hope only for a few days and then where going on vacation to see the rest of the state and look at airparks. I also believe that SNF is catering more to the certified aircraft each year. IMHO.
Steve Raddatz

[TSwezey]

I think it's worth it for the planning and purchase phases of building. I stayed at Disney World and drove over everyday. It was much better for the family. I also stayed at a golf resort about thirty miles away. The drive there really isn't too bad. The only way I will go this year is if my plane is flying and the 40 hours are flown off. Probably not going to happen though!

[AltonD]

Originally Posted by raddatz

. . . by early afternoon they shut the flight line down for that same boring drug out airshow. So thats the time to hit the vendors. . . .

I thought I was the only one who thought the airshow was boring.