NO EAA in Sun n' Fun?

Rosie · #1 03-09-2005, 08:51 PM

I just read in SPORT that the EAA name is no longer officiated with Sun n' Fun...what's up with that? Just curious, Rosie

f1rocket · #2 03-10-2005, 06:51 AM

Rosie,
I think that's a good thing. I really don't care much for SnF for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it's probably the most dangerous fly-in I've ever attended. It it weren't in Florida in the the sun when most of the northern states are still cold, I'd bet the attendace wouldn't be that great.

In general, I don't think it run that great, it seems expensive to me, and that dust......man, bring lot's of paper towels and rags. I love the Florida sun and the people down there are great and friendly, but SnF has been losing vendors at a pretty steady rate.

I do like stopping in and spending the night at Cedar Key on the way down. Nice little town right on the gulf coast. I would recommend it. Otherwise, skip the show and keep going south till you get to Key West.

jimpappas · #3 03-10-2005, 09:33 AM

Rosie,

You know I missed that one.

I'm going this year for the first time since 2001 and I didn't even notice it wan't listed that way. It is still linked from EAA which is how I got my update for this year and they still give a discount to EAA members but you are right in that they took it out of the name.

I would agree with Randy on the dust and dirt issue. It is nice and warm but there's black dust/dirt all over everything including the planes and some of the guys said you have to be real careful in cleaning it off so you don't scratch anything on your plane.

There do seem to be much greater number of arrival problems and crashes associated with it too. Not sure if it's because it's early and people are "rusty" (I've hear that reason used before) or another bigger problem causing it. In any event I guess I could understand EAA wanting to distance themselves from it if they felt it wasn't going to improve.

I'm looking forward to some warmth and RV's but I agree, Key West might be more fun

Having said that I can't wait to get away from the fresh snow falling right now and to someplace warm with RV's and cold ones with friends.

Rosie say hi to your bride for me.

Be well and be safe you guys.

rv7boy · #4 03-10-2005, 11:07 AM

I am of the opinion that Sun'n Fun has been legally separated from EAA as an official EAA event for a long time. I became aware of it through a particular publication which is now an electronic aviation publication (don't ask me the name, please). Those of you in the know will know who and what I am talking about. I've been to SnF maybe 5 times, but for various reasons, I have not been there in a long time, maybe 7 years. If you go, keep your eyes and ears open between Lake Parker and the tie-down spot; in my opinion, the approach and landing procedure as practiced is more hectic than Oshkosh. Whether it's the pilots or the procedure, I'm not sure. The weather is nice in Central Florida at that time of year, though.

Don Hull

f1rocket · #5 03-10-2005, 03:33 PM

That approach is simply ridiculous. Lake Parker is not large enough to handle the airplanes that show up, so everybody crowds close together. It's true that some folks can't hold an altitude and can't read the NOTAM, but the procedure itself doesn't leave much room for error. Then, once you're inbound, you've got to turn left then right then left again whicle you're looking for landmarks. It's a challenge to get down safely, but not impossible.

Most of the Indy gang goes down but stays at the seaplane base at Winter Haven.

Tandem46 · #6 03-11-2005, 08:40 PM

I know S&F has had their share of problems in the past, but I don't think the relationship between EAA and S&F is quite as bad as some would have one believe. Here are some direct quotes from Tom Poberezny in the March 2005 issue of Sport Aviation.

"..We have ventured into a new agreement that defines our relationship and operational parameters. It builds on the long and strong relationship between the two organizations and ensures that Sun n Fun will continue to grow and be an important part of the aviation scene."
"All of us believe the new agreement positively enhances the relationship between Sun n Fun and EAA."

Tobin

atreff · #7 03-12-2005, 03:21 PM

To read this thread, you'd think that SnF was dying down in FL. Not true.

I had the chance to speak to an officer of Sun n Fun on the ramp at LAL this past Jan. What some may not know is SnF is a not-for-profit corp, volunteer staffed and committed to becoming a major player in Aviation Educaton. The corporation has many year long programs on week nights, weekends and summer camps that work toward the education of youth about aviation. They tirelessly work on upgrading the facilities toward that goal, and want LAL and the SnF campus on it to become a mecca for aviation education, just like their bretheren in OSH. I was astounded at all that's going on within that organization. There are plans to build year round dormatories for education events. Their camping facilities rival most state parks I've stayed in as far as the showers are concerned.

I too was always under the impression that SnF's airshow was an EAA event, but it never has been. SnF has always welcomed EAA, and grants discounts to EAA members, but they are not one in the same organization.

I don't know about any vendors backing out of the airshow, because I am not in a position to have the statistics on that, but I've been to SnF for the past 9 years and the show floor is always jammed with vendors and attendees, all four buildings and the tent city on the flightline. The food keeps getting better, they now have espresso vendors, and chain restaurants like MargharitaVille, and Outback Steakhouse set up for the week, complete with live entertainment.

I have a beef with SnF myself that goes back a few years, but that's personal, and has nothing to do with what this fine organization is trying to accomplish. SnF, EAA, AOPA, as long as they're all advocates for flying, I'll support them by spending $$ there.

rv8ch · #8 03-13-2005, 12:21 AM

I went to SNF last year for the first time, and I thought it was great. It rained on the first day, and then was sunny and in the 60s the second day, and then warmed up to the high 70s and low 80s. Perfect weather. I didn't notice any dust at all, probably due to the rain on the first day.

I drove in, and the parking was easy to find, and while huge, the flow was excellent. The only problem was that my brother and I forgot where we parked the rental car. In fact, I forgot what kind of car we had, so one of the volunteers drove us around for about 40 minutes in a golf cart while we looked for it. Good thing the remote popped the trunk open!

Plenty of vendors, lots of beautiful aircraft, good infrastructure, great people, and lots of airshows. I'm looking forward to being there next month!

Bob Axsom · #9 03-13-2005, 06:33 PM

I read the Sport Aviation Position Report and saw the clear separation between the two organizations as well. Like someone else in the thread I recall this always being the case. I was surprised however when I received my Sun 100 entry fee check back from Aircraft Spruce saying the the race has been cancelled by Sun 'n Fun Management. Unfortunately I had already purchased my week long admission tickets before this news came out. After hearing about the black abrasive dust I think I will just write off the $135 to experience and save the plane.

Bob Axsom

jclark · #10 03-13-2005, 09:23 PM

Randy,

I don't quite understand your comment about Lake Parker. It (the lake area) seems similar to me as Ripon. It is a clear reference point.

The headings from there are pretty clear (due West and then due South to the airport).

What **I** find is problematic is (as you say) the appearance that some people are not following the NOTAM **and/or** have not had much experience flying their planes straight and level at speeds less than wide open.

The other concern I have is that the controllers bring you in too close (for me) for the downwind turn. Many planes at events like this are HEAVY (loaded with stuff) and in the excitement, making the base to final turn becomes problematic.

So ... are you saying that Lake Parker is too small to circle around when there is a problem? If that is the case, I guess this is very true if there are MANY planes having to hold.

James

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1rocket

That approach is simply ridiculous. Lake Parker is not large enough to handle the airplanes that show up, so everybody crowds close together. It's true that some folks can't hold an altitude and can't read the NOTAM, but the procedure itself doesn't leave much room for error. Then, once you're inbound, you've got to turn left then right then left again whicle you're looking for landmarks. It's a challenge to get down safely, but not impossible.

Most of the Indy gang goes down but stays at the seaplane base at Winter Haven.