Sebring II Is Proving a Big Success

bydanjohnson

Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 09:56 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The second Sebring Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) event was highly successful, featuring strong attendance, good weather, and numerous demo flights across a variety of sport aircraft.
Top Cessna officials discreetly visited the expo, indicating potential interest or observation of the LSA market by the major manufacturer.
The first flying prototype of the Advanced Aero Inverted V single-seat design debuted, having already completed six hours of flight time, with development on a two-seater model underway.

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Sebring, Florida is once again the center of the Light-Sport Aircraft world with an excellent turnout of aircraft and crowds significantly stronger than last year.

The second running of Sebring is a success by any measure. Days one and two enjoyed warm weather with good conditions for a large number of demo fllights. One fascinating development was the arrival of some top Cessna officials who evidently came to check out the LSA scene although their presence was relatively low key (however, it’s hard to hide a bizjet on the ramp among a flock of LSA). No one was saying what might transpire. Sport Aircraft of all varieties were present including most fixed wings and several trikes and powered parachutes. Sebring visitors also saw the arrival of the first flying version of the Advanced Aero Inverted V design. According to lead engineer Chris Gagliano, “Our single seat prototype has already completed six hours of flight time after its first flight on December 30, 2005.” Chris, his father, and their team are at work on the two seater and their work has progressed logically through computer models and physical models.