| Sport Pilot News > News Archive
01/10/08 - EAA STAFF PREPARES FOR SEBRING LSA EXPO
Several EAA staff members are preparing to head south next week for the fourth annual U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, which takes place January 17-20, at the Sebring Regional Airport in Florida. The event, one of the nation’s most popular showcase events for the light-sport aircraft industry, will feature upwards of 140 exhibitors, including many LSA manufacturers displaying their latest product offerings to potential buyers.
Aviation enthusiasts can check out the latest product offerings - “kick the tires” - or even arrange for demonstration flights. Aircraft on display will include fixed-wing, weight-shift trikes, powered parachutes, motor-gliders, and gyroplanes.
“This event is the trade show for the light-sport industry,” explained Ron Wagner, EAA field relations’ manager and a Sebring forum presenter. “The exclusive focus on sport pilot and LSA gives manufacturers and enthusiasts a chance to interact on a more intimate level.”
Wagner also serves as coordinator for the three-day event’s forum and workshop schedule, which includes nearly three dozen LSA topics including the sport pilot certificate; training programs; aircraft insurance and financing programs; engines and maintenance; and others.
EAA will also provide free sport pilot student pilot certificates to EAA members, Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Look for Expo coverage next week on www.EAA.org, plus reports in the January 18 and 25 editions of e-Hotline.
ASTM Committee to Meet Before Sebring Expo
In the days prior to next week’s U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, ASTM International’s Committee F37 on Light-Sport Aircraft will meet to discuss what Chairman Earl Lawrence of EAA calls important issues to help ensure continued growth and success of the sport pilot/LSA movement.
“We first developed the standards, had them accepted by the government, produced aircraft and the associated materials in accordance with these standards, and now we are in the process of revising our standards to better reflect the needs of the market place,” Lawrence said. “Only through responsible efforts to ensure compliance with these standards will we earn the privilege to produce and fly our aircraft with limited government oversight.”
Agenda items include a training workshop addressing standards compliance issues; revisions to existing standards such as design and performance; determining the required product information to accompany an LSA; specs for a pilot operating handbook; and quality assurance standards. Other discussions are anticipated regarding electronic engine controls, setting standards for IFR flight, and efforts to establish LSA standards for Europe. | 
