Drone Racing Was The Hot New Event At The January Show

U.S. Sport Aviation Expo kicked off on Wednesday January 25 with glorious weather that continued for all four days.

"Visitors and exhibitors raved about the new layout and entrance through the Sebring Airport Terminal. Said Bill Shannon, attendee from Palm Beach County, “Been coming the last four years…best layout seen ever this year …Loved the entrance through the (airport) terminal.”

Wes Chumley of Stemme had this to say about the event, “I spoke to 200 or 300 people every day. Way busier than last year. And, Beverly made it really easy to get in here with my plane which has a very huge wingspan.”

Andy Wall, CEO of AutoGyro exclaimed, “We have three contracts from the show and a new dealership on board as a result of being at Sebring’s Aviation Expo.”

Zenith Aircraft’s daily rudder workshop was completely filled and attendees were thrilled to have the opportunity to build their own rudder... including ANN's own Masako Campbell, who completed her project early, and is now trying to con her husband into buying her the rest of the kit.

Over 700 students from area schools came to hear famous aviators who defied the odds, and built remarkable aviation-related careers: Shaesta Waiz, Patty Wagstaff, Jamail Larkins, La’Shanda Holmes and Melissa Mathiasen.

At the same time, a number of pilots complained about significant issues flying into the field... some so bad, that upon reaching it and being mired in additional ground issues, literally turned around and headed home. Other complaints centered around the new management's disorganization and the dissatisfaction raised by a number of volunteers... some who promised to avoid next year's event. This year's event saw a management shift from previous year's after some questionable decisions caused the cancellation of a pivotal event day in 2016, which was the reason cited by several prominent exhibitors who were also no-shows to this year's event. Those putting up with the disorganization issues this year hope that the current management will learn necessary lessons, from this year, that will allow for a more productive event in the future. In the meantime, Sebring will also be forced to compete with a new event in Deland, FL, headed by the former management of their own offering. The resultant competition should be interesting. 

Hobbico held a special Vusion Spec Race in partnership with Multi GP on Saturday. The DroneZone was the place to be to watch the drone racing live during the four-day event. The winner of the $3,500 Vusion Spec Race was Ivan Rodriguez “EnvyAstro”, and the winner of the DroneZone $10,000 grand prize was Cain “Mad-Air” Madere.

(Source: Sebring Sport Expo news release)

FMI: www.sportaviationexpo.com