4th Annual SOAPA Meeting
The Skymaster Owners and Pilots Association 2005 meeting and
fly-in is scheduled for Key West between May 18 and 21. A great mix
of subjects, speakers and activities -- well beyond what's been
done in prior years -- is planned, covering exciting issues such as
travel destinations, maintenance, upgrades, and STCs.
The meeting will also tackle some of today's hot topics, as we
deal with the pressures of TFRs and $4 fuel. Organizers are even
planning to include a Lean-of-Peak debate, with advocates and
opponents airing their views. But it's not all business. A sunset
cruise is included in your registration and ample time will be
available for savoring Key West's many attractions.
Agenda
This provides an overview of the agenda. As things solidify this
section will be expanded to include details of all the sessions,
speakers, locations, etc.
A preliminary agenda is presented below. The sessions will start
on Wednesday afternoon at the Southernmost Hotel & Resort
Meeting Room, where all the classroom sessions will be held. The
topics and speakers are being finalized and will cover exciting
issues such as travel destinations, maintenance, upgrades, and
STCs. We'll also tackle some of today's hot topics, as we deal with
the pressures of TFRs and $4 fuel. Here's a preview of things in
the works:
A relaxed "Shoot the Bull Session",
a free-wheeling group discussion where the group can ask our panel
of experts anything they desire -- preferably about
Skymasters.
We'll look at two top-of-the-line repaneling jobs, one costing
$100K! We'll hear what state-of-the-art avionics they decided to
install, why they chose these, and how the installation went.
We're talking to a company in DeLand, FL installing 310HP
Continental IO-550N engine(s) on a C337. If they're trying for an
STC, we want to have them come brief us.
Ray Torres will make two presentations. Ray is an FAA structural
Designated Engineering Representative (DER) and heads RT Aerospace,
which offers the gear door removal STC for the 337. One
presentation will cover the development of the mods offered by his
firm and the other one will cover his total re-build of his 337,
from a disaasembled and forgotten hulk in someone's backyard to his
prized possession.
Although potentially divisive, we're
looking at a Lean-of-Peak debate, with a proponent making his case
and an opponent shooting him down -- well, sort of, except this one
will be polite, if not friendly.
On Thursday evening, come enjoy the most beautiful sunset in the
world from the deck of the schooner Appledore. This two hour scenic
sunset cruise traverses the Key West bay from Sunset Key to Mallory
Square. Hors d'oeuvres, wine, champagne, beer, and soft drinks are
included. Stroll to a port-side seafood restaurant for dinner upon
docking immediately after sundown.