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.

FMI: www.337skymaster.org