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Jeff,
You will enjoy your first trip to Sun-N-Fun. There is always a good showing
of fellow Lancair aircraft and pilots. Standing next to your aircraft
during the day before the air show usually will provide many occasions to
meet other Lancair prospective buyers, current builders, and owners of
completed aircraft.
Don't forget to bring your tie downs. Taxi slowly and carefully to your
parking spot since the grass can be deep and a bit rough. Ground personnel
will park you next to other Lancairs.
The Crawfish Boil is Friday night. You should consider changing your plans
so you can make the event. The food is great and it's a good opportunity to
meet other builders and put faces with the names of Lancair employees.
The Central Florida weather in April is fickle. It can become very hot
during the day and sometimes cold at night. Dress accordingly. The sun is
very intense so bring a hat and lots of suntan lotion. Bring a camera as
well you will want to take pictures of other builder ideas.
Since you will be in the area for several days, you may want to consider
some excursions. Any advice for this newbie? Anyone else going? Anyone know what Lancir tent will be hosting? Always fun to meet and discuss our projects.
Fantasy of flight http://www.fantasyofflight.com/ is a short drive down the
interstate and boasts one of the largest collections of military aircraft.
If you decide to take some daytime trips in you IVP, consider some airports
relatively close by. Breakfast or lunch at Ocala (OCF) is always good and
as you fly in take note of the numerous horse farms with racing tracks in
the area. While your flying over OCF, fly over the top of Jumbolair (K17FL)
and observe one of the largest private runways in the U.S. (its private
though, so don't land there). John Travolta lives there and if he is home
you will notice either his Boeing 707 and/or his corporate jet (a Falcon I
think) parked out front. Lunch or dinner at Flagler County (KXFL) is good
at a restaurant called Hijackers. They have great food and a patio right
next to the ramp where you can watch the Embry Riddle students from Daytona
Beach bounce and go all day :-). I also suggest Venice Florida airport
(KVNC) south of Sarasota on the west coast. Its one of the very few Florida
airports that you can walk to the beach after parking your aircraft. The
94th aerospace squadron is excellent for dinner and is right on the field.
Even better, stroll over to the beach and have lunch or dinner at Sharkies
on the beach by the pier. If you don't mind complex airspace of talking
with Tampa Approach, fly into St. Petersburg Albert Whitted airport (KSPG).
Downtown St. Pete is a short walk or you can take a cab. The downtown has
great dining and some shops that your wife can use to fill up the empty
baggage compartment.
I'll be there Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Enjoy your visit.
Don Gordon
N320DS - Lancair 320
Orlando, FL
Email: donaldgordon@bellsouth.net
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