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Want to watch a guy strap an engine onto his backside and go flying? How about seeing an aircraft engine conversion fully assembled and started up, all between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.? Maybe inspecting a two-person commuter aircraft kit sounds pretty neat?
All the above will be among the featured events at the third annual Sport Aviation Showcase Nov. 1-3 on the DeLand Municipal Airport. Dozens of kit sport-plane makers, parachute makers, and accessory providers will be on hand. Throughout the three-day showcase, sport aircraft of all descriptions will be doing flight demonstrations.
Paul Czarnecki of Planet PPG (Powered Paragliding) will offer twice-daily demonstrations of the company’s powered paraglider, with a strap-on engine and a paraglider soft wing for lift. He flies at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day of the Showcase.
A Viking Aircraft engine team aims to take a Honda long-block engine and fully convert it to aircraft use — all in eight hours flat — and then fire it up to prove it works. That demonstration will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3.
The slick brand-new CommuterCraft Innovator is a carbon-fiber kit featuring side-by-side seating and a 900-mile range. Anyone forced to commute on I-4 might want a close look at this gridlock jumper.
Those seriously considering building a kit airplane of their own might want to sign up for a Zenith Aircraft kit. Zenith will offer a two-day workshop in which those signed up can complete a full-rudder assembly for their own planes, with the company’s hands-on help.
Not ready to build your own? For the first time, used aircraft for sale will be available at this year’s showcase.
The Showcase is held on the west side of the DeLand Municipal Airport. Gates open at 8 a.m. daily, and exhibits close at 5 p.m. Food vendors will be on-site, and parking is free.
Adult tickets cost $18 online and $20 at the gate, while tickets for kids ages 11-17 cost $9 online and $10 at the gate. Three-day-pass admissions are also available.
For more information or to get tickets, go to www.sportaviationshowcase.com.
Volunteers are still needed to help work the show in return for a full three-day pass. Contact www.sportaviationshowcase.com/getinvolved/index to get your free T-shirt and three-day pass.
