EAA Brings Spirit of Aviation to Sebring

February 9, 2017 - EAA’s Spirit of Aviation Mobile Experience had a successful launch at its first show of 2017, the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, last month. The Expo, which focuses on light recreational and sport aircraft, is in its 13th year.

Visitors to our trailer had the opportunity to watch a fully immersive, 360-degree virtual reality film about EAA, including a tour of our museum. In addition, they could get hands on and learn the basics of aluminum forming and riveting by making a cookie cutter, fly a spot-landing challenge in one of two Redbird flight simulators, and build a Flite Test delta wing glider using precut foam core parts and hot glue. Visitors of all ages were excited to participate, especially several large student groups that were brought in to the event, many of whom were getting their first taste of aviation.

Existing EAA members had the chance to see the trailer for the first time in person and were excited to see how this effort will engage new audiences into aviation. EAA Chapter 1240’s annual Young Eagles dinner was once again a sold-out event and received rave reviews for both the speaker and the meal.

There were a number of changes to the show this year including a completely revised layout, which was received favorably by the exhibitors and attendees. Despite the weekend date change, weather continued to be a challenge with one foggy morning and strong winds on other days. The addition of a sanctioned drone race with an estimated $20,000 prize purse proved to be a popular draw, bringing in an audience that might not otherwise have attended.