evtol

Sebring Airport may have 1st ports for vertical takeoff-landing craft

In the past few months, the leading developers of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft made progress in delivering on their vision for advanced air mobility (AAM). Multiple companies delivered aircraft to military or commercial customers, and numerous companies conducted flight tests and expanded partnerships for the future.

Sebring Regional Airport has an opportunity to get into the cutting edge of Advanced Air Mobility.

If the airport can get funding soon enough and get facilities in place on the ground, it might just edge out bigger airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, as a pioneer with “vertiports” in place to serve electric vertical takeoff and landing craft.

When asked if there are already such facilities at other airports in the United States, Executive Director Mike Willingham said there are not … yet.

“This would be the first,” Willingham said.

The Airport Authority Board of Directors voted on Thursday to amend their airport layout plan to include a takeoff/landing pad, area to park the vehicles and up to five stations for recharging.

Meghan Sheehan, technical manager and the Aviation East and US Advanced Air Mobility lead at AtkinsRéalis, presented the proposed change to the board. Advanced air mobility refers to systems and aircraft that enable air service for passengers and cargo to previously unserved or underserved places.

Highlands County would fit that profile, but it also has a prime location, Sheehan said, in that it is right within the typical 100-150 mile range of eVOTL craft. Some craft can travel up to 250 miles on a charge, which would allow Sebring Airport, once established as an eVOTL hub, to take in traffic from an even larger radius.

Sebring sits 58 nautical miles from Orlando International Airport, 48 nautical miles from Lakeland Linder International Airport and 71 nautical miles from Tampa International Airport.

Sarasota is 65 nautical miles and Palm Beach International is 91.

Willingham said board members need not be concerned about the prospective market.

“We know these vehicles are coming,” he said.

He said that the Florida Department of Transportation will have grant money available to help develop this system, and Sebring Airport could position itself well, being in the middle of the state between two coasts and at the center of a circle of metropolitan areas.

“This is a big step toward our master plan,” Willingham said.

Why would pilots, passengers and cargo carriers use eVOTL craft?

Sheehan said they run quieter than helicopters and airplanes, especially at cruising speed, can transition easily from horizontal to vertical flight and give off no emissions.

A typical craft can carry from two to eight people. Although all have human pilots now, some in the future will fly autonomously, she said.

FDOT has done research on these craft and is prepared to provide funding to develop this system, Sheehan said, especially for airports that have plans already in place: A main reason for asking the board to amend the layout plan on Thursday.

The prospective cost of the vertiport is unknown, yet. It will depend on several factors, including exactly how many charging terminals the airport will build and the cost for construction, which fluctuates regularly.

The addendum to the plan would place the takeoff/landing pad close to the existing terminal, with access to parking for people wanting to drive in and fly.

Carl Cool, board member and former Highlands County engineer and administrator, said he recalled the county benefited from having plans for new roads already on paper when FDOT made millions of dollars available for counties with plans ready to build.

Board members did raise questions about the amount of parking provided on the layout for the vertiport, but Willingham pointed out that that lot sits adjacent to the main parking lot for the terminal, which he said is never full. Some tweaks to the plan are to be expected, he said.

“There’s more than one way to skin this cat,” Willingham said.

Cool said he was glad to hear that the airport might be able to bring in extra business at a cost significantly less than a runway extension.

“That’s crazy money,” Cool said.

Read more here

vertiport

Sebring Vertiport Terminal Renovation Project

Sebring Airport has a grant request in the works for their Vertiport terminal renovation. The project will include a walkway. enclosed air conditioned passenger space and access to the south side terminal. The reconfiguration will incorporate energy efficient lighting and sustainable materials.
Locating Vertiport facilities in rural airfields increases resident access to urban jobs and provides freight alternatives too.
About Vertiports
Vertiports are designed for vertical takeoff and landing of a variety of aerial vehicles. They are intended for aircraft whose purpose is to integrate into urban airspace and facilitate urban aerial mobility.
With construction of at least 10 Vertiports planned for Florida during the next year, it is expected to be the most active American market for these aviation services.
oshkosh-airventure-sign-2022-jim-kopenick

Changes in the 2024 AirVenture Notice Worth Examining

Flying into Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh (KOSH) for EAA AirVenture is not for the faint of heart. As this becomes the busiest airspace during the convention week, ensuring a successful sortie requires more than a cursory look at the procedures and policies needed for a safe journey.

Before wheels up en route to OSH, it’s essential to become familiar with the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 Notice (commonly known and published before as Oshkosh NOTAMS ). The Notice provides detailed, necessary information to make your arrival and departure to this year’s 71st fly-in convention, held July 22nd through 29th, a success.

With more than 10,000 aircraft expected to arrive at Wittman Regional and other nearby airports, the density of aircraft is only exceeded by the hundreds of thousands of attendees in total that are expected to attend this year. And just because you may be familiar with last year’s arrival and departure notes, keep in mind that there are some new changes in store for you this year. In fact, many of the updated changes for this year were a direct result of feedback from pilots like you, with a dose of FAA recommendations as well.

Some of the surprise changes for this year include a TFR that will be in effect in Milwaukee (KMKE) airspace from July 15 through 18, a direct result of the Republican National Convention taking place during this time.

Anyone who has flown into AirVenture in the past is well familiar with the FISK holding procedure. However, don’t get too comfy with that procedure this year, as the FISK holding procedure has changed, as evidenced by several pages dedicated to these changes in the Notice. By the way, for you early birds, there are no FISK arrivals on Thursday, July 25, before 8 a.m., so go ahead and enjoy that Grand Slam breakfast and plan your arrival accordingly.

As before, ATC assignable transition points will also be part of the 2024 plan. This includes approaching Oshkosh from the west, which is planned to ease holding and congestion.

Transition points include Endeavor Bridge, Puckaway Lake, and Green Lake. These will be announced on the arrival ATIS when ATC activates these points, typically during high traffic times. Read More Here
[Photo by Jim Koepnick/from Plane & Pilot files]

Sebring Regional Airport’s Strategic Initiatives for Cleaner Aviation Fuels

In response to the increasing demand for cleaner and greener aviation fuels driven by heightened environmental awareness, Sebring Airport Authority has been actively pursuing sustainable solutions to align with industry trends and regulatory requirements for the past decade.

The airport’s journey towards environmental sustainability dates back to 2013 when it first introduced UL94 (unleaded) fuel for sale. Despite the commendable efforts, the challenge of affordability has persisted due to limited distributionoptions of UL94 on a regional scale and the nationwide accessibility of 100 Low Leaded aviation gasoline (100LL). Recognizing this barrier, the airport is currently pursuing strategic measures to enhance availability and reduce UL94 costs for consumers.

One of the key initiatives by Sebring Regional Airport is the expansion of its UL94 fuel storage capacity through theacquisition of a larger fuel tank. This strategic investment not only increases the quantity of fuel available but also aims to lower the cost per gallon, making UL94 more economically viable for customers. Currently, 63% of the airport’s fleet is compatible with UL94, highlighting the potential impact of this initiative on a significant portion of general aviation operations.

Moreover, the installation of a larger fuel tank allows for more efficient bulk tanker deliveries resulting in reduced transportation costs. Also, the Sebring Regional Airport is investigating the potential establishment of a dedicated transfer terminal which would enable their ability to accept large[MW1] -scale product deliveries via rail for regional distribution. By partnering with Swift for delivery services, the airport aims to expand accessibility to environmentally friendly fuel beyond its immediate vicinity, while simultaneously reducing transport costs and enhancing operational efficiency.

The transition towards unleaded aviation gasoline, as exemplified by UL94, is a pivotal step in aligning the SebringAirport Authority with environmental regulations, catering to increased market demands for unleaded aviation fuels, andensuring optimal compatibility and performance for aircraft operations. By embracing these initiatives, the airport not only showcases its commitment to sustainability but also appeals to environmentally conscious customers andcontributes to the collective effort in safeguarding the planet for future generations.

For more information on Sebring Airport’s sustainability initiatives and UL94 fuel availability, please
contact Mike Willingham, Executive Director at Sebring Regional Airport.

Major McGuire

Honoring one of our local heroes: Major McGuire

We are thrilled to announce the completion of a captivating museum-styled wall mural honoring Major McGuire at Sebring Regional Airport. Major McGuire, a local hero, was a distinguished United States Army Major and a highly decorated fighter pilot during World War II. Tragically killed in action, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery and exceptional service. As the second highest scoring American ace of the war, Major McGuire’s legacy is now beautifully commemorated in this mural, serving as a lasting tribute to his courage and sacrifice. We invite you to visit and pay homage to this remarkable figure whose contributions continue to inspire us all.

“We are elated to honor Major McGuire in the airport terminal in perpetuity,” said Mike Willingham.

More about Major McGuire
Elaine Haines at the Sebring Historical Society recounted, “Major McGuire is a true Sebring hero. Tommy lived in Sebring beginning of the age of four. After attending Georgia Tech for three years, he joined the Army Air Corps and, over the next four years, flew a P-38 airplane, becoming the number two American Ace Pilot by destroying 38 enemy planes”. Major McGuire died in combat while attempting to save a fellow aviator and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and numerous other medals. These medals are currently displayed at the Sebring Historical Society’s Weigle House Museum at 1989 Lakeview Drive in Sebring.

The Sebring Historical Society also offers a biography of Major McGuire titled The Last Great Ace by Charles Martin, which is available for purchase and at the Sebring Library.

Sebring Historical Society

The Sebring Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Sebring and its notable residents. Located at 1989 Lakeview Drive, the Society offers a range of exhibits and resources for those interested in the local heritage.

Sebring Regional Airport & Commerce Park

Sebring Multimodal Logistics Center is a 2,000-acre commerce park and airport. The airport is a designated Foreign Trade Zone offering many tax benefits and is home to Sebring International Raceway. Sebring has been named in the State Aviation System Plan as the growth airport for South Central Florida.

Aerial terminal

Request for Proposals: Property and Casualty Insurance

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SRO and its Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS series returns to Sebring May 3-5.

SRO and its Fanatec GT World Challenge America: May 3-5

SRO and its Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS series returns to Sebring May 3-5. This is a great opportunity to enjoy typically fantastic late-Spring weather and three days of exciting sports car racing. Kids 12 and under are free, so bring the whole family and enjoy food trucks, walking the competitor paddock and getting up close to some of the coolest GT3 race cars in the world.

COME SEE THEIR DEBUT OF THE CORVETTE ZOS GT3.R
ARE YOU A CORVETTE OWNER? Join the exclusive Corvette space within the SRO car corral!

Buy tickets now!

apron drainage

SEF Conceptual Development Plan for New T-Hangar and other projects

Sebring Regional Authority is planning a 15-unit T-Hangar building. Currently, this is in the development phase and will be discussed at the next SRA Board meeting. The discussion will include preliminary cost estimates. Stay tuned for more information.

Airfield Draniage Project

The EDA Airfield Drainage Improvements Project is anticipated to begin construction in June of 2024, with a construction duration of seven (7) months. This project will reconstruct the failing drainage infrastructure directly adjacent to the main terminal apron and has a construction value of just under $2.2M.

t-hangar project

Aviation’s Spring Break: It’s Sun ’n Fun to the Rescue

As a major milestone along the march of aviation’s year, central Florida’s Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, gives cold-weary northerners a much-needed boost from the leftover winter. 

It’s not that we can’t fly during the short, colder days. It’s just not worth the bother in the frozen states. Bundling up for the trek to the hangar, arranging for some engine heat, wondering if the battery is up to the start, chipping leftover snowplow detritus from the rollout path—naw, too much trouble, wait for a better day.

Floridians, meanwhile, fire up in their shirtsleeves and fly right on through winter. It was 50 years ago that folks in some enterprising EAA chapters thought up the idea of inviting their pale, pasty northern friends down to the lake country in Florida for an end-of-winter get-together. Quickly dubbed  Sun’n Fun, the fly-in/airshow took off like, well, spring break with airplanes. This year’s event runs Tuesday, April 9, through Sunday, April 14.

The site at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) couldn’t be a better choice. Nicely situated between the airspaces of the tourist mecca of Orlando and the Gulf Coast’s Tampa-St. Petersburg area, the venerable World War II facility, then called Drane Field, has adequate space and easy highway access from Interstate Highway 4’s corridor. 

Mobil 1 entertainment

Jefferson Starship and Matt Stell Headline 4 Nights During Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Iconic rock band Jefferson Starship and young country star Matt Stell will headline four nights of music in the Fan Zone at Sebring International Raceway during the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Cadillac.

Jefferson Starship, one of the most popular and successful rock bands of all time, will perform Thursday, March 14 at approximately 9:15 p.m., while Stell will take the stage on Friday, March 15 at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Jefferson Starship has earned three platinum and eight gold records, and a long list of top 40 singles, which includes among its most famous singles “We Built This City,” “No Way Out,” “Sara,” Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” “White Rabbit,” “Somebody to Love,” “Miracles,” “Jane” and many others.

Originally formed in the 1970s, Jefferson Starship has evolved through the decades and has maintained its position as one of the staples of the classic rock genre. David Freiberg, Donny Baldwin, Chris Smith, Cathy Richardson and Jude Gold are current members, with all five having been in the band more than 10 years. Freiberg is an original member (1974) with Baldwin (1982) and Smith (1988) also long-time members. Richardson and Gold joined in 2008 and 2012 respectively.

Matt Stell has quickly made his mark on Country music amassing more than 500 million on-demand streams with back-to-back No. 1s: “Prayed For You” and “Everywhere But On,” plus fan-favorites “Boyfriend Season,” “That Ain’t Me No More” and “Breakin’ In Boots.”

In addition to Jefferson Starship and Stell on Thursday and Friday nights respectively, Sebring International Raceway will feature Florida bands nightly Wednesday-Saturday with Erin Sena, Rocktown, Outta Hand Band and Covered in Black scheduled.

The 72nd Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Presented by Cadillac will start on March 16 at 9:40 a.m. Gates open to spectators Tuesday, March 12. Four days of on-track racing action will begin March 13 with eight races scheduled for Thursday-Saturday. Tickets are available for North America’s longest running and most historic sports car race by visiting www.SebringRaceway.com. The entire 12-hour event can be watched on NBC’s Peacock, with USA Network also providing live coverage beginning at 4:30 p.m.

girls in aviation day

Girls In Aviation Day a Huge Success!

More than 30 girls signed up for the Girls In Aviation Day at Sebring Regional Airport. “It was a perfect number for the volunteers to manage across six ‘stations’ of lessons and experiences.” enthused Janice Rearick, event organizer and 99s member. Girls came from two Girl Scout troops and a group of girls came from the Avon Park Boys & Girls Club, too.
The Xennial virtual reality (VR) experience was new and made a hit with the kids, almost as much as the Red Bird aircraft, which always has a queue waiting for access. Phil Lockwood brought his AirCam and introduced girls to the parts of an airplane. Additionally, EAA Chapter 1240 was in attendance sharing information, inviting participants join the Young Eagles and also their next pancake breakfast.
Sebring was fortunate to have a Highlands News reporter in attendance during the event and the story can be viewed here.

 

Said Janice, “Huge applause to the Airport FBO staff: Jamie, Rachel, Ruben and Brandon – all services were top notch. The team had set up the tables for us the night before, which made Saturday morning go super smoothly.  Andrew and Luis positioned the crash truck in just the right place to make a safe corridor for attendees to walk to the airplanes. Plus, thank you, Bev, for the cookies and sodas!”
The Girls in Aviation Day is a valuable outreach for the airport and the community. Sebring Regional Airport is giving girls a chance to explore the world of aviation, and making it part of what they can aspire to in their own future.

 

Sun 'N Fun

Secure Your Front-Row Seat at Sun ’n Fun 2024

Get ready for workshops, career resources, and awe-inspiring performances from top U.S. airshow talents.

Sun ‘N Fun is April 9-14 and the organizers of the annual Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, have announced a bursting airshow lineup and tasty selection of workshops and resources for pilots at this year’s event.

Daily airshows will run from 1-5 p.m. EDT daily, promising thrills from names like Patty Wagstaff, Rob Holland, and Michael Goulian. A night airshow and pyrobatic fireworks will light up the sky on Wednesday and Saturday, starting at 7 p.m.

The Commemorative Air Force will offer vintage aircraft rides, including in the famed B-29 Fifi, and a variety of other warbirds. Rides can be booked on the Sun ’n Fun website. Performance highlights throughout the week will include the U.S. Air Force F-35A Demo Team, Air Force Thunderbirds, Patriot Parachute Demo Team, and Warbirds Arrival Show on April 9, with more warbird events scattered throughout the week. The event website provides a schedule of events.

Other offerings on the ground include workshops, aviation career fair, and kids corner for aspiring future pilots. There are also discounts available for aviators flying into the event. Preferred seating is available on the website as well.

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