If you or a youngster of yours are interested in becoming a pilot or serving with them, the Civil Air Patrol has an opportunity for you.
Capt. David H. Bynum, Group 5 director of Operations for the Naples Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, said the branch of service wants to start up the Highlands County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, and is inviting anyone interested in joining to a special meeting. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at Sebring Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is looking for adults ages 19 and older, with no age limit, and young adults ages 12-18 interested in becoming members.
This can include non-pilot, pilot, drone, communications or many other opportunities, Bynum said, with a chance to learn leadership skills, character development, aerospace technology and discipline.
“All training is provided, and no military experience is required. Whatever skill or interest you have, there is a place for you in the Civil Air Patrol,” Bynum said.
An all-volunteer auxiliary and Total Force partner of the U. S. Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft and drones for search, rescue, disaster relief, training, and education, according to its website at www.gocivilairpatrol.com.
Capt. Ronald Rowe, of the SRQ Composite Squadron out of Sarasota, said the cadet program allows youth ages 12-21 to get experience and work toward earning a private pilot’s license.
At the same time as the formation meeting, Sebring Regional Airport will also host the Civil Air Patrol’s National Flight Academy, featuring cadets ages 12-18 from around the United States who have won placement in the program.
Between Dec. 27, 2023, and Jan. 5, 2024, they will receive ground and flight instruction in preparation to fly solo, with the entire event led by Maj. Gen. Joseph R. Vazquez, former national commander of the Civil Air Patrol.
Rowe said the event, with 10 cadets, will get them certified with flight instrumentation, trained by former military pilots.
The airport, Runway Cafe and Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel are also supporting the event, Bynum said.
“We like Sebring,” Rowe said of the squadron, both for its location and its charm. “I’m a fifth-generation Floridian, and Sebring is just like Florida used to be.”
FAA Approves Updated Airport Layout Plan for Sebring AirportMay 15, 2025 - 8:09 am
Sebring Vertiport Terminal Renovation Project
NewsChanges in the 2024 AirVenture Notice Worth Examining
NewsFlying 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
NewsIn 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.
Honoring one of our local heroes: Major McGuire
NewsWe 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.
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.
Request for Proposals: Property and Casualty Insurance
NewsSEF Conceptual Development Plan for New T-Hangar and other projects
NewsSebring 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.
Girls In Aviation Day a Huge Success!
NewsSecure Your Front-Row Seat at Sun ’n Fun 2024
NewsGet 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.
Sebring Flight Academy to host “flights” in the Red Bird simulator
NewsSebring announces 2024 Hall of Fame inductees
NewsSEBRING — The Sebring Hall of Fame has announced its 2024 inductees. Sam and Miles Collier, Ron Fellows, John Fitzpatrick, The North American Auto Racing Team of Luigi Chinetti and Dr. Paul Wallace will join the prestigious list of prior inductees.
Brothers Sam and Miles Collier were pioneers of sports car road racing in the U.S. who played a key role in the origins of the 12 Hours of Sebring. In the 1930s they helped create the first road racing organization and later were involved with many of the early post-war races and were proponents of Alec Ulmann’s efforts to stage a race at Sebring. Sam Collier was killed at the Watkins Glen Grand Prix, and the first race at Sebring on Dec. 31, 1950, was named the Sam Collier Memorial Grand Prix of Endurance in his honor. The Collier legacy continues today under the direction of Miles Collier, Jr. In addition to the Miles Collier Collections of automobiles, he established the Revs Institute in Naples, Florida, among the world’s most comprehensive automotive libraries and archives.
Excerpted from Highland News Sun: Read the complete story here
Limited Fan Hospitality Options Remain: Eight Races in March
NewsTickets and parking passes, including fan hospitality, can be purchased online at SebringRaceway.com. If you require assistance on the phone and are unable to reach a member of their guest services team, please leave a message with a contact phone number and your call will be returned in the order it was received.
Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring On-Track Schedule
(Tentative and Subject to Change)
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Friday, March 15, 2024
Saturday, March 16, 2024
· Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring
Civil Air Patrol to form a new flight from Sebring Airport Authority to host National Flight Academy
NewsIf you or a youngster of yours are interested in becoming a pilot or serving with them, the Civil Air Patrol has an opportunity for you.
Capt. David H. Bynum, Group 5 director of Operations for the Naples Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, said the branch of service wants to start up the Highlands County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, and is inviting anyone interested in joining to a special meeting. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at Sebring Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is looking for adults ages 19 and older, with no age limit, and young adults ages 12-18 interested in becoming members.
This can include non-pilot, pilot, drone, communications or many other opportunities, Bynum said, with a chance to learn leadership skills, character development, aerospace technology and discipline.
“All training is provided, and no military experience is required. Whatever skill or interest you have, there is a place for you in the Civil Air Patrol,” Bynum said.
An all-volunteer auxiliary and Total Force partner of the U. S. Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft and drones for search, rescue, disaster relief, training, and education, according to its website at www.gocivilairpatrol.com.
Capt. Ronald Rowe, of the SRQ Composite Squadron out of Sarasota, said the cadet program allows youth ages 12-21 to get experience and work toward earning a private pilot’s license.
At the same time as the formation meeting, Sebring Regional Airport will also host the Civil Air Patrol’s National Flight Academy, featuring cadets ages 12-18 from around the United States who have won placement in the program.
Between Dec. 27, 2023, and Jan. 5, 2024, they will receive ground and flight instruction in preparation to fly solo, with the entire event led by Maj. Gen. Joseph R. Vazquez, former national commander of the Civil Air Patrol.
Rowe said the event, with 10 cadets, will get them certified with flight instrumentation, trained by former military pilots.
The airport, Runway Cafe and Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel are also supporting the event, Bynum said.
“We like Sebring,” Rowe said of the squadron, both for its location and its charm. “I’m a fifth-generation Floridian, and Sebring is just like Florida used to be.”