Sebring Regional Airport recently welcomed a new generation of aviation enthusiasts during the annual Girls Fly Now / Girls in Aviation Day, an event designed to introduce young students to careers in flight, aerospace, and STEM.
Women have been piloting aircraft nearly as long as airplanes have existed. In 1910, Elise Raymonde Deroche became the first licensed female pilot — just seven years after the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight. That pioneering spirit was alive and well on the Sebring ramp.
JoAnne Alcorn of Polk County, who flies the “City of Winter Park” Cessna 172R in the 2,500-mile Air Race Classic, spoke to the students about drag, lift, and the forces that govern flight. The Air Race Classic traces its roots back to the 1929 Women’s Air Derby, which included aviation legend Amelia Earhart as well as Louise Thaden and Pancho Barnes.
Young attendees from the Boys & Girls Club of Highlands County rotated through hands-on learning stations led by female pilots, Civil Air Patrol cadets, and aviation leaders.
“It’s important for pilots to learn these forces, how the aircraft will react, and the response at the controls,” explained pilot Shira Ellsworth. “If you don’t understand these forces, you can put the aircraft in a stall.”
Students explored aviation charts, learned about airspace boundaries, and even built their own balsa-wood airplanes. Civil Air Patrol cadets demonstrated how pilots navigate terrain, airport frequencies, and restricted areas.
“This helps get them prepared for a possible career as a pilot in aerospace — not just commercial or military, but space exploration,” said Lt. Stephen Armentrout. “The world needs more pilots.”
The event was supported by members of the Highlands Ninety-Nines, the international organization of licensed women pilots founded in 1929 with Amelia Earhart as its first president.
“We’ve been doing a girls aviation day since 2018,” said Janice Rearick, CEO of the Highlands County Boys & Girls Club. “It’s heavy on academics — and still fun.”
Sebring Regional Airport is proud to serve as a hub not only for aviation activity, but for workforce development and community inspiration. With pilot shortages projected nationwide, events like this play an important role in cultivating the next generation of aerospace professionals. Read the Mid Florida Newspaper Coverage
Sebring Airport Takes Center Stage in Heartland Living Feature on Advanced Air MobilityOctober 16, 2026 - 1:04 pm
Girls in Aviation Day Soars at Sebring Airport
NewsSebring Regional Airport recently welcomed a new generation of aviation enthusiasts during the annual Girls Fly Now / Girls in Aviation Day, an event designed to introduce young students to careers in flight, aerospace, and STEM.
Women have been piloting aircraft nearly as long as airplanes have existed. In 1910, Elise Raymonde Deroche became the first licensed female pilot — just seven years after the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight. That pioneering spirit was alive and well on the Sebring ramp.
JoAnne Alcorn of Polk County, who flies the “City of Winter Park” Cessna 172R in the 2,500-mile Air Race Classic, spoke to the students about drag, lift, and the forces that govern flight. The Air Race Classic traces its roots back to the 1929 Women’s Air Derby, which included aviation legend Amelia Earhart as well as Louise Thaden and Pancho Barnes.
Young attendees from the Boys & Girls Club of Highlands County rotated through hands-on learning stations led by female pilots, Civil Air Patrol cadets, and aviation leaders.
“It’s important for pilots to learn these forces, how the aircraft will react, and the response at the controls,” explained pilot Shira Ellsworth. “If you don’t understand these forces, you can put the aircraft in a stall.”
Students explored aviation charts, learned about airspace boundaries, and even built their own balsa-wood airplanes. Civil Air Patrol cadets demonstrated how pilots navigate terrain, airport frequencies, and restricted areas.
“This helps get them prepared for a possible career as a pilot in aerospace — not just commercial or military, but space exploration,” said Lt. Stephen Armentrout. “The world needs more pilots.”
The event was supported by members of the Highlands Ninety-Nines, the international organization of licensed women pilots founded in 1929 with Amelia Earhart as its first president.
“We’ve been doing a girls aviation day since 2018,” said Janice Rearick, CEO of the Highlands County Boys & Girls Club. “It’s heavy on academics — and still fun.”
Sebring Regional Airport is proud to serve as a hub not only for aviation activity, but for workforce development and community inspiration. With pilot shortages projected nationwide, events like this play an important role in cultivating the next generation of aerospace professionals. Read the Mid Florida Newspaper Coverage
Colt Ford to Headline at the 74th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring
NewsSebring International Raceway is turning up the energy during race week with a full slate of live entertainment — highlighted by a performance from multi-RIAA-platinum country artist Colt Ford on Friday, March 20.
Known for his high-energy blend of country, Southern rock, and hip-hop, Colt Ford has built a loyal following with multiple Top-10 Billboard Country albums and chart-topping hits, including co-writing Jason Aldean’s No. 1 song “Dirt Road Anthem.” His Friday night performance is included with race admission and will take place in the Fan Zone as part of race-week festivities.
Live music and fan programming will fill the Fan Zone each evening beginning Wednesday, March 18, adding to the excitement surrounding North America’s longest-running sports car endurance race. Fan favorites include nightly concerts, the annual Jordan Taylor S4L Wing Eating Contest, and a special “Beer with Wayne” event honoring retiring Raceway President and General Manager Wayne Estes.
The 74th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring runs March 18–21, featuring four full days of on-track action and eight races, culminating with the iconic IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship endurance race on Saturday, March 21.
🎟️ All race tickets — including single-day admission — include access to the Colt Ford concert.
ℹ️ Tickets and event details are available at www.SebringRaceway.com.
Sebring Airport Participates in Vertical Aerospace VALO Event
NewsSebring Airport Authority Deputy Director Andrew Bennett recently attended an advanced air mobility event in New York City hosted by Vertical Aerospace, showcasing the company’s newly unveiled VALO eVTOL aircraft. The gathering brought together aviation industry leaders and public-sector partners to discuss safety, innovation, and the evolving regulatory landscape for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. Mr. Bennett highlighted the importance of responsible integration and collaboration, emphasizing Sebring’s commitment to staying at the forefront of aviation innovation.
Sebring Honors Medal of Honor Recipients March 25
NewsThe Florida Medal of Honor Memorial, Inc. will host a public National Medal of Honor Day Ceremony at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 25, in downtown Sebring.
Veterans, families, and community members are warmly invited to attend this important annual observance, which honors the brave men and women who have received the Medal of Honor — our nation’s highest military award for valor in action.
The ceremony will include:
Presentation of the colors
National anthem
Roll call of Medal of Honor recipients
Reflections on service and sacrifice
Memorial sculpture dedication
Sounding of Taps
We are proud to support this meaningful tribute in the heart of our community.
EAA Heartland Chapter 1240 Annual Banquet at Sebring Airport
News✈️ Sebring Regional Airport is proud to host the EAA Heartland Chapter 1240 Annual Banquet this weekend, celebrating the organization’s unwavering commitment to aviation education and community service.
This year’s banquet will bring together aviation enthusiasts, youth program advocates, pilots, and community leaders in a shared celebration of flight and learning. The event underscores Chapter 1240’s exceptional dedication to mentoring and inspiring future aviators through its Youth Aviation Education programs—a mission closely aligned with the airport’s values.
Sebring Airport Board Member Pete McDevitt shared:
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, sponsors, and guests who make this event possible—and we look forward to sharing photos and highlights in the coming days.
Sebring Jet Center Announces New Private Hangar Complex
NewsSebring Regional Airport will soon be home to a new private hangar development known as the Sebring Jet Center — a premier facility offering up to 14 modern, secure hangars tailored to aircraft owners and operators.
The upcoming complex, expected to open in late 2027, will offer hangar sizes of 70′ × 70′ and 90′ × 90′ with features such as badge access, fully sprinkled interiors, private and guest parking, and electrical infrastructure for office or bathroom installation. With limited availability and a design that blends security, convenience, and functionality, the project represents a significant enhancement to the airport’s aviation infrastructure.
Located adjacent to Sebring Regional Airport’s full‑service FBO, the new hangars are ideally positioned for aircraft owners who want both accessibility and premium facilities. This initiative underscores SEF’s continued growth and attractiveness as a general aviation hub in Central Florida.
Sebring Supports Winter Navy Training Operations
NewsSebring Regional Airport proudly hosted U.S. Navy Training Air Wing Five for a five-week winter detachment from January 23 through February 27, 2026. The detachment brought as many as 22 T-6 Texan II aircraft to the region, conducting essential Visual Flight Rules (VFR) training during a time when inclement weather often disrupts operations at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.
Flights occurred Monday through Saturday, with aircraft launching in up to four training blocks per day. This high-activity schedule helped the squadrons stay on track to meet mission readiness goals while showcasing Sebring’s capacity to support complex training efforts in partnership with Avon Park Range, MacDill Auxiliary Field, and local airspace controllers.
The airport’s involvement reflects a strong ongoing commitment to aviation safety, military readiness, and community awareness. Local residents were notified in advance, and all operations were coordinated to adhere to FAA standards and minimize disruption.
Trans Am National Championship Comes to Sebring
NewsSpeed, precision, and roaring engines are heading back to Sebring! The Trans Am National Championship returns to Sebring International Raceway from February 26 – March 1, 2026, featuring multiple classes of competition cars battling on one of America’s most historic road courses.
As the longest‑running professional road racing series in North America, the Trans Am Series draws top drivers, passionate fans, and high‑performance competition from across the continent. With races in TA, TA2, XGT, SGT and GT classes, the event promises thrilling on‑track action and weekend‑long excitement for racing enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a fan of motorsports or looking for an exciting weekend in Central Florida, this annual event is not to be missed. Stay tuned for schedule details and ticket information!
Governor DeSantis Announces Major Infrastructure Funding at Sebring Regional Airport
NewsOn December 18, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference at Sebring Regional Airport in Highlands County to announce a significant statewide infrastructure investment package totaling $311 million in awards for improvements across 37 Florida communities. The announcement was made alongside Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and highlighted critical projects—many aimed at storm recovery and resilience following recent severe weather events.
At the event, DeSantis outlined how these funds will be distributed to support essential infrastructure upgrades—including utility systems, stormwater mitigation, transportation networks, and community facilities—helping communities recover and strengthen their resilience for the future.
A key highlight for the local aviation community was the award of $3,044,630 to the Sebring Airport Authority. This funding will be used to demolish and replace the existing stormwater system and related infrastructure at Sebring Regional Airport and the adjacent Multimodal Logistics Center—enhancing airport operations and long-term resilience. Read more here.
In addition to Sebring’s allocation, neighboring Highlands County communities also received significant awards, including $22 million for the City of Avon Park to support sanitary sewer system assessment and restoration efforts—an investment expected to bolster public health, infrastructure capacity, and economic growth. WKMG
Governor DeSantis emphasized that these awards will not only repair and fortify critical infrastructure damaged by the 2023 and 2024 storm seasons, but also support long-term economic opportunity, workforce growth, and community resilience across the state.
Archer Launches Miami Air Taxi Network — A Sign of AAM Momentum
NewsArcher Aviation has announced plans for a new electric air‑taxi network that will connect major South Florida cities — including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach — via 10–20 minute eVTOL flights, bypassing ground traffic entirely.
As part of the rollout, “vertiports” are planned at strategic sites such as stadiums, golf clubs, and downtown development hubs
For Sebring, this development reinforces our commitment to being part of Florida’s growing advanced‑mobility network. As AAM evolves from concept to reality, SEF is well positioned to serve as a regional aviation hub that complements emerging urban air mobility systems.
About Archer
Archer is designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation.
To learn more, visit www.archer.com
Tecnam Unveils Next‑Generation P2008JC NG Trainer Aircraft
NewsItalian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has announced the launch of the P2008JC NG, a significant evolution of its popular high‑wing trainer aircraft designed for flight schools and pilot training organizations worldwide. The “Next Generation” model is certified to rigorous EASA CS‑23 airworthiness standards and combines modern safety, efficiency, and comfort in one versatile training platform.
The P2008JC NG features a hybrid airframe — pairing a sleek carbon‑fiber fuselage with durable metal wings and stabilator — delivering increased cabin comfort and robust performance. Powered by the fuel‑injected Rotax 912 iSc engine, the aircraft burns up to 58 % less fuel than legacy trainers, significantly reducing operating costs and CO₂ emissions for training operators.
A state‑of‑the‑art Garmin G3X Touch glass cockpit, redesigned interior ergonomics, and optional autopilot further enhance the aircraft’s appeal, making it well suited to modern flight school curricula and preparing students for advanced aviation careers.
This next‑generation trainer represents a meaningful leap forward in flight training efficiency, safety, and sustainability, and underscores ongoing innovation in general aviation aircraft design.
Read more here Tecnam Aircraft
A View from Above: Old Farts Flying Club Visits Sebring
NewsSebring Regional Airport had the pleasure of hosting the Old Farts Flying Club, whose visit brought blue skies, beautiful aircraft, and even better company. Captured in stunning drone photography, their fly-in was a true celebration of aviation camaraderie.
Members enjoyed breakfast and lunch at the Runway Café, taking in the airfield views and sharing stories over great food. With nearly 50 aircraft on the ramp and plenty of laughter in the air, it was a day to remember.
We’re always grateful to welcome the Old Farts Flying Club — and we hope to see them back at SEF again soon!