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.”
General Aviation Posts Record $35.7 Billion Year in 2025March 4, 2026 - 4:22 pm
Sebring Airport may have 1st ports for vertical takeoff-landing craft
NewsSebring 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.
“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
Sebring Vertiport Terminal Renovation Project
NewsSebring 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.
SEF 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!
NewsSebring 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
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.”
Cadillac Named Official Luxury Vehicle of Sebring International Raceway
NewsCadillac CT5-V Blackwing To Lead the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring
SEBRING, Fla. (March 15, 2023) – As Cadillac kicks off a year-long celebration honoring the 20th anniversary of the V-Series performance sub-brand, it is now the Official Luxury Vehicle of Sebring International Raceway.
The official relationship between one of the world’s most iconic brands and one of motorsports most famous racing facilities coincides with Cadillac’s increased global presence in motorsports. A four-time winner of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and a three-time IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Manufacturer Championship winner, Cadillac Racing has amassed 27 victories in IMSA competition since 2017 when it entered prototype competition. Additionally, the Cadillac V-Series performance sub-brand was launched at Sebring in March 2004 and a Cadillac CTS-V won its inaugural GT race in the Speed World Challenge.
In 2023 Cadillac will compete in both IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship with its new hybrid-powered Cadillac V-Series.R prototypes. Both series will race at Sebring on March 17-18 respectively. In the 12 Hours, two Cadillac V-Series.R entries – the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R and the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R – will compete against the world’s best in pursuit of the legendary brand’s fifth Sebring title in the last seven years. The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R will compete in its first WEC event, the 1000 Miles of Sebring.
The Cadillac/Sebring International Raceway collaboration kicked off last year with the 2023 CT4-V Blackwing Sebring IMSA Edition. The track-capable car features a special matte black paint scheme that symbolizes racing into the darkness of the night. Spectators can view the limited-edition vehicle in the Cadillac Corral.
The No. 2 Cadillac Racing team won the 2022 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring with Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn and Neel Jani driving to victory. Bamber discusses his personal connection to Sebring and the significance of the CT4-V Blacking Sebring IMSA Edition on the Cadillac Pit Crew Podcast, available here: https://www.cadillac.com/sedans/ct4-v-blackwing.
In addition to its on-track activities, through its expanded relationship with Sebring, Cadillac will have a significant presence at the racetrack, most notably with its Cadillac Driving Experience during the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring weekend. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 16-18, spectators will have an opportunity to drive one of five high performance and equally luxurious Cadillac models, including the CT4-V, CT5-V, CT4-V Blackwing, CT5-V Blackwing and the Escalade-V.
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, a high-performance sedan with a 6.2-liter hand-built supercharged V8 engine producing 668 horsepower and capable of reaching 200 mph on track, will serve as the official pace car and safety vehicle of both IMSA events during the weekend. The CT5-V Blackwing will pace the field to start the 71st Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and be used throughout the 12-hour race by IMSA as the event’s official safety vehicle.
Additional at-track branding and benefits for Cadillac owners at Sebring include trackside signage, parking corrals for Cadillac owners, hospitality and other outreach opportunities with Sebring’s large and enthusiastic audience. Also, spectators will have the opportunity to see the exciting Cadillac V-Series vehicle lineup in the Cadillac display on the midway.
“High performance driving is part of Cadillac’s DNA,” said Rory Harvey, Cadillac Global Vice President. “Cadillac has an impressive history with Sebring and many of Sebring’s most passionate fans are Cadillac drivers. Sebring’s demanding racetrack is famous for testing high-performance vehicles to their maximum on track and its fan base is equally famous for the passion and knowledge they bring to the event. That’s why Cadillac is proud to expand its relationship with Sebring and the 12 Hours as we launch a year-long celebration of the V-Series performance sub-brand.”
About the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing pace car:
About Cadillac Racing
About Sebring and the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring
Twice voted North America’s No. 1 motorsports event by USA Today (2019 and 2020), the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is on virtually every driver’s list of events to win and nearly every fan’s list to attend. Sebring is famous for its bumpy race surface and large and enthusiastic crowds. The first 12-Hour Classic was held in 1952 and has been won by some of the greatest names in motorsports including Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Hurley Haywood and Juan Manuel Fangio. The race is part of the prestigious IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. When not hosting the world’s best for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the raceway welcomes amateur and professional teams and drivers to its facility approximately 300 days a year, making it the busiest racing facility in the world.
Welcome Caviar Salon & Spa
NewsWe are super excited to announce Caviar Salon & Spa is coming to Sebring Airport and will be located in the terminal building. Call for an appointment: 727-340-4469 or 727-340-4468. The grand opening is July 2.
Caviar Salon & Spa specializes in first-class treatments. Their aim is to nurture and relax each of their guests with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques. They create a safe place for healing to occur. The choice of how to move forward on your journey is a personal decision, honored without judgment.
They offer a variety of services including facials, wood therapy body sculpting, cryoskin, eyelash extensions and more. Visit their website for more details.
Sebring’s Airport Rail Spur Rehab Completed
NewsThis project was made possible through a $7,900,000 FDOT grant
Sebring, FL, May 19, 2022 – The new rail—from the CSX mainline all the way to the Sebring Airport’s rail yard— is fully operational. This two‐mile-long spur feeds into Sebring’s industrial park with five ladder tracks, and supports airport tenants as well as other businesses in the area.
The back story
Sebring Regional Airport, formerly Hendrick’s Army Airfield, was originally constructed during WWII. To facilitate the construction and support base operations, a rail spur was constructed off of the CSX mainline.
Due to the small rail size (85 lbs/LF and 100 lbs/LF) and the age of the existing rail spur track (over 75 years), sections of the existing track were in poor condition and required extensive maintenance. Over the years, several maintenance projects had been undertaken to keep the track operational. These projects included repairs to switches and replacement of crossties, along with replacing over 600 crossties in 2015.
The finished airport rail project comprises a myriad of improvements
The rehabilitation of the entire rail spur includes replacement of ballast track superstructure components, special trackwork, drainage and subbase improvements, which allows continued use of the facilities with significantly reduced maintenance costs.
The project was bid in two phases to meet FDOT grant funding amounts, and possible additional future grant funding. Phase 1 included 11,400 linear feet of track reconstruction, which was completed in June of 2020. Phase 2 of the project was bid in July of 2020 and included a base bid and two bid alternates.
rail rehabilitation
The base bid and a portion of Bid Alternate 1, which included the reconstruction of 7,250 linear feet of rail, were awarded to American Rail Industries in December 2020. Construction was completed in May of 2021. With the additional FDOT grant funding becoming available in the Summer of 2021, a change order for the remaining portion of Bid Alternate 1 and Bid Alternate 2, which included the reconstruction of the remaining 7,350 linear feet of rail, was issued to American Rail Industries.