At Sun n’ Fun 2016, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association(LAMA), in coordination with sponsor Aviators Hot Line, hosted four of the industry’s favorite journalists as part of the show’s Great Debates series. The journalists—General Aviation News publisher Ben Sclair, Flying magazine senior editor Pia Bergqvist, Plane and Pilot editor Robert Goyer and AVweb editorial director Paul Bertorelli—all took the stage at the Sun n’ Fun Paradise City area for a lively hour-long discussion on a wide variety of topics, including the future of light GA.
Moderated by Robert Helms (from engine distributor UL Power), the journalists addressed questions on topics ranging from the future of the LSA market, electric flight, the sharing of the airspace with UAVs, to aeromedical reform.
The journalists also weighed in on two of the most popular current events at this year’s show—ICON Aircraft’s controversial sales contract for its A5 LSA amphib, and the announcement from EAA and Dynon Avionics that its partnership has achieved FAA STC approval for the installation of Dynon’s D-10A experimental EFIS display in certified aircraft.
LAMA produced the first ina series of Great Debates—a timely spin off the ongoing presidential debates—at the U.S. Sport Aviation in Sebring, Florida, this past January. Other debates in the series include topics on engine technology, avionics and aviation tablet apps.
