Paradise City Is Bigger, Busier, At Sun ‘n Fun

Paradise City, the area of the Sun 'n Fun campus devoted to all kinds of light aircraft — from LSAs to ultralights — has added new features and events for this year's show. The Show Center Pavilion, operated by the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, has expanded its space and its programming, hosting a series of "Great Debates" on compelling aviation topics. Yesterday and today, expert panels discussed the state of aviation engines and the future of light aviation; on Thursday the topic is avionics, and the series winds up on Friday with a discussion of popular apps for flight planning and navigation. All forums, which start at 1 p.m., are free, and there is plenty of seating in the shade. LAMA also is hosting nightly receptions at the Pavilion, from 5 to 7 p.m., free and open to all. "Beverages and snacks will be provided, and the view of flying on the Paradise City runway is wonderful," says LAMA President Dan Johnson.

The receptions will be hosted on Thursday by Hansen Air Group, with a pizza party; on Friday by Swift Fuels; and on Saturday the Flying Musicians Association will provide an acoustic jam session. "LAMA is genuinely pleased to offer so many interesting activities, all free of charge, to attendees of Sun 'n Fun," Johnson said. He added that in the 12 years since the LSA segment was created, more than 130 new aircraft models have entered the market. "We believe nothing similar has ever occurred in aviation," he said, "and we want this sector to thrive." A variety of LSA aircraft are on display all week at the LSA Mall, just outside the Pavilion.