New Airplanes On Display At Expo

Some 108 aircraft taxied down blocked-off streets yesterday morning during the “airplane parade” and are now on display outside the Palm Springs Convention Center. At the static display, visitors can expect a first look at the brand-new 1200-hp Epic Dynasty Jetprop, but don’t look for the three Eclipse 500s that are supposed to be on display. Eclipse said it is upgrading the aircraft with performance modifications and couldn’t get them to Expo as planned, meaning attendees will have to settle for a mockup on the convention floor. Diamond Aircraft says it is hosting its largest AOPA Expo display ever, and is promising a “special announcement” at a press conference later today. Columbia Aircraft is there, ready to hand over the keys to its 500th aircraft. In the LSA area, Cessna is showing its brand-new LSA prototype, which flew for the first time just last month. While visitors won’t be allowed to climb inside the Cessna LSA, they can press up against the windows to get a good look at the two-seater. Also new at the LSA lineup is Nexaer‘s swoopy-looking prototype, which flew for the first time about two weeks ago. Experimental aircraft will also have a place at the show. The first Lancair ES-P, a four-place, fixed-gear, graphite composite pressurized homebuilt with hot wing de-icing, will be there. Watch for more AVweb reports live from the show, coming to your inbox tomorrow and Saturday.