AERO Friedrichshafen, Europe’s biggest general aviation trade show, is coming up April 2 to 5. This is the first year of the show’s switch to an annual event — in the past it was held every other year — and also the first year since AERO and EAA announced they would engage in a “strategic relationship” to promote the show. About 570 exhibitors will be on hand, and the crowds are expected to exceed the 2007 total of over 45,000. Exhibit space has expanded from seven halls to 11, featuring a wide variety of GA aircraft and interests, from gliders and ultralights to model airplanes, skydiving and corporate jets. A new Helicopter Hangar will display rotary aircraft and gyrocopters. An E-Flight Expo, billed as a trade show within the show, will showcase aircraft with electrical propulsion, new solar technologies and other innovative propulsion concepts. A hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered trike, a solar-powered motorglider, and other unique aircraft are expected to be on display.
The AERO show is also the place where Europe’s GA community can discuss issues of common interest, such as fuel supplies, environmental concerns, and the health of the industry. On Thursday and Friday, exhibitors will offer demo flights, and on the weekend, an air show will feature fly-bys and aerobatic performers. Flight Design GmbH, which makes the popular CT line of light sport aircraft, will debut a new hybrid engine concept at the show. The concept engine is based on “a well-established certified aircraft engine” mated with an electric booster only used to boost performance for takeoff and climb, according to the company. Click here for more from Monday’s AVwebFlash.
