The daily airshows, scheduled from 1-5 p.m. EDT, promise to deliver thrills courtesy of renowned performers such as Patty Wagstaff, Rob Holland, and Michael Goulian. Additionally, the night airshow and pyrobatic fireworks will illuminate the skies on Wednesday and Saturday, kicking off at 7 p.m.

• READ MORE: A Fond Memory: Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo 2023

For aviation enthusiasts, the Commemorative Air Force is set to offer vintage aircraft rides, including the iconic B-29 Fifi, and various other warbirds. Interested individuals can secure their ride bookings through the Sun ’n Fun website. Spectators can look forward to captivating performances by the U.S. Air Force F-35A Demo Team, Air Force Thunderbirds, Patriot Parachute Demo Team, and Warbirds Arrival Show on April 9, with additional warbird events sprinkled throughout the week. The official website provides a detailed event schedule.

On the ground, attendees can partake in workshops, explore opportunities at an aviation career fair, and provide young aviation enthusiasts with inspiration at a dedicated kids corner. Aviators flying into the show can benefit from available discounts, while those seeking an elevated experience can opt for preferred seating, available on the event’s website. The Sun ’n Fun event promises an immersive experience for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.

The post Sun ’n Fun 2024: Soar Into the Skies with Unforgettable Airshow Spectacles appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Voyager combines satellite imagery, high-resolution terrain, and live traffic data to create a real-time aviation experience. Each airport comes to life on a floating disk, allowing users to explore from different perspectives. Whether you’re curious about featured airports, searching globally, or sorting by proximity, Voyager offers a dynamic and interactive exploration of aviation hubs worldwide.

• READ MORE: ForeFlight Adds Oceanic Routing, Fleet Tracking Features to Dispatch Version

ForeFlight CEO Tim Schuetze expressed excitement about delivering a unique 3D airport exploration experience. “This exciting new spatial computing platform enables us to deliver all-new experiences that were never before possible, and the new Voyager app is a great example of our continued innovation,” Schuetze said in a release.

The app provides real-time depictions of various aircraft, from commercial jets to helicopters, with accurate altitude, pitch, and bank details. Users can access comprehensive information about each aircraft, including flight plans, aircraft type, and live speed, altitude, and heading.

ForeFlight Mobile, the company’s flagship iPad and iPhone application, seamlessly integrates with Vision Pro. Active ForeFlight subscribers can access advanced flight planning capabilities, making the aviation experience even more dynamic. Transitioning from Voyager to ForeFlight Mobile, users can delve deeper into airport details and flight information.

ForeFlight, a Boeing company, has been a pioneer in integrated software solutions for general, business, and military aviation since 2007. Voyager stands as a testament to ForeFlight’s commitment to pushing boundaries and offering innovative experiences to aviation enthusiasts worldwide.

The post Explore Airports with ForeFlight’s Voyager for Apple Vision Pro appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

We’ve created this curated list to help you narrow down the ideal present for the aviator in your life. From certified pilots to aviation enthusiasts, there is a unique gift to satisfy every interest.

Have fun browsing these handpicked aviation gifts. Remember, it’s the thought behind the gift that truly matters.

Quick Look: 8 of the Best Gifts for Pilots and Anyone Who Likes Aviation

• Best aircraft models: Midwest Model Store
• Best aviation merchandise: Aeroswag
• Best magazine subscription: FLYING Magazine
• Best flight sim PC: DogHouse Systems Flying Edition
• Best aviator smartwatch: Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro
• Best aviation headset: Bose A30
• Best flight bag: Flight Outfitters Lift Bag
• Best aircraft for sale: Aircraft For Sale

Gift Ideas That Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts Will Love

Whether your gift recipient is a pilot or an aviation enthusiast, these gift ideas are sure to put a smile on their face.

Midwest Model Store

Best for: Aircraft models

Midwest Model Store is renowned for its extensive collection of commercial airline aircraft models. The company also offers high-quality scale models of vintage aircraft like the P-51 Mustang and military jets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Whether your gift recipient is an airplane collector, aviation enthusiast, or simply appreciates the beauty of these models, Midwest Model Store provides an impressive selection.

Price: $45.99 and up

Aeroswag

Best for: Aviation merchandise

Aeroswag offers a variety of aviation-themed products, including phone cases, coffee mugs, stickers, mouse pads, socks, tumblers, and more. Aeroswag even allows you to turn your gift recipient’s favorite airport into customized products like T-shirts, hats, and towels. Whether they’re a pilot, avgeek, or just love aviation, Aeroswag has something personal and unique for everyone.

Price: $4 and up

FLYING Magazine

Best for: Magazine subscription

A FLYING Magazine subscription is an amazing gift for aviation lovers. Each issue is a little collectible, with its high-quality paper, striking visuals, airplane-themed cover, and engaging content. FLYING is committed to bringing its readers the highest quality of aviation information, including daily digital content developed for pilots and aspiring pilots. The magazine offers annual digital and print subscriptions, which also include 12 hard copies and/or digital replicas of the magazine.

Price (per year): Digital only ($29); Print and digital ($45); Bundle  ($149)

DogHouse Systems Flying Edition

Best for: Flight sim PC

If your gift recipient is into tech, then DogHouse Systems and FLYING have you covered with this DogHouse Systems Flying Edition turn-key flight sim rig. Everything needed to get solid performance with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and X-Plane 12 is built into this comprehensive system. Further customization, including added storage, is available for an additional cost.

Price: $4,695

Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro

Best for: Aviator smartwatch

The Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro premium smartwatch features a brilliant 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen display and up to 25 days of battery life. This watch houses a red and white light LED flashlight with multiple levels of intensity. In the air, the watch provides pilots with aeronautical information, such as airport data and direct-to navigation. Pilots can also get aviation weather, flight logging, and pulse oxygen monitoring alongside many other features when they’re on the go. For their life outside of flying, the watch includes 30-plus sports apps, 24/7 health monitoring, and advanced sleep monitoring. It’s like having a flight bag on their wrist.

Price: $1,399.99

Bose A30

Best for: Aviation headset

The Bose A30 offers high-quality performance every pilot appreciates on their flight, including unparalleled comfort, unmatched audio clarity, active noise cancellation, and certified durability. Plus, the headset’s optional Bluetooth interface and tap control for talk-through communication offer versatility for pilots across all cockpits, from general aviation to commercial airline operations. New features also give pilots more control over the headset’s active noise reduction performance, microphone location, and power source.

Price: $1,299

Flight Outfitters Lift Bag

Best for: Flight bag

If your gift recipient has all the pilot supplies but needs a new place to store them, then this Flight Outfitters Lift Bag is perfect. Custom embroidery is available for an additional $9.95 to make the bag distinctively unique, but you should allow up to two additional business days for personalization. This sturdy bag has room for all the pilot essentials and is compact enough to not get in the way while in the airplane.

Price: $99.95, plus $9.95 for custom embroidery

Aircraft For Sale

Best for: Aircraft for sale

Aircraft For Sale by FLYING is the most trusted place to buy and sell aircraft, aviation real estate, and aircraft spare parts. If you’re seriously considering purchasing an aircraft, Aircraft For Sale has 24/7 customer support, easy financing options, and a wide range of listings to help you navigate a successful transaction. Additionally, if you’re curious about an aircraft’s market value, the PlanePrice valuation tool available on the Aircraft For Sale website offers aircraft insights based on over 4,000 data points.

Price: Varies

Get Ready to Buy that Perfect Gift for a Pilot or Flying Fan

We hope you enjoyed browsing this handpicked selection of aviation-themed gifts. Now, have fun shopping. Skip the long store lines and add any one of these unique gifts to your virtual cart before they’re gone.

FAQ

What gifts do pilots like?

Pilots like both fun and practical gifts. Fun gifts can include an aircraft model, a T-shirt, or a magazine subscription. Practical gifts can include a smartwatch, a headset, or a flight bag.

What to get aviation lovers?

Aviation lovers appreciate plane-themed and aviation-related gifts. From wooden propellers, whiskey decanters, and leather bomber jackets to knickknacks like keychains, bookends, coasters, and neckties, there is a gift for everyone.

What do you get the pilot in your life?

Different gifts cater to different preferences and stages of a pilot’s career. Before you invest in a gift for the pilot in your life, check with them to ensure it will meet their unique needs.

The post The Best Gifts for Pilots and Really Anyone Who Likes Aviation appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

A total of 22 Colorado students have been selected to receive 2023 WINGS’ flight training scholarships valued at either $8,000 or $12,000, based on their flight training experience, to pursue private pilot certification for single-engine airplanes.

The James C. Ray Foundation, a committed advocate for aviation education in Naples, Florida, provides the funding for these flight training scholarships, which WINGS disburses annually across Colorado. Over the past four years, WINGS has awarded 125 scholarships, amounting to $236,000, to aspiring pilots ages 15 to 18 who are eager to attain private pilot certification in gliders or single-engine airplanes. 

“Cultivating the next generation of private pilots is vital for the aviation industry’s continued success,” said John L. Barry, a retired Air Force major general who serves as president and CEO of WINGS. “We are honored to play a role in helping these dedicated and passionate students fulfill their aspirations. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the James C. Ray Foundation for enabling this scholarship program to benefit Colorado’s future aviators.”

READ MORE: Ray Foundation Propels New Pilots Into Aviation

The selection process for the WINGS flight training scholarship was rigorous, with more than 80 applications received. Each applicant underwent meticulous evaluation and interviews conducted by representatives from WINGS and its Captain Jeppesen Foundation. Upon selection, each scholarship recipient is assigned a mentor to provide guidance throughout their training journey, encompassing both flight hours and a comprehensive study regimen to facilitate their pilot certification.

To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must be Colorado residents and undertake their training through a state-based aviation business.

Editor’s Note: This story appeared originally on planeandpilotmag.com.

The post Colorado Students Soar with WINGS Over the Rockies Flight Training Scholarships appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

2010 Rans S-19 Venterra

Kicking off the list is the 2010 Rans S-19 Venterra, an American gem of an airplane, this two-seater sports a 100 hp Rotax 912ULS engine. The Venterra’s low-wing design and panoramic bubble canopy cater to those with an appreciation for breathtaking views and fast-paced, cross-country flying, making it an attractive prospect for those with a modest budget. See the full listing on this Rans S-19 Vanterra.

2011 Cessna 162 Skycatcher

In the No. 2 spot, we find this 2011 Cessna 162 Skycatcher. This light-sport, high-wing aircraft comes with simplified controls and Garmin’s user-friendly G300-series avionics. It is a perfect stepping stone for novice pilots or those learning to fly, offering an exceptional educational platform while simultaneously delivering on the enjoyment front.

1966 Cessna 150F

The middle of our list takes a trip down memory lane with the 1966 Cessna 150F. This classic high-wing, fixed-gear aircraft represents a piece of aviation history. It may not sport the newest technology, but it more than compensates with its charm, ease of handling, and remarkable durability.

1985 Maule M-5-180C

The fourth position goes to this 1985 Maule M-5-180C, a versatile, tailwheel aircraft with short-takeoff-and-landing capabilities. Fitted with a powerful Lycoming O-360 engine, this sturdy airplane with room for four is an excellent all-rounder, fitting the needs of diverse flying scenarios.

1941 Boeing/Stearman A75N1

In fifth is a timeless warbird—the 1941 Boeing/Stearman A75N1, which served as a primary trainer during World War II. It offers a captivating flying experience like no other. Although not as practical of choice for cross-country journeys, its historical significance and aesthetic appeal are undeniable.

1971 Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub on floats

As an honorable mention, we turn to the 1971 Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub on floats. Slightly over our budget, but its robustness and the unique aquatic landing experience it offers make this aircraft worthy of a nod.

This collection of aircraft proves that the joy of flying doesn’t necessitate an extravagant budget. It caters to different types of pilots and their flying aspirations, ranging from history enthusiasts to cross-country adventurers. 

Whether you’re looking to take aircraft ownership for a spin for the very first time or just wanting to add to your collection with something that won’t break the bank, you can find all these airplanes and hundreds more on Aircraft for Sale—the most transparent place to buy your next adventure. 

The post Affordable Aviation: 5 Airplanes Under $100K on Aircraft for Sale appeared first on FLYING Magazine.