FAA Production Studios at Sun ‘n Fun Features Leading Experts

Lakeland, FLORIDA / January 2, 2011 — Welcome to a new year and in celebration, FAA Production Studios based on the Sun ‘n Fun campus at Lakeland Linder airport has a talented lineup of speakers for its annual Light-Sport Aircraft Seminar.

“Our 2011 event is one of the best it has ever been,” observed longtime FAASTeam Lead Representative, Terri Kurtz. “We have four exceptional presenters for this important gathering.” Attendance is free and all sessions will be uplinked using FAA’s video feed capability.

Dean Vogel starts off at 10:00 AM speaking about which persons can do what repairs and maintenance on Light-Sport Aircraft. While aimed at owner and A&P mechanics, Vogel’s talk will include qualifications for performing maintenance on Light Sport Aircraft, answering often asked questions. Dean Vogel is a 1982 graduate of the USAF Academy. He spent a total of 14 years in the Air Force maintaining and flying jets and followed with 13 years with Cirrus Design, helping to take the company from 10 employees to 850 and leading the company's work with technology partners that resulted in the runaway success of Cirrus aircraft. Vogel has since teamed with Lockwood Aviation, in Sebring, Florida, to operate a maintenance school, the Aero Technical institute, aimed at the Light-Sport market.

Phil Lockwood follows at 11:00 AM speaking about Rotax engine maintenance and repairs specifically addressing the very popular Rotax 9-series engines. Get the latest service and operational information on the Rotax 912 engines including the newest recommendations on fuel and oil. Phillip Lockwood serves as president and CEO of Lockwood Aviation Supply, a company he founded in 1989, which is now the largest service center for Rotax aircraft engines in North America and a major source for all types of Light Sport Aircraft parts and accessories. Another of his companies, Lockwood Aviation Repair, is the only FAA licensed repair station (L2DR339H) that specializes, specifically, in the repair and overhaul of Rotax Aircraft engines.

Following these two morning speakers lunch will be served at the studio.

After lunch, Dynon expert Kirk Kleinholz will speak at 1:15 PM on glass panel technology for sport aircraft. Learn about the technology that makes electronic flight information systems affordable and practical for small general aviation aircraft. These instruments offer reliability, affordable redundancy, and greater situational awareness than venerable analog flight instruments. Kirk Kleinholz has been Sales Account Manager for Dynon Avionics for two years and a pilot for 16 years. He is an active CFII, tailwheel instructor and multi-engine pilot and an earlier in his career was aircrew and an antisubmarine acoustic operator in US Navy P-3s.

Wrapping up the 2011 LSA Safety Seminar will be Dr. James McManus starting at 2:15 PM talking about Light-Sport Aircraft on floats. Dr. McManus, Executive Director of the Seaplane Pilots Association, will cover making a Light Sport Aircraft into a seaplane and will present the technical, practical and recreational aspects of putting sport planes on floats. James McManus is the Executive Director of the Seaplane Pilots Association. A Florida resident with 19 years of flying experience in a wide variety of aircraft, Jim holds a commercial certificate with single engine land and sea ratings, among other credentials. He also holds a Doctorate in Administration and has held senior leadership roles in four Fortune 500 companies.

Throughout the day, longtime master of ceremonies, Bill McClung, will keep the tightly choreographed event on schedule.

Registration, coffee & donuts start at 9:00 AM and the safety seminar will end at 3:00 PM.

The FAA Production Studios at Sun ‘n Fun has become a well-known fixture at the popular spring airshow. Throughout the year the FAA Safety Team National Resource Center hosts numerous seminars concerning many aspects of aviation. Feature topics include: Acrobatics, Helicopters, Search & Rescue, Ultralights, Balloons, Experimental, Air Carrier, Corporate, and Seaplane presentations.

The FAA has developed the Studio Area of the FAA National Resource Center at the Sun 'n Fun Complex, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, Lakeland, Florida into "The Place" where outstanding presentations are delivered in an unforgettable surrounding.