Angel Investor Buys Forlorn LSA Manufacturer

ION Aircraft, LLC, has found a buyer in Geode Capital Management, of La Jolla, California. Details are sparse at this time, but Geode’s website indicates further investment in “Ion Aircraft and eVTOL” as well as aircraft manufacturing. Ion is the designer of the 120, a twin boom LSA, sporting a pusher layout, tandem seating and a glass panel. Throughout the development process, Ion pared down their intended offerings to the 100, the kit aircraft, and the 120, the factory-built aircraft meeting light sport requirements. The company’s small size made the transition from research, development, and design to production too hard to make without outside help.

Nonprofit Up Up and Away Florida Promotes ACE Education 

The Up Up and Away Florida Hot Air Balloon Festival has set the date for next year's spring event. Festival goers will see balloon glows or take tethered rides, with multiple opportunities for early morning and late afternoon ascensions. In addition, a car show, live music, helicopter rides, a variety of vendors, and a selection of great food will give families plenty to do throughout the event. 2022 will be the 2nd annual festival, in what hopefully become a tradition for ballooning enthusiasts. “Returning to Lakeland made sense for us because of the success we had for our first event in February 2020. Like so many, we were unable to host our event this year but ar