Chilly, Blustery, Damp Days Could Not Dampen Enthusiasm

The DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase wrapped up Saturday, and despite uncooperative weather, organizers feel the show was a success.

Jana Filip, Sport Aviation Administrator for DeLand Municipal Airport, said the event, now in its fourth year, pretty much held its own compared to previous years. And even though temperatures were chilly, and there was off-and-on rain each day, it couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the people who made the trip to central Florida.

"Our gate lagged a little (on Friday), but not all that much," Filip said. "Although it wasn't like a highly populated day, attendee-wise, it was quality. And aircraft sold and the exhibitors were very happy."

Filip said that Saturday was much like Friday. "I think we survived very well despite the inclement weather."

The Deland Sport Aviation Expo is focused on that segment of the industry, and Filip (pictured) said that several of the exhibitors were new to the show this year.

"We've got 26 new exhibitors on the field, and I maintained over 100 exhibitors. I've been in that vicinity every year. I heard from a lot of the outdoor exhibitors this year that they did not have inventory to bring," Filip said. "So, that's a good sign, because they've sold their aircraft. A lot of the aircraft on the field (exhibitors) had customers bring them in. So, the economy has turned up, sport aircraft are selling, and that's great."

And, she said, there were several airplanes sold during the show, and she attributes that to the focus of the event. "We are not about quantity here. We don't have a kids bounce-house to bring that market in. We don't have and aerobatic show. DeLand has a very clearly defined mission statement, and the goals support that mission statement, and we are all about trying to grow the recreational and sport aviation market."

Filip would normally have announced the dates for the next Deland Sport Aviation Showcase on Saturday, but she said that she would be evaluating other options for 2020. That announcement would be coming "soon", she said.

(Staff images)

FMI: www.sportaviationshowcase.com