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Sun ‘N Fun Connects

by Rod Rakic on April 5, 2011 in aviation, general aviation, technology

For some 36 years, the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In has run on aviation fuel, enthusiasm and wings — but another mode of operation played a stronger role than ever this year: Social media…

The face of aviation has changed with social media overall, said Rod Rakic, whose company, mytransponder.com, connects aviation buffs with various tools. Rakic said the storm was terrifying, and social media helped many share information and get through it the best they could.

“Aviation has always been a very connected community, and social media has really enhanced that,” Rakic said. “Networking has always happened in aviation. Folks have always wanted to talk about what they’re doing and who they’re doing it with. Aviators like to share.”

The Ledger.com: Sun ‘n Fun Made Use of Social Media This Year

Trending on Twitter after the storm.

:: Since we launched myTransponder in 2007, we’ve had a blast bringing social media, and social technologies to the aviation community. Some air show organizers have been on the leading edge of using these technologies to promote their shows and enhance the experience. …and some aren’t.

We connected to the Ledger’s Mary Toothman [@MaryToothman on twitter, MaryToothman on #myT] via Twitter during the show. It was great to be included in the newspaper piece today.

The one constant I’ve seen is the community of aviation social media is always on. This year at #SnF11, the community operated pretty much independently of the social media team that SUN ‘n FUN organizers had hired to promote / cover the event. It was cool to briefly meet their team leader at Saturday’s dawn balloon launch. But this was by chance. I wish would have done more to coordinate. We always try to reach out. We’re not always successful.

Whether it was in the aftermath of Thursday’s storm, or during the fabulous few days of spectacular weather that followed, folks following along via social media channels definitely got the most out of this year’s show.

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Inside the Storm at SUN ‘n FUN

by Rod Rakic on March 31, 2011 in aviation, general aviation

I was visiting our good friends at Piper Aircraft‘s display near show center this afternoon when the storm hit.

We all knew that the forecast included thunderstorms to roll through the area. Even as we chatted about Piper’s new program to bundle initial flight training with the purchase of a new Archer, the sky darkened in the distance and everything got buttoned up as the rain got started.

As the rain intensified, and the wind picked up, the conversation started veering to the weather… until we finally got the picture that this was not just the usual airshow afternoon thunder-boomer…

I wish I could share some cool weather channel worthy video of what the storm looked like from inside that tent. But the truth is, I was too busy trying to find something solid to hunker down next to. You know that guy who stands outside in the middle of a hurricane, just to get the shot? That’s not me.

Soon wind was whipping the rain into horizontal sheets, and blowing into the tent from any gaps. I could see the prop of the static display mock-up actually start to spin in the wind.

The fact that we were all standing in a tent rated for 40 mile per hour winds became a point of discussion. By the time the first airplane tumbled through the display area, it was clear we weren’t going anywhere. All we could do was wait it out.

It was only after the winds subsided that I came out from cover to snap some pictures. Here’s what it looked like soon after the cell came through.

I’ve got to give props to the gaggle of social media types typically gather around SUN ‘n FUN Radio. When the power went out and the radio transmitter went off the air, everyone stepped up immediately to help out. A call went out for anyone with emergency medical training to go check the grounds for anyone that needed assistance. Others started posting updates to Twitter. Good job all.

I feel terrible for all the folks who had airplanes damaged or even destroyed today. Mother nature gave us a good smacking. But the aviation community is a tough bunch, and as if to make that point, SUN ‘n FUN will open in the morning at 8am as planned. I look forward to getting on with the show.

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You’re Invited to the SUN ‘n FUN 2011 MeetUp

by Rod Rakic on March 29, 2011 in aviation, myTransponder

To help celebrate what many call, “Spring Break for Pilots,” we of course, are throwing a party…

Sun ‘n Fun 2011 started today in Lakeland, Florida. (KLAL)

You’re invited to join us at the #SnF11 myT MeetUp for breakfast on Friday morning. Come help make aviation more social! Meet with members of the myTransponder community, your friends, your fans, and your followers.

[RSVP online here] #SnF11 myT MeetUp

Sponsoring this year’s event are some of our favorite folks in aviation…

Airplane Owners and Pilots Association (www.AOPA.org)
AOPA is a not-for-profit individual membership association, effectively serves the interests and needs of its members as aircraft owners and pilots and establishes, maintains, and articulates positions of leadership to promote the economy, safety, utility, and popularity of flight in general aviation aircraft.

Sennheiser Aviation (www.sennheiser-aviation.com)
In 1982, at Lufthansa’s request, Sennheiser developed the first audio headset for cockpit communications. Since then, working closely with pilots and airlines, Sennheiser has continued to develop new solutions for the aviation sector.

ForeFlight (www.ForeFlight.com)
ForeFlight produces intelligent aviation software for pilots. Started in 2007, ForeFlight is devoted to giving pilots the best possible mobile flight planning tools.

There will of course, be some pretty sweet door prizes. Also, here is a great chance to meet some really cool people from around aviation…

COORDINATES

8:30 AM to 10:00 AM (L)

Flight Line Observation Tent #3
East of taxiway foxtrot and on the North side of the Warbird ramp.
Lakeland Linder Regional Airport
Lakeland, Florida

[HINT] You’ll probably get the chance to hang out with this guy, him, and her.

Come meet the folks you connect with online as we celebrate the community of aviation. There will be bacon.

Word is… “Ace” may even show up.

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