Financially, it might be wiser to just go straight to Sun'n'Fun and then take a rental van or two up to Fantasy of Flight the next day. I do know that Kermit Weeks (owner of Fantasy of Flight) had a great deal of difficulty with their neighbors complaining about planes flying in and out, and Kermit and his staff have done everything they can to keep control over this situation to help minimize complaints and to be a good neighbor. Perhaps making it so expensive and strict is one way they are working to keep a handle on the situation to keep from alienating their neighbors while still providing some access for fly-in groups?
Fantasy of Flight is still a very worthwhile experience. I'm just thinking that perhaps scheduling a group fly-in there might not be the wisest choice, given the unknowns of weather and not yet knowing for sure how many planes we will actually have in the group.
One alternative for an overnight, considering that Tom Reilly's museum property in Kissimmee had been sold and their telephone number is disconnected with no forwarding info, and I can't yet find contact information for whatever is now there in its place, would be to consider overnighting in Dunnellon where the Yankee Air Force is based and is developing an aviation museum. Dunnellon is just west of Ocala, not far from Crystal River. They would probably very much appreciate the fly-in support, as periodically the city of Dunnellon discusses the idea of selling off the airport to private developers.
The more we can support existing public airports in smaller towns whose politicians are not particularly aviation-oriented, the more we can help keep those airports open.
There is a woman (Judy something - I can't remember her last name at the moment) who writes an aviation column in the Ocala Star-Banner every Monday. If we fly into Dunnellon airport, then perhaps it would give the Yankee Air Force there an opportunity to get her out to write up something about both the Couper Community as well as the Yankee Air Force, as part of helping to promote general aviation and keep the voters inclined to ensure their elected officials don't close the smaller public airports down.
Given that she writes about items of aviation interest throughout Florida, perhaps we can get her to do a write-up on the planned stop at Williston airport on the way home as well -- especially if we can provide her with advance notice of the itinerary she can publish in advance so she can encourage the aviation-interested public to come out to see the Coupes when & where they will be arriving, and then perhaps she will do a write-up after-the-fact based on her own experience.
What would be great would be to invite her to go up flying in an Ercoupe and the other types of planes in the Couper Community, so she can then write and speak knowledgeably about how much fun they are - and this would also help to promote LSA aviation in the Ocala area, which is filled with retiring baby-boomers and other retirees who would probably be very interested in owning and flying classic LSA aircraft.
Just another creative brainstorming/problem-solving series of suggestions ...
Susan
N2141H
On Jan 12, 2006, at 5:40 PM, Sydney Cohen wrote:
Whoa! Do we really want to do this? See below. Syd===================================
Thank you for your interest in Fantasy of Flight’s Organized Fly-In Program! We offer two programs for your consideration. Fantasy of Flight requires a minimum of ten (10) airplanes to qualify for our Fly-In Programs.
Fantasy of Flight is a private airfield. Permission to land at Fantasy of Flight is mandatory and will be granted only by following the guidelines below. Fantasy of Flight reserves the right to refuse permission to land to any person who does not follow the guidelines, conducts their flying activities in an unsafe manner, is discourteous to our neighbors and guests, or causes any reason for concern to Fantasy of Flight. Fantasy of Flight takes pride in being a good neighbor, therefore “Fly-By’s” are not permitted at Fantasy of Flight.
Reservations are made through the Group Sales Department and may be arranged by calling (863) 984-3500 ext 263 or by email at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Standard Program - $75.00 per plane (plus 7% sales tax)
**Two (2) Admissions
**Landing Fee
**One-Hour Private Tour with Guide
**Cancellations: Advance deposit refunds given only if cancellation is in writing and is received by Fantasy of Flight no later than three (3) business-days prior to your arrival. An advance deposit refund, less $12.50/per plane cancellation fee, will be given.
Top Gun Program - $100.00 per plane (plus 7% sales tax)
**Two (2) Admissions
**Landing Fee
**One-Hour Private Tour with Guide
**Two (2) Lunches from the In-Flight Luncheon Buffet in the Officers’ Club (includes sliced ham & turkey, Swiss & American cheeses, lettuce, tomato, pickles, potato salad or cole slaw, assorted breads, condiments, fresh-baked cookies, iced tea, coffee)
**Cancellations: Advance deposit refunds given only if cancellation is in writing and is received by Fantasy of Flight no later than ten (10) business-days prior to your arrival. An advance deposit refund, less $12.50/per plane cancellation fee, will be given.
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