Focus FAA interviewed employees supporting FAA’s presence
at this year’s annual Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in Lakeland, Fl., to
get a flavor for the event and the importance of the agency’s presence
there. Here’s what some of them had to say.
Al Kimball
Aviation Safety Inspector
How many years have you worked at Sun n’ Fun? 19
years, five of them with the FAA.
What’s your job? I staff the temporary FSDO, interact
with the public to answer questions and issue certificates.
What’s your favorite memory? Working with a dedicated
group of aviation enthusiasts, both from the FAA and industry.
Give us insight into Sun n’ Fun. It is a gathering
of all facets of aviation, both modern and vintage, personal and commercial,
and brings to attendees the latest developments in aircraft and technology.
Why is FAA’s presence at Sun ‘n Fun important?
We need to present a favorable front to the flying public and ensure it
is a safe event.
Augie Casado
Orlando FSDO Manager
How many years have you worked at Sun ‘n Fun? 7
years.
What’s your job? I’m the regional coordinator
for the event.
What’s your favorite memory? One year we had a
balloon come so close to the FAA safety center that you could reach up
and touch it. Having said that, the real good memory comes from the many
wonderful friendships we make and foster from year to year.
Give us insight into Sun ‘n Fun. It’s like
a small city. It has multiple communities: airplanes, police, trash collection,
restaurants, stores, government agencies, medical facilities, and even
a daily newspaper.
Why is FAA’s presence at Sun ‘n Fun important?
Safety! Safety! Safety! Whether operational, educational or customer driven,
we are here to help ensure a safe and successful event.
Dan Pesonen
Technical Support Staff, Tampa SMO
How many years have you worked at Sun ‘n Fun? 17
years.
What’s your job? Install all communications systems
used by controllers.
What’s your favorite memory? When we finally got
enough equipment installed to the fly-in run smoothly from the FAA side
of the field.
Give us insight into Sun ‘n Fun. It is more work
than you think and it has to be ready on time.
Why is FAA’s presence at Sun ‘n Fun important?
Without the FAA’s equipment and controllers, the fly-in portion
of Sun ‘n Fun would not work.
Richard D. Mileham
Safety Program Manager, Great Lakes Region
How many years have you worked at Sun ‘n Fun? Three
years.
What’s your job? Promote the aviation safety program
and the faasafety.gov web site.
What’s your favorite memory? Working with all the
FAA personnel associated with Sun ‘n Fun.
Give us insight into Sun ‘n Fun. The average FAA
employee needs to be aware of the aviation industry and how it is associated
to their job function. Sun ‘n Fun provides all aspects related to
the FAA’s responsibility.
Why is FAA’s presence at Sun ‘n Fun important?
It’s a prime opportunity to interface with the pilots, mechanics
and aviation enthusiast. It’s an opportunity for the aviation industry
and general public to understand the agency’s missions, goals and
objectives. Provides an opportunity to market safety and safety products
and programs. Provides an opportunity to provide pilots/mechanics with
safety information and presentations.
David Johnston
Controller, Orlando International Tower
How many years have you worked at Sun ‘n Fun? 11
years.
What’s your job? What’s your favorite memory?
When I got to meet and talk with Chuck Yeager and Bob Hoover (an aerobatic
pilot)
Give us insight into Sun ‘n Fun. It’s lots
of sun, lots of fun and lots of airplanes. It’s definitely a place
an aviation enthusiast would want to be.
Why is FAA’s presence at Sun ‘n Fun important?
To let the Experimental Aircraft Association, the flying public and the
city of Lakeland know that the FAA supports the fly-in. It also provides
for a good opportunity for pilots and controllers to get together and
discuss topics of mutual interest. It puts a face with the voice.
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