Live from Las Vegas

I’ve always wanted to be able to say that!  And this year I am live from Las Vegas — not performing, of course — but blogging from the Cygnus Aviation Expo (although this won’t be posted until I’m back).  If you made it out here, you’ll agree with me that the convention was a tremendous success and that the exhibits were really first rate. Virtually all of the Expo was focused on ground support equipment, including the latest and greatest in fuel trucks, deicing equipment, tractors and the newest versions of electric-powered equipment. I was particularly impressed with the “green” section.  This was the area with the latest in green technology.  It’s impressive how the need for environmental sustainability — not to mention the sky-rocketing costs of fuel — have translated into huge advances in technology.  In years past, propane-powered equipment was where many thought the technology was going.  But with the recent advances in battery technology, it seems clear that that’s where the industry will be heading.  And if you think that you’re stuck with old fuel-powered equipment,  help may be on the way.  One company at the Expo demonstrated their conversion capabilities, taking a formerly gas-powered tug and installing batteries and an electric motor.  While no prices were given, I assumed that the price was — or eventually would be — competitive with a re-build. If you didn’t make it to the Expo, check this publication for reports from the convention.