Southeast Aviation Expo to Reach New Heights

The South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA) is expecting a large turnout for its 2nd annual Southeast Aviation Expo!" stated SCAA President Marion Hope.  “Last year the expo far exceeded our first year's attendance goals with nine hundred and seventy-three people at the Greenville Downtown Airport for the event, the majority of which were pilots.  Others in attendance had careers in aviation or enjoy it as a hobby.  All this despite the unusually cold weather that made it impossible for people from the Northeast to fly in,” stated Hope.    

"This year the event is scheduled to be one month earlier in the year in an effort to avoid weather issues like that this year,” stated Joe Frasher, Airport Director of the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU).  “It is incredible that we have so many nationally recognized companies registered to exhibit this year!  Last year’s event was great and this year it looks like we will even far surpass that,” stated Frasher.  "Last year several exhibitors said that the Southeast Aviation Expo was a much more productive show for them than other national ones that they have attended lately since so many aviation people were here.  That must be why most of them are registered to exhibit again this year and we have added 15 new exhibitors!" added Frasher.

The Southeast Aviation Expo will showcase the latest aviation products; have over 14 static aircraft displayed and educational sessions will be held.   “Most people interested in aviation will find the entire expo interesting.  Of special note to students, will be two sessions on Saturday, September 29th:   ‘Training and Careers in the Aerospace and Aviation Industry’ at 12:30 and ‘How to Become a Pilot’ at 2:30.  Experienced pilots might be interested in attending a session about the latest technology including the use of iPads in the cockpit,” Frasher said.  All educational sessions are listed on the SCAA website:  http://www.scaaonline.com/content/seae-agenda-education-session-titles  

The keynote speaker for the event will be Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) President Craig Fuller.   Fuller will address the latest issues facing general aviation.  

Trade-A-Plane, a top national publication that is geared towards pilots is an event sponsor again this year.  The South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC) will also sponsor the event and provide the exhibitors with lunch.  Greenville Downtown Airport is hosting an exhibitor reception.

So far Cessna, Cirrus, Michelin Aircraft Tires, ADEX Machining Technologies, AeroCab, Louis Berger Services Inc., James A. Gardner Company, Mint Air, Flight Design USA, Baldwin Safety & Compliance, Motley Rice LLC, Advocate Consulting, Aircare Aviation Services & Support, Hope Aviation Insurance, Just Aircraft, Greenville Downtown Airport, Sebring US Sport Aviation Expo, Lycoming, Aviation Tax Consultants, LLC.,  US AeroTech - Professional Aircraft Maintenance Training, Liberty University, PF Flyers, Wings Over Greenville,  Runway Cafe, Special Services Corporation, Trade-A-Plane, Eclipse Aerospace, Precision Hose Technologies, Inc.,  CTS International, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Daher-Socata, Champion Aerospace, Skytech, Tempest, Stevens Aviation, LandRover Carolinas, Premier Aircraft Sales, Diamond Aircraft, SWT Aviation Inc., Cubcrafters, Airwolf Aviation Services, 4 Paws Aviation, DTC Duats, Applied Technical Services, Inc., Camden/Donaldson/Greenville Jet Centers, Fractrade, Civil Air Patrol, Pilots N Paws,  Eastern Aviation Fuel - Shell Aviation, Eagle Aviation, SCAA, SC Aeronautics Commission, SC Aviation Safety Council, The FAA Flight Standards Districts Office, BMW Performance Driving School and Angel Flight have registered to exhibit in 2012!

The Southeast Aviation Expo will be held on September 28th and 29th at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU), which is located at 100 Tower Dr., Greenville, SC 29607.   More information can be found by visiting:  http://www.greenvilledowntownairport.com/SEAE.html and http://www.scaaonline.com/content/southeast-aviation-expo  It is open to the public.  Tickets are $5.  Children, and students with ids, can get in free.

"This event is like an industry trade show for people who work or have an interest in aviation but all are welcome,” Frasher said.  "The aviation community in the Southeast is very strong so we expect a large turnout.  We would like to encourage people to register to attend online at http://www.scaaonline.com/seaviationshow-registration. This will help us to have an idea of how many people to plan on and it will also get them admitted into the event quicker,” added Frasher.

SCAA's mission is to actively promote and encourage aviation and airport development to meet air transportation needs and assist the state in achieving economic development goals.  For more information about the event visit http://www.scaaonline.com/content/southeast-aviation-expo  , call 1 (877) FLY-SCAA (359- 7222) or email Katie@associationsplus.com .

AOPA's purpose is to protect the freedom to fly while keeping general aviation safe, fun, and affordable.   AOPA is the largest and most influential aviation organization in the world. AOPA membership has grown to more than 414,000; a number that represents more than two thirds of all certificated pilots in the United States. For more information about Craig Fuller and AOPA please visit http://www.aopa.org  and http://www.aopa.org/prez/events.html

GMU is the busiest general aviation airport in South Carolina and is a self-sufficient entity with financial strength that doesn't rely on local taxpayers for funding. GMU is home to Greenville Jet Center, the largest Fixed Base Operation (FBO) in S.C., as well as more than 25 other aviation-related businesses creating 453 jobs that annually contribute more than $35.2 million to the Upstate economy.  For more information about GMU please visit http://www.greenvilledowntownairport.com or contact Joe Frasher at864-242-4777 or joe@greenvilledowntownairport.com