Latest news with #Sun'nFunAerospaceExpo
Cision Canada
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
FROM SUN 'N FUN TO CLEAN SKIES ACROSS 14 DESTINATIONS: H55 WRAPS UP FLORIDA TOUR WITH 36 ELECTRIC DEMONSTRATION FLIGHTS AND ENGAGEMENTS AT 18 FLIGHT SCHOOLS
SION, Switzerland, May 6, 2025 /CNW/ -- H55, the pioneering electric aviation company and the technological spin-off of the Solar Impulse project, has successfully completed the first leg of its 8-state U.S. tour—making a powerful debut in Florida and demonstrating the promise of clean, quiet, and efficient flight. As part of its visionary Across USA Tour, H55 engaged flight schools, instructors, and industry leaders—showcasing the transformative potential of its certified electric propulsion system and accelerating market interest in the Bristell B23 Energic. With its all-electric Bristell B23 Energic aircraft, H55 completed 36 demonstration flights and hosted 12 open house events across 14 Florida airports. The company showcased its zero-emission electric propulsion technology to a wide range of audiences —including flight schools, aeronautical universities, aerospace professionals, professional pilots, aviation communities, airport authorities, and industry enthusiasts. Industry Momentum From a strong showing at the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo to final stops in Central Florida, the H55 Across USA Tour engaged: 14 Airport-to-airport flights 36 Demonstration flights 12 Static events 30 Certified Flight Instructors (CFI/CFII) Aeronautical and aviation Professors Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Liberty University, and Florida Institute of Technology 2 Aerospace experts 18 Flight schools 10 Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) The Energic aircraft's aerodynamic design offers smooth, responsive handling and a remarkably quiet cockpit. Powered by H55's intelligent battery systems, the aircraft provides compelling proof that electric propulsion is poised to transform general aviation, regional transport aircraft operations, and pilot training. "This Florida tour marks a turning point—flight schools, instructors, and the broader aviation community are embracing the shift to electric. The future of flight is quiet, efficient, and electric. Our time in Florida demonstrated the real-world readiness of H55's certified electric propulsion system and intelligent energy management, along with strong interest from flight educators in adopting cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective training solutions," said Kristen Jurn, H55 US Sales Manager. Voices from the Field: Flight Training and Innovation Experts React "The Bristell flies light on the stick—but the biggest difference is how quiet and smooth it is. The controls are responsive, even during taxi, and you can take your headset off mid-flight and carry on a conversation. From both a training and maintenance perspective, being able to bring the power to zero without riding the brakes is a big deal—brake replacements are among the most frequent maintenance issues." — Adam Valencic, Multi-Engine Instructor & President, First Landings Aviation "The overall handling was very nice, and the aircraft felt robust—even with baggage onboard and full communication with ATC. It's quiet, responsive, and a great fit for instructional programs. As technology advances, I see electric aircraft playing an increasingly important role in flight training." — Tiago Dikerts de Tella, Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University "The Bristell combined with H55's electric propulsion is a brilliant pairing. The quiet, smooth flight experience—from taxi to takeoff—was a real pleasure. This is the beginning of a new era that will revolutionize general aviation—and perhaps even commercial flight." — Scott Vangen, NASA (Ret.), Alternate Payload Specialist Astronaut, STS-67 A Proven Concept, Ready to Scale Gregory Blatt, Co-Founder and Across America Mission Director, said: "With Solar Impulse, we proved that clean aviation was possible — flying around the world without a single drop of fuel. Now with H55, we're taking that vision further, delivering certified electric propulsion systems that are scalable, and ready for real-world use. Electric flight is no longer a future concept— it's here, meeting the highest safety standards while reducing maintenance, lowering costs, and enabling cleaner, quieter, and more reliable operations. For flight schools, general aviation, and the future of air mobility, this is a turning point." Looking Ahead H55's certified electric propulsion and intelligent battery systems take center stage as the company continues its 5-month journey across seven more states. With the Florida segment complete, the B23 Energic will lead the next phase of the tour, inviting representatives from flight schools, fixed-base operators (FBOs), military bases, college aviation programs, local educators, aviation enthusiasts, and industry leaders to experience firsthand how electric aviation is transforming general aviation and flight training. Next up: Alabama and Arizona in May. Both states play key roles in aviation and aerospace, offering fertile ground for introducing sustainable flight technologies to training hubs and research institutions. H55's propulsion systems are ideally suited to meet the growing demand for quiet, efficient, and emissions-free solutions in these dynamic general aviation ecosystems. Tour Schedule: H55 Across USA Tour Florida –Sun 'n Fun & multi-city tour | April 12–28 Montgomery, Alabama – May 7–9 Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona – May 20–25 Las Vegas, Nevada – June 3–6 Palo Alto, California – June 15–22 Colorado Springs & Pueblo, Colorado – July 2–7 Oshkosh, Wisconsin (EAA AirVenture) – July 21–27 The Hamptons, New York – August 6–10 Join the H55 Across USA Tour, see where we're headed next, and explore videos, pilot testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content, visit / and follow us on social media @H55. ch for the latest updates and highlights. For more testimonials: Click here About H55 H55 is a Swiss-based company founded by the former Solar Impulse management team: André Borschberg, Sebastien Demont, and Gregory Blatt. Dedicated to revolutionizing the aviation industry, H55 provides certified electric propulsion and battery management systems tailored to a diverse range of aircraft, aiming to achieve sustainable air travel. H55 supplies certified electric propulsion systems with full airplane integration solutions for general aviation and regional transport aircraft. Through its pioneering legacy and commitment to certified solutions, H55's team of visionary engineers and aerospace experts are at the forefront of driving the aviation industry setting new standards and pushing the boundaries of electric aviation. H55 SA Route de l'Aéroport 10 1950 Sion Switzerland
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sun 'n Fun opens for 51st annual show in Lakeland
The Brief The 51st annual Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo officially opened at Lakeland Linder International Airport. The event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts to Lakeland over the next week. The expo is also about inspiring the next generation and generating careers in aviation. LAKELAND, Fla. - It's Opening Day at Sun 'n Fun! The 51st edition of the annual event will draw hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts to the Swan City over the next week. What they're saying Pivotal, a light aircraft manufacturer based in California, designed what they're calling the world's first electric vertical take-off and landing ultra-light aircraft. It's their first time at the 51st Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo at Lakeland Linder International Airport. RELATED:How Lakeland Linder Airport balances Sun 'n Fun, passengers and cargo service "We've got a number of flights we're doing, including at 7 p.m. and virtual reality we use for flight training, and we give people demos in our simulators," said Greg Kerr, Pivotal's director of product marketing. They're one of many companies in the "Future and Flight Plaza" showcasing the latest innovation and technology in aviation. "Wing Aviation is actually the leading commercial and drone delivery company in the United States," said Tom Kuhn, the head of communications at Wing Aviation. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube Need over-the-counter medication, groceries, or Door Dash meals right at your front door? Wing Aviation operates with Walmart and Door Dash out of Dallas-Fort Worth and makes hundreds of deliveries a day within six miles of a store. "In the areas we have been operating, people love it, and they find use for it and are ordering multiple times a week," said Kuhn. "Because it fits well in their day-to-day and how they operate, you'll see more and more of it as we're able to scale and be in more places." Dig deeper The expo is also about inspiring the next generation and generating careers in aviation. ATP Daytona's flight school in Jacksonville is one of the largest in the nation and specializes in people flying commercial airlines or private jets. READ:Plane passengers will soon scroll the internet for free after airline gets green light "From a personal level, I think flying is the coolest profession in the world and I wouldn't want to do anything else," said Graham Purvis, the managing flight instructor. "The fact that I can give my excitement and energy to someone else and have them pursue their dreams. A lot of people think I can't become a pilot – yes you can." For Pivotal, it's about sharing their passion and excitement, and showing guests what's possible. "These are sophisticated aircraft, and a lot of computing is involved," said Kerr. "That's a lot of what we'll see in the future. A lot of simplified control systems and all sorts of new configurations of aircraft and electric of course." Local perspective The event also features daily air shows, night air shows, an opening night concert and hands-on activities for kids. It is a major fundraiser for the Aerospace Center For Excellence, which involves the Youth Education Programs. More than 200,000 people from 50 countries are expected to attend and more than 1,000 airplanes are expected to fly in and out of Sun 'n Fun throughout the week. The event lasts until Sunday, April 6. The Source The information in this story was gathered from different companies at this year's Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
