For many pilots, the little yellow airplanes in front of AOPA’s big yellow tent at Sun ’n Fun were a shiny reminder of the well-worn aircraft they used for training years ago. For others, the beautifully refurbished Cessna 152s represented a chance to build new memories.
Many attendees who stopped by the AOPA campus at the Lakeland, Florida, fly-in to check out AOPA’s You Can Fly Sweepstakes airplane—and another Reimagined 152, refurbished by Aviat Aircraft—told AOPA staff about the hours they logged training, travelling, and instructing in the hardy two-seat aircraft—although, many observed, it didn’t look like this. The You Can Fly Sweepstakes Reimagined 152 has been updated from tip to tail, from the overhauled Lycoming O-235 to an eye-catching new paint job. The airframe may be decades old, but it looks and flies like new: AOPA showcased the aircraft to demonstrate that updating older aircraft may be one way to make flying more affordable and accessible.
Patrick Sniffen, vice president of marketing at Signature Flight Support in Orlando, stopped by every day at the show to check out the 152s with his 13-year-old son, Justin. He’s interested in giving Justin, who’s interested in engineering and remote-control aircraft and may fly as a pastime or career, access to an affordable aircraft. He likes the idea of low hourly and maintenance costs, he said, and the 152 is a great way to build hours. Sniffen knows some pilots at work who may be interested in forming a flying club, and he’s considering a Reimagined 152 for the club’s first aircraft. Of course, as a member, he’s entered to win the sweepstakes 152 at the end of the year. “I’m happy to take it,” he said. —Sarah Deener
