Honda supports airshow

SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo, one of the largest airshows in the United States, is bringing together a distinctive group of passionate aviators April 5-10 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Fla.

This group includes unique pilots such as Ramona Cox (also known as “SkyChick”), who is one of the most respected female back-country adventure pilots and will be a lecturer at SUN ‘n FUN. SkyChick is well recognized for her solo air-camping explorations into remote wilderness areas for months at a time. Recently, SkyChick partnered with Honda Generators and was surprised to find out just how much they quietly support the aviation community.

“Few know that it was Honda that helped provide emergency power after the 2011 Tornado hit the field,” Cox said. “They supplied generators for various uses, including getting the SUN ‘n FUN radio station back up and running within eight minutes of power loss.

“I’ve always known that Honda had a great reputation for quality products, but I was surprised to find out how much Honda does behind the scenes to support the general aviation community and non-pilot attendees. One important void they fill is the opportunity for all attendees to charge their cell phones through Honda’s portable charging stations sprinkled throughout the airshow grounds and at the Honda Generator Display (LD-001). Considering that many cell phones won’t last an entire day, it’s a life-saver for those who need to stay in touch with work or family.”

Other benefactors of Honda’s generosity include the Flying Musicians, Cessna and Mooney Pilots Assn’s and the Recreational Aviation Foundation for whom Honda supplies portable generators at various airshow events to power their instruments, projectors, speakers, cooking and other equipment, which in turn, provides entertainment for the pilots and the general public.

“As a longtime air-camping lecturer, I was excited when Honda approached me to partner with them after attending one of my lectures,” Cox added. “I was touting the virtues of a generator over solar power for air-camping. Air-camping is an incredibly unique form of camping, with no access to power, electricity, or phone service. Partnering with Honda has allowed me to educate many more pilots regarding back-country flying and the importance of packing the proper gear for these extreme wilderness areas.”

Honda also sponsors the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, a crowd favorite, which performs at dozens of airshows throughout the country. Since approaching SkyChick, Honda has provided a space at EAA AirVenture, where Cox parks her airplane and shares a real-life air-camping display, showcasing the latest in gear for air-camping, which has size and weight constraints based on the aircraft size. “It’s all about safety, and Honda Power Equipment greatly helps me spread the word,” Cox said.

A behind-the-scenes aviation hero for many in the pilot community, Honda continues to promote aviation and education through its widespread support of pilots like Cox, who will be giving two Powerpoint presentations at the SUN ‘n FUN airshow:

• “Air-Camping Gear Essentials,” Wednesday, April 6, at 11 a.m. in room CFAA-5
• “Skychick’s Back-Country Flying Adventures,” on Thursday, April 7, at noon in room CFAA-5

For more information about SUN ‘n FUN, visit www.sun-n-fun.org.