Bling

As I write this, the annual Sun n Fun Fly-In is ongoing at the Lakeland (Fla.) Linder Regional Airport, less than two hours away from me by car. I spent opening day there and will be returning as soon as I put the finishing touches on this issue. Even sun, fun and airplanes must wait when deadlines approach. My full day on the show grounds was spent mostly shopping. Events like this are great opportunities to stock up on airplane consumables-I bought some spark plugs, hydraulic fluid and other odds and ends at great prices-as well as drool over the latest and greatest offerings from a wide range of vendors. Owning and operating an airplane is never for the faint of heart, and finding good deals on parts and supplies leaves more scarce cash laying around for important stuff like $5.50/gallon fuel and unscheduled maintenance.

Key Takeaways:

• The author observed opportunities to purchase essential aircraft consumables at good prices and was surprised by the current affordability of high-quality portable oxygen systems at the Sun n Fun Fly-In.
• The article critiques a "false economy" among some pilots who prioritize non-essential cockpit gadgets over critical safety equipment, such as oxygen systems, despite claiming high fuel costs prevent such purchases.
• Pilots are urged to prioritize fundamental flight safety essentials—like supplemental oxygen, current charts, and maintenance—over luxury "bling" and other non-essential accessories.

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