Flying Aviation Expo Opens in Sunny Palm Springs

A HondaJet on display Thursday at Flying Aviation Expo in Palm Springs. Stephen Pope
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The *Flying* Aviation Expo has commenced at its new venue, the Palm Springs International Airport in Southern California.
  • The event showcases over 30 general aviation airplanes, numerous educational seminars, and exhibits running through Saturday.
  • Key attractions include a keynote from the FAA's drone integration leader, a debate between aviation educators John King and Rod Machado, and a pancake breakfast featuring airshow stars.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Flying Aviation Expo officially welcomed attendees to a new show site for this year at the Palm Spring International Airport in Southern California.

More than 30 general aviation airplanes are on display today through Saturday amid dozens of educational seminars, exhibits inside the hangars at the airport and parties in the evenings at the Palm Springs Hilton and Palm Springs Air Museum.

Marke Gibson Flying Aviation Expo
The FAA’s Marke “Hoot” Gibson talks at the opening session about drone integration. Pia Bergqvist

The show kicked off with a keynote speech by Marke “Hoot” Gibson, a retired Air Force major general who is now leading the FAA’s drone integration strategy.

Highlights of the show will include a live debate between aviation educators John King and Rod Machado, who will debate the merits of the new Airman Certification Standards, and a pancake breakfast on Saturday where attendees can mingle with airshow stars Chuck Aaron, Sammy Mason, Judy Phelps and Tim Just.

FLYING Staff

FLYING Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE