Ultralight Fliers Gather to Share Safe Practices, Learn About New Products at Illinois State Capital Event

By Carmelo Turdo

Ultralight fliers from throughout Illinois gathered at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield today to participate in a series of safety seminars and visit with exhibitors displaying the latest hardware and related services.  The event, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Springfield Flight Standards District Office and a host of industry partners, included safety seminars covering tail-wheel aircraft operation, weather, fuel management, engine operation and the Next Generation Air Transportation System.  Between seminars, attendees mingled with aviation product and service providers who form a strong support system for the ultralight aircraft pilot community.  Some of the exhibitors included:

ROTAX Independent Service Center of Lyons, WI

Example of a ROTAX engine

Lincoln Land Community College Aviation Maintenance Program

Lincoln Land Community College gas turbine

Aviation History Educational Center now under development

Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum in Cahokia, IL

Blackhawk Powered Paraglider models

Raptor Parasports Engage 1 Quad Paraglider law enforcement model

Bert Hampton tries a Trike on for size