Stuart Air Show named one of ten best in country

In announcing the Stuart Air Show as one of the USA Today 10 Best Air Shows in the country, the publication said “The Stuart Air Show is a three-day event in the Treasure Coast area of Florida. Helicopter rides in famous historic vehicles are available for purchase and thrilling performances by nationally-known aerobatic groups fill the skies over Stuart. Visitors can also enjoy static exhibits of a number of impressive aircraft.”

Now everyone knows about the gem of an air show that’s taken place at Witham Field for 34 years, thrilling attendees of all ages.

This year’s show is scheduled for the weekend of November 10-12 and will offer the best-loved features of previous years as well as exciting new additions.

Dewey Vinaya, President of the Stuart Air Show said, “Thanks to our amazing staff and the best volunteers on the Treasure Coast. I can tell you that this year’s show will be the biggest and best ever. And now that the whole country knows about us, we’re expecting record-breaking attendance. You won’t want to miss it.” Ticket sales are live June 1.

To keep up-to-date on news of the Stuart Air Show, visit www.stuartairshow.com.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

May. 25, 2023|

Stuart Air Show: Supporting community nonprofits

Clark Advanced Learning Center - Inez van Ravenzwaaij, SAS executive director, Cindy Groover, SAS treasurer, Delaney Dyer, Leslie Judd, Clark Advanced Learning Center principal and SAS volunteer leader, Sienna Perez, Isabella Buchanan and Dewey Vinaya, SAS president

The Stuart Air Show is more than a weekend of sleek planes, daring pilots, exciting exhibits and top-tier vendors, it’s also an organization dedicated to giving back.

Since the Show is also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, once it is over and the airport returns to normal operations the board of directors meets to allocate a portion of the proceeds raised by the Air Show to area organizations and charities that are equally mission-minded. Since the pandemic, more than $90,000 to area non-profits has been awarded.

Inez van Ravenzwaaij, Executive Director of the Stuart Air Show, shares that thanks to the 2022 Air Show and Salute to Stuart held earlier in the year, more than $43,000 in funds and $17,000 in-kind were donated.

Some of the organizations that benefited from this these donations were:

Boy Scouts of America Troops 499 and 422
Buffalo Soldiers
Civil Air Patrol
Clark Advanced Learning Center
EAA Chapter 692
Humane Society of the Treasure Coast
Martin Country High School Air Force JROTC
Martin County robotics program SPAM
Road to Victory Military Museum
St. Lucie West Centennial Highschool Navy JROTC
Special Olympics of Martin County
Southeast Florida Honor Flight
Soroptimist of Stuart
Stuart Police Explorers
Treasure Coast Highschool Air Force JROTC
U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
United Way of Martin County
YMCA

Honorees reflect the Air Show’s mission of honoring the past while inspiring the younger generation to look up into the blue skies and imagine all the possibilities.

The date for the 2023 edition of the Stuart Air Show has been set for November 10-12, 2023. To learn more, visit www.stuartairshow.com.

Mar. 2, 2023|

Stuart Air Show offices return to Stuart

Stuart Air Show board members Glenn Rivers, Doug Davis, Cindy Groover, Dewey Vinaya, Renee Allen, Rich Vaaler, Brett Rhodes (missing Lee Potter and Ben Hogarth)

On the heels of a very successful Stuart Air Show last November the administrative offices of the organization have moved back to Stuart.

“It is very exciting to be back in Stuart,” says executive director, Inez van Ravenzwaaij. “Being less than a less than a couple of miles from Historic Witham Field, where the annual airshow is hosted feels like a homecoming for everyone involved. And of course, this will also be very convenient as we get closer to the main event”.

The date for the 2023 edition of the Stuart Air Show has been set for November 10-12, 2023, and tickets are scheduled to go on sale in early May. To learn more, visit www.stuartairshow.com, or to inquire about sponsorships please reach out to the Executive Director at [email protected].

The new office address is:

2440 SE Federal Hwy, Suite 600, Stuart, FL, 34994

For more than 30 years, the Stuart Air Show a non-profit 501 (C)(3) organization has dedicated itself to honoring the history of American aviation and veterans, and inspiring future generations. Attracting tens of thousands every year, the organization partners with schools and youth service agencies to offer STEM programing to hundreds of schoolchildren.

The Show is also proud to partner with equally mission-minded nonprofits such as EAA Chapter 692, Southeast Florida Honor Flight, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, the United Way of Martin County and dozens of others to provide fundraising opportunities.

Feb. 23, 2023|

Piper Aircraft sees steady growth in 2022

Piper Aircraft

Vero Beach-based Piper Aircraft Inc. has announced a 15% increase in aircraft deliveries in 2022 over 2021. In addition, Piper incorporated innovative updates to their flagship aircraft, the M600/SLS, and provided support to more than 25 philanthropic organizations that best embody the company’s values and mission. In 2023, Piper continues to see backlog for the M-Class lineup deep into 2024 and trainer aircraft reaching into 2025 and beyond.

The M-Class product line includes the turbocharged and pressurized piston M350, the entry-level M500 turboprop, and the M600/SLS, featuring the HALO Safety System with Garmin Autoland. In total, 69 M-Class aircraft were delivered over the course of the year. This includes 19 M350s, 9 M500s, and 41 M600/SLSs, 43 of which were delivered domestically and 26 internationally.

In the trainer lineup—including the diverse Archer family (Archer DX, DLX, LX, and TX), the value-priced Pilot 100i, and the multi-engine Seminole—Piper delivered 167 total aircraft, with 150 delivered domestically and 17 internationally. Piper saw existing flight school customers grow their fleet, such as ATP Flight School, Spartan College, and American Flyers, as well as welcomed new customers to the Piper Flight School Alliance, including Thrust Flight and Fly Gateway.

“Growth in our two primary aircraft markets is of paramount importance to Piper Aircraft,” said Piper President and Chief Executive Officer John Calcagno. “Despite the supply chain and labor challenges our industry faced this year, we were still able to deliver our aircraft as promised, create valuable enhancements across our product lineup, and pass these improvements to our Piper dealer partner network and retail customers.”

Product highlights included the M600/SLS receiving FAA approval on a Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL), defining an easier pathway to enter the aircraft into Part 135 charter service. The M600/SLS also gained unpaved field approval in Q4 of 2022, expanding the value of an already capable aircraft. Together with these improvements, Piper Aircraft announced their collaboration with CAE to engineer an electric PA-28-181 Archer Supplemental Type Certificate.

Looking into 2023, Piper will be first to market with exciting new innovations in G3000 software on the M600/SLS, which were previewed at NBAA-BACE in Orlando, FL at the end of 2022. Piper also recently announced the integration of an Agile Manufacturing Robot to the PA-46 production line to elevate efficiency and safety throughout the Piper factory in Vero Beach, FL.

In addition to meeting the demands of the 2022 delivery schedule, Piper Aircraft saw success in other elements of the year, focused on our customers and the community. One of these efforts was the inclusion of two new flight schools to the highly successful Piper Brand Ambassador program, the L3 Harris Flight Academy, and long-standing Piper fleet customer, North Star Aviation of Minnesota State University at Mankato. Piper also presented six aviation-focused college scholarships to students in 2022, and will add three more scholarships for local high school students this year.

About the Piper M600/SLS

The Piper M600/SLS with HALO Safety System is the first general aviation aircraft certified with Garmin Autoland. The revolutionary system supports digital technology that safely lands the aircraft at the nearest suitable airport in the event that the pilot is incapacitated. Additionally, the Garmin G3000 avionics suite includes Autothrottle, Autoland, Emergency Descent Mode, Electronic Stability Protection, Surface Watch, and SafeTaxi, all of which are designed to enhance safe operation of the aircraft. Beyond the flight deck, the six-seat M600/SLS is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A 600 SHP engine. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 274 ktas/507 km/h, a max range of 1,658 nm/2,748 km, and a standard useful load of 2,400 lbs/1,089 kg.

About Piper Aircraft, Inc.

Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, FL, offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series–the M600/SLS, M500, and M350–offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. To learn more about Piper Aircraft, visit the company’s website at www.piper.com.

Feb. 23, 2023|

33rd annual Stuart Air Show taking place Nov. 11-13

33^rd annual Stuart Air Show taking place Nov. 11-13

Celebrating aviation and the 75th anniversary of the US Air Force the 33^rd annual Stuart Air Show promises thrilling, gravity-defying, jaw-dropping, and award-winning military and civilian aircraft and performers Nov. 11-13 at historic Witham Field.

With record breaking attendance reported at airshows across the country, please find important information to help you build engaging and informative content packages for your audiences whether in print, television, radio, digital or omni-channel.

Schedule of events:

Wednesday, Nov. 9 - Friday, Nov. 11.: Aircraft will start arriving at historic Witham Field Wednesday
Thursday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: STEM EXPO with 10-12 grade appropriate stations for schools to explore exciting opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. More than 25 schools and 690 students registered for this unique educational experience.
Friday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.: Annual Veterans Day Parade and fly over
Friday, Nov. 11, 11:30 a.m.: Practice
Friday, Nov. 11, 5 p.m.: Gates open for Twilight & Firework Show, with concert by the Rotorheads and the TD Bank Dirty Flight Suit Party
Saturday, Nov. 12 & Sunday, Nov. 13:

o Gates open at 9 a.m.

o Ground attractions and displays all day including static aircraft, exciting simulators, Kids Zone, dozens of novelty and community vendors, concessions, and much more

o Aerobatic portion of the day starts at 11:30 a.m. with opening ceremony and the All-Veteran Group jumping into the show with the American and POW flags.

o Performances end approximately 4:30 p.m.

Media interviews with performers and key personnel or volunteers, rides and photo or video opportunities available upon request throughout the week.
To request media credentials please to go https://stuartairshow.com/media-credentials

PERFORMER HIGHLIGHTS:

US Air Force F-16 Demonstration Team "Viper" with Capt. Aimee “Rebel” Fieldler

Rebel has punched the ceiling by being one of only a few female demonstration pilots
US Air Force A-10 Demonstration Team "Warthog" with Major Haden “Gator” Fullam
After eight years coming to the Stuart Air Show, this will be Gator’s last airshow as he will be retiring after the show
US Air Force Heritage Flight, 25th Anniversary featuring the F-16, A-10 and a P-51

o A three to four ship formation with multiple generations a USAF warbirds and fighter jets, a stirring tribute to the US Air Force.

A twin ship P-51 Team featuring "Mad Max" and "Little Witch"
US Navy F-18 Demonstration Team "Rhino" with Lt. Ryan “Peaches” Garcia

o Unlike the F-16 which will be staged and flown from another airport, the F-18 will be staged at Witham Field. In addition to the demonstration, there will be two other F-18 on the airfield as static displays and a F-18 simulator experience.

US Navy Legacy Flight featuring Jim "Torc" Tobul and his beautifully restored Corsair

o In honor of those served this touching tribute will feature the F-18 and the F4U-4 Corsair and will also perform the Missing Man

Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, a precision multi-ship T-6 formation team

o Founded in 1987, one of the most successful aerobatic performance teams, for nearly 40 years thrilling crowd with their precision and beauty

Rob Holland, an international award-winning aerobatic "athlete" who defies gravity with every flight

o Fresh from his 11^th consecutive National Aerobatic Champion title, Holland promises the most thrilling of performance of the show

Kevin Coleman with his high-performance Extra 300 in striking Red Bull colors
Qyon Aerosports, jet demonstration in the L-39 Albatross
Younkin Airshows returns with the meticulously restored 1943 Twin Beech 18
Vertigo Airshows, Bob Carlton performs an aerobatic ballet in a jet sailplane named Salto
Friends of Army Aviation bring open door helicopter rides over the intercoastal in a Huey UH1
All Veteran Group Parachute Team and Round Canopy Parachute Team- USA

GROUND HIGHLIGHTS:

AFTERSHOCK Jet Fire Truck (also performing during the airshow)
DreamBig Entertainment, a "Top Gun" themed cockpit experience
Static aircraft, including; two F-18s, a C-17 Globemaster with expanded aeromedical capabilities, the C-130 Hercules, and the E-9A airborne sea surveillance platform
Vietnam reenactment hosted by Road to Victory Military Museum and partners
Military displays and encampments
Dozens of exhibitors, vendors, and concessions

Each year the Stuart Air show donates tens of thousands of dollars to area charities as well as service programs for children and Veterans. With more than 24 groups volunteering at the show, the airshow becomes an important platform for these groups to raise awareness as well as funds.

Media interviews, rides and photo or video opportunities available upon request throughout the week.

To request media credentials please to go https://stuartairshow.com/media-credentials

For information on times, ticket prices, the latest information on performers, rides, attractions, upgrades, and frequently asked questions visit www.stuartairshow.com.

About the Stuart Air Show

The Stuart Air Show is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization. For more than 30 years, it has been dedicated to honoring the history of American aviation and veterans. Each year the air show attracts tens of thousands of attendees and partners with schools and children's service agencies to offer STEM and other educational opportunities to hundreds of school-age children. The Stuart Air Show also partners with like-minded mission nonprofits such as EAA Chapter 692, Southeast Florida Honor Flight, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, as well as providing fundraising opportunities for dozens of other Martin County-based charities.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Nov. 7, 2022|

Stuart Air Show set for weekend of Nov. 12-13

Photo provided by Matt Haskell | F16 Fighter Jet

Who doesn’t love the thrill of seeing sleek planes and breathtaking pilot demonstrations?

Luckily, the Stuart Air Show, the biggest event on the Treasure Coast, is headed back to Witham Field the weekend of Nov. 12-13, 2022.

The theme of this year’s show is “Celebrating Aviation: Honoring its Past and Inspiring its Future.”

Nov.10 is a special event for local students. Hundreds of area school children will be hosted at a STEM programming day and will meet pilots, air crews, meteorologists and others in the science, aviation and public safety industries.

This is the first time the Stuart Air Show has planned such an exciting and inspiring day and everyone is anticipating it with great excitement. More details will be available soon.

Nov. 12 and 13 are actual show days, with gates opening at 9 a.m. for displays, vendors and children’s activities. The Air Show takes place on both days from approximately 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (Times are tentative.)

There will be many dynamic ticket options available so no matter what your budget or what size your family, the Stuart Air Show has you covered.

Purchasing early and online is the best way to save. Individual tickets are $20 per person through Aug. 31, $25 per person Sept. 1-30 and $30 per person Oct. 1-Nov.11 and $35 per person at the gate.

Kids aged six-12 are $5 each and five and under are free.

Veteran/Military tickets are $5 per person (proof of military service will be checked at the gate)

There are lots of exciting upgrade ticket packages too: Dirty Flight Suit Party, Flight Line Club, spectator seating, premium parking and more. There are a limited number available for each, so don’t wait to check the details at www.stuartairshow.com/tickets and purchase yours.

The Stuart Air Show highlights the importance of aviation and the service of veterans. It also provides scores of opportunities for schools and school-age children to learn about aviation, American history and the Armed Forces.

It is a safe, family-friendly entertainment experience that generates financial support for benefiting non-profit organizations. The Stuart Air Show features thrilling performances by nationally-known performers, as well as interesting and historical stationary displays of aircraft and vehicles.

To learn more about the Stuart Air Show, how you can volunteer or be a sponsor, visit www.stuartairshow.com.

Aug. 25, 2022|

Airshow announces new executive director

The Stuart Air Show announced the appointment of Inez van Ravenzwaaij to the position of executive director. The news comes immediately after the organization scored a massive success with its Top Gun-themed Salute to Stuart pre-air show event, which took place on June 25.

Van Ravenzwaaij is a longtime air show fan and volunteer. She has 30-plus years of marketing and event experience, including managing super-car and air shows, grand openings, galas, and more.

After gaining experience with events like Surprise in the Skies for the twentieth anniversary of Walt Disney World, the Countdown to the Magic promotional European tour for the opening of Euro Disney, and Wings & Wheels in Fort Pierce, she's the recipient of numerous awards from the International Council of Airshow and the International Festival & Event Association.

Adding to her dynamic resume, Van Ravenzwaaij was a marketing manager for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers/TCPalm, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, and, most recently, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County. But her enthusiasm for air shows, aviation, and veterans has never waned, and she's been an active community volunteer and a founding member of Southeast Florida Honor Flight, with which she has accompanied WWII veterans on more than 14 flights.

"We're delighted that Inez agreed to join our air show team," says Doug Davis, Stuart Airshow Board President. "Her extensive marketing and event experience, combined with her deep roots in the community and her passion for all things aviation, will bring invaluable perspectives in guiding the organization through its next stage of development and growth."

Van Ravenzwaaij added, "I am honored to be invited to join the team and be a part of the largest event on the Treasure Coast that brings so much pride to the community. I can't wait to get started and make the community even prouder of it and of all that it stands for – honoring the past while inspiring the younger generation to look up into the blue skies and imagine all the possibilities."

Plans for the 2022 Stuart Air Show on November 11-13 are well underway, and commitments from several U.S. military jet teams and nationally recognized aerobatic performers have already been received. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.stuartairshow.com.

The Stuart Air Show, a nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to honoring the history of American aviation and veterans for more than 30 years. Each year the air show attracts tens of thousands of attendees and partners with schools and children's service agencies to offer STEM and other educational opportunities to hundreds of school-age children. The Stuart Air Show also partners with like-minded mission nonprofits such as EAA Chapter 692, Southeast Florida Honor Flight, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, as well as providing fundraising opportunities for dozens of other Martin County-based charities.

Jul. 14, 2022|

Inter American University of Puerto Rico Places Order for Piper Seminole During Sun-n-Fun Aerospace Expo

Piper Aircraft has announced an order for a Piper Seminole twin-engine trainer from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico. This order marks the first new Piper Seminole to be sold into Puerto Rico in more than 20 years. The order was received on the fourth day of the Sun-n-Fun Aerospace Expo 2022. The Inter American University of Puerto Rico will take delivery of their first new Seminole in the first quarter of 2023, which will join their Piper fleet of eight Archers, one Seminole, and one Arrow.

The Airway Science Programs of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico started at the Metropolitan Campus in 1985 and then moved to the Bayamón Campus in 1992 and today the School of Aeronautics offers the following Airway Science baccalaureate degrees:

Aircraft Systems Management (Professional Pilot),
Aviation Sciences Management

Both programs are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

The Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Aeronautics is the only collegiate institution in the Caribbean to offer bachelor’s degrees in two areas of Airway Sciences.

“We are extremely excited to work with the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and support their flight program with advanced training equipment. The pilot training curriculum offered by Inter American University of Puerto Rico combined with the Garmin G1000 NXi equipped Piper Seminole will further strengthen their stellar reputation for providing well-trained pilots who are prepared for the demands of the aviation industry. We look forward to delivering their new Seminole next year”, said Dan Lewis, Manager, Regional Sales for Latin America.

About Piper Aircraft, Inc.

Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M600SLS, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individual’s elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100/100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, Seminole and Seneca V aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. To learn more about Piper Aircraft, visit the company’s website at piper.com

Apr. 11, 2022|

Company increases flight service to Newark from Vero Beach

VERO BEACH – Elite Airways LLC has increased nonstop jet service between Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from three times per week to four times per week on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Mondays starting in November.

Additional daily nonstop flights have been added during the week of Thanksgiving and […]

Sep. 20, 2016|

M600 receives certification from FAA

VERO BEACH – Piper Aircraft’s newest flagship, the Piper M600, has now received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

On behalf of the FAA the type certificate was presented to Piper Aircraft President and CEO, Simon Caldecott by Piper’s FAA ODA Administrator Eric Wright in front of more than 700 guests, including community […]

Jun. 27, 2016|

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