Recreational Aviation to Get Spotlight at DeLand Showcase

The world of recreational flying—centered on light sport aircraft and the sport pilot certificate— will come together in Florida on November 11 to 13 for the DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase (DSAS), held at DeLand Municipal Airport (KDED).

Originally scheduled for late 2020, the show was pushed to January 2021, bowing to the pandemic before that show was also canceled.

Not knowing what the public health situation would be through the year, DSAS organizers set a new date for November 2021 and are now going forward with that show.

“We’re working tirelessly to provide a record event so that we can finish up 2021 with a win,” said DSAS administrator Jana Filip, “and [we’ll] pave a solid path for a better future for the sport aviation world as we make our way to 2022 … and much better times.”

Filip said the show will be following the recommendations of the City of DeLand regarding COVID-19 safety.

“We are going to open admissions early online so people do not have to wait in lines to buy tickets at the show, and [we] are making some site changes like spacing out chairs in the forums and at show center, spreading out lines at food vendors, and following the guidelines of the city, which says that masks should be worn when people cannot socially distance,” she said.

With a “clear focus” on recreational and sport aviation, the show “is preparing for a record number of exhibitors” featuring:

New this year will be STOL exhibitions, as many of the popular light sport makes and models offer exceptional short takeoff-and-landing performance. An opening day tribute to veterans on Veterans Day, November 11, has been added, with free admission for all veterans.

The show also gives the public a look at the DeLand Municipal Airport and the airport’s Sport Aviation Village, a commerce park for the sport aviation industry.

With a goal to be the center for sport aviation in the southeastern U.S., the airport is home to numerous aviation businesses, including:

Adult admission to the show is $20 for a one-day pass, and $40 for all three days, with youth 11-17 admission $10 for one day and $20 for three days.

Association discounts are available and kids 10 and under are free. Additionally, all students with ID will enjoy free admission on Saturday, November 13.