From my FAA newsletter today:
March Goes “Out Like a Lion” at Sun ’n Fun
If you didn’t already have a healthy respect for Mother Nature’s power, just have a chat with anyone who was at last week’s Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In and Expo. Nearly 70 aircraft and several exhibit areas were damaged when a destructive thunderstorm moved through the Lakeland, Fla., area late in the morning on Mar. 31. Thankfully there were only minor injuries reported, but the passing storm left many lamenting the loss of their precious winged assets while others scoured their aircraft meticulously for any damage.
Since few places are immune to occasional bad weather, early spring is a good time to review the basics of post-storm inspections. Storm damage caused by strong winds, hail, or flying debris is often obvious, but can also be insidious. When assessing storm damage on your aircraft, use your preflight checklist as a guide and thoroughly cover all areas. Look for structural damage around control hinges and inspect the aircraft skin for signs of dimpling or tearing. For more helpful tips on how to perfect your preflight and keep your aircraft safe before and after a storm, check out the FAA Safety Briefing articles “Hailstones, Hitches, and Hauling Wind” (Jul./Aug. 2010 issue) and “Going Beyond Preflight” (Mar./Apr. 2011 issue). Both articles are available at
FAA Safety Briefing.