Alain Aguayo wins at Sebring, raising the Dominican flag in U.S. aerobatic competition

The Santo Domingo–born pilot claimed first place in the Advanced category at the 90th Sebring Aerobatic Contest, continuing a legacy of Dominican excellence above the flight box.

Por el equipo de FlyDominicanRepublic.com Fotos cortesia de @aguayoaerosports ·  Sebring, Florida  ·  Abril 24–25, 2026

Alain Aguayo, the aerobatic pilot born and raised in Santo Domingo, claimed first place in the Advanced category at the 90th Sebring Aerobatic Contest, held April 24–25, 2026, at Sebring Regional Airport in Florida. The victory adds another highlight to an already distinguished career and cements his standing as one of the most accomplished aviators to emerge from the Dominican Republic.

Aguayo, who flies various planes including the Winning MX2 in the Advanced category of the International Aerobatic Club (IAC), demonstrated the precision and discipline that have defined his competitive flying since he first entered the contest circuit in 2010. Sebring is one of the oldest and most respected stops on the IAC Southeast regional calendar, and the 90th edition drew a competitive field of Advanced, Sportsman, Intermediate, and Primary pilots from across the United States.

“He is the product of Dominican determination and American-trained precision — a combination that, above a contest box, is nearly impossible to beat.”

Born in the Dominican capital and raised with aviation woven into his ambitions, Aguayo moved to Florida in 2006 to study at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science and later a second degree in Aerospace and Occupational Safety. He discovered aerobatics in 2009, and within a year he was competing. He would go on to serve as a full-time instructor pilot at Embry-Riddle for six years, managing the university’s Upset Recovery Program — a role that sharpened both his flying and his teaching to a professional edge.

His résumé reads like a catalog of dedication: more than 5,000 flight hours across over 60 aircraft types, ratings spanning aerobatic monoplanes to business jets, and a history as a member of the U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team. Through his organization Aguayo Aerosports, he has also worked to make the world of upset prevention and competition aerobatics more accessible to the broader aviation community.

The Sebring contest, directed by Michael Cappiello of IAC Chapter 23, is one of the most anticipated events on the IAC Southeast regional series. For Aguayo, it represents familiar ground — he has competed at Sebring multiple times over the years, and the flight box at Sebring Regional Airport is well-known territory. This latest win adds to a Southeast regional legacy that has seen him consistently challenge for the top of the Advanced standings.

For the Dominican aviation community, Aguayo’s continued success at the highest levels of U.S. aerobatics is a source of pride and inspiration. He represents something increasingly rare: a pilot who carries the Dominican flag not into commercial aviation, but into the demanding, technical, and artistic world of competitive precision flying. Every snap roll, hammerhead, and outside loop scored by the judges is one more statement that the island’s skies produce world-class aviators.

A Stage Built for the Right Audience

At the expo, the DA operated a dedicated exhibition space that served as a natural gathering point for pilots, aircraft operators, and aviation enthusiasts curious about what the Dominican Republic has to offer. The booth gave the delegation direct access to exactly the audience they came to reach — active general aviation pilots from the United States and beyond who are already thinking about their next international flight.

The central message throughout the event was clear and consistent: “Dominican Republic is Friendly for Pilots.” The delegation highlighted the country’s favorable operating conditions, its network of accessible airports, its fee exemption policy for qualifying private aircraft, and the Dominican government’s long-term commitment to growing the general aviation sector.

This participation was made possible with the support of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism, whose backing strengthens the country’s international promotional reach and reinforces the DR’s positioning as a leading aeronautical tourism destination.

Beyond the Booth — Technical Exchanges and Institutional Visits

The DR’s presence at SUN ‘n FUN extended well beyond the exhibition floor. The delegation engaged in technical exchanges, institutional visits, and strategic meetings that allowed the Airport Department to benchmark against international best practices and explore innovations relevant to Dominican aviation development.

Among the highlights was a technical visit to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit in Orlando, where Dominican pilot and unit member Fenris Plácido led the delegation through an advanced aerial operations facility — an exchange that illustrated both the DR’s openness to learning from global peers and the reach of Dominican aviation talent on the international stage.

Why SUN ‘n FUN Matters for Dominican Aviation

SUN ‘n FUN is not a trade show in the traditional sense — it’s a gathering of the general aviation community. The pilots who walk those grounds in Lakeland are the same pilots who plan fly-ins to the Caribbean, who share destination reviews in pilot communities, and who influence where hundreds of their fellow aviators choose to fly. For the Dominican Republic, having a physical presence at this event is one of the most direct and cost-effective ways to reach that audience at scale.

The DR’s track record is becoming its best marketing tool. In 2025, the country recorded nearly 19,000 general aviation operations. By April 2026, that number was already on pace to surpass previous years, with 3,882 operations logged in just the first months of the year — generating an estimated $400 million annually for the Dominican economy through private jets, executive aviation, and aeronautical tourism.

A Commitment That Goes Beyond the Expo

With this year’s participation concluded, the Airport Department reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and expanding the initiatives that have made the DR a competitive force in Caribbean aviation. International events like SUN ‘n FUN are not isolated moments — they are part of a broader, consistent strategy to grow the sector sustainably and position the Dominican Republic as a true regional reference point for general aviation.

For pilots planning their next Caribbean flight, the message from Lakeland was simple: the Dominican Republic is ready, open, and worth the crossing.

— Communications Department, Dominican Republic Airport Department

Orlando, Florida — On the sidelines of the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo 2026, a delegation from the Dominican Republic Airport Department (DA) conducted a technical visit to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit in Orlando, gaining firsthand exposure to one of the most advanced law enforcement aerial operations in the United States.

The visit was led by Captain Fenris Plácido, a Dominican pilot who has been an integral part of the Sheriff’s specialized air unit for several years. Plácido emigrated to the United States in the 1980s and has built a distinguished career in law enforcement aviation — a trajectory that stands as a testament to the reach and quality of Dominican aviation talent on the international stage.

Advanced Aerial Technology on Display

During the tour, the DA delegation was briefed on the unit’s full operational capabilities, with a particular focus on its state-of-the-art aerial surveillance systems. Among the highlights were high-precision camera platforms valued at approximately $600,000, capable of delivering comprehensive real-time visualization of urban areas during critical incidents.

The delegation also observed the unit’s latest-generation helicopter fleet and the operational protocols deployed in response to emergency calls — a model that stood out for its speed, coordination, and overall efficiency.

Strengthening Dominican Aviation Through International Exchange

For the Dominican Airport Department, visits like this one — made possible through international aviation events such as SUN ‘n FUN — represent a key channel for benchmarking global best practices and exploring technologies applicable to aviation development in the Dominican Republic.

The exchange also reinforces a broader institutional goal: recognizing and amplifying the contributions of Dominican aviation professionals abroad, and using their achievements as a catalyst for training, growth, and advancement in the national aeronautical sector.

— Communications Department, Dominican Republic Airport Department

Both aircraft, serving as Daher’s official customer demonstrator airplanes, feature the company’s custom “Tehuano” livery — named after the powerful mountain wind in southern Mexico. Visitors can find them at Daher Aircraft’s exhibit stand #MD022-B during the event (April 14–19, 2026).

flyer.co.uk

Daher unveils TBM 980 with Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics : : FLYER

Photo: Daher TBM 980 demonstrator showcasing its advanced design (similar to the Tehuano-liveried aircraft that will appear at SUN ’n FUN 2026)

Daher’s Complementary Turboprop Product Lines

The TBM 980 and Kodiak 100 Series III highlight Daher Aircraft’s two in-production turboprop families:

• TBM 980 and TBM 960 — high-speed, pressurized six-seat aircraft built in Tarbes, France
• Kodiak 100 Series III and Kodiak 900 — rugged, versatile unpressurized aircraft produced in Sandpoint, Idaho, USA

TBM 980: Next-Generation Avionics and Enhanced Passenger Comfort

The Daher TBM 980 reinforces the company’s leadership in the single-engine turboprop segment. Unveiled in January 2026 at Daher’s Tarbes headquarters, the aircraft has already achieved strong commercial success, with production slots available in 2027 and 10 units delivered to the U.S. market.

Living up to its “Fly Differently” philosophy, the TBM 980 introduces Garmin’s third-generation G3000 PRIME avionics suite. Key highlights include:

• Three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays with improved processing power, ergonomics, and image quality
• Customizable presets and a streamlined interface that significantly reduce pilot workload
• Cabin upgrades such as 100-watt USB-C charging ports, an upgraded passenger display with enroute flight data, and factory-installed support for Starlink Mini satellite internet connectivity

The TBM 980 is the sixth model in the TBM 900-series since Daher acquired the product line in 2014.

businessjetinteriorsinternational.com

TBM 980 unveiled with enhanced avionics and cabin | Business Jet Interiors

Photo: TBM 980 cockpit with Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics – three large touchscreen displays for intuitive piloting

Kodiak 100 Series III: Proven Versatility in Demanding Environments

The Kodiak 100 Series III on display comes directly from Daher’s Sandpoint final assembly line. Renowned for its short-field performance and reliability, the Kodiak family excels in challenging operations worldwide — from humanitarian missions and multi-mission support to corporate transport and private ownership.

Since acquiring the Kodiak program in 2019, Daher has invested heavily in the U.S. facility to enhance production of both the Kodiak 100 Series III and the larger Kodiak 900.

flightlinegroup.com

2025 Daher Kodiak 100 Series III | FGI Flightline Group

Photo: Daher Kodiak 100 Series III on the ramp – rugged and versatile turboprop

daher.com

Daher

Photo: Kodiak 100 Series III in flight, demonstrating its multi-mission capabilities

SUN ’n FUN 2026 Press Conference and Digital Innovation Launch

Daher Aircraft will kick off its participation with a press conference on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at stand #MD022-B. Led by CEO Nicolas Chabbert, the briefing will cover the latest updates on the TBM and Kodiak product lines.

The event will also mark the official introduction of the new “Me & My Kodiak” cloud-based application, expanding Daher’s connected aircraft ecosystem. Attendees will see the latest V8 version of the popular “Me & My TBM” app, which has been advancing the user experience since its launch in 2018.

Additionally, Daher will provide an update on the construction of its new North American final assembly line (FAL) in Stuart, Florida. The co-located TBM/Kodiak facility is on track for a 2027 startup and is already creating jobs, with open positions including Director of Operations – Aerospace Manufacturing, Procurement Buyer Analyst, and Manufacturing Engineer – Product Development.

This year’s theme, “Red, White & Blue at 52”, celebrates America’s upcoming 250th anniversary with a patriotic flair, featuring impressive military demonstrations and a spectacular lineup of performers.

flysnf.org

lfs.aero

What to Expect at SUN ‘n Fun 2026

The week-long expo transforms Lakeland into an aviation paradise. Attendees can explore:

• Massive static displays of civilian, experimental, and military aircraft.
• Daily airshows packed with aerobatic stunts, warbirds, and high-speed demonstrations.
• Hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest in general aviation, drones, and aerospace technology.
• Workshops, forums, and the popular Future ‘n Flight area for kids and aspiring pilots.
• Evening entertainment, including a special Opening Night Concert on April 14 featuring country artists Cooper Alan and Thomas Mac.

A major highlight is the brand-new Composite Airshow on Wednesday, April 15 (5:00 PM – 9:15 PM), which blends daytime flying with sunset and night performances for a unique experience.

visitcentralflorida.org

SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo – Florida Airshow – Visit Central Florida

2026 Airshow Highlights and Schedule

The official airshow schedule promises nonstop excitement:

• Tuesday, April 14: Afternoon airshow (1:00 PM – 5:30 PM) with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performing circle and arrival maneuvers.
• Wednesday, April 15: Composite Airshow (day + night acts).
• Thursday to Sunday: Daily afternoon shows featuring the F-22 Raptor Demo Team, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, C-17 Globemaster III, historic warbirds, and top civilian aerobatic pilots.
• Saturday, April 18: Evening night airshow with illuminated routines and pyrotechnics — a crowd favorite!

Military participation adds extra thrill, with precision formations and powerful jet demonstrations lighting up the Florida skies.

flysnf.org

Static Displays – SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo

Video Highlights from Recent Sun ‘n Fun Events

To get a taste of the energy, check out these exciting videos from previous years:

• Full guided tour and highlights from Sun ‘n Fun 2025: Watch the aircraft displays, airshow action, and vibrant atmosphere → YouTube Video
• Another dynamic recap of the 2025 event: Great overview of the fly-in and expo vibe → YouTube Video
• Airshow playlist with multiple performances: Relive the best flying moments → YouTube Playlist

Photo Gallery: Scenes from SUN ‘n Fun

Here are some stunning visuals that capture the spirit of the event:

hernandosun.com

Sun ‘N Fun 2025 Wraps Up in Lakeland with High-Flying Memories – Hernando Sun

(Images above show the bustling crowds, iconic aircraft like the F-35 and Blue Angels-style formations, and the famous SUN ‘n FUN entrance sign.)

For more official photos and updates, visit the event’s media resources or Instagram page (@flysnf).

Plan Your Visit

• Official Website: https://flysnf.org/ — Buy tickets, check the full daily schedule, and download maps.
• Tickets: Available now via the official portal (general admission, military discounts, and youth rates offered).
• Location: Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL), Lakeland, Florida.
• Pro Tip: Book accommodations early, as the area fills up quickly. Fly-in pilots should review the official NOTAM for arrival procedures.

Whether you’re a seasoned pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or just looking for a fun family outing, SUN ‘n Fun 2026 delivers an unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect way to kick off spring with adrenaline, inspiration, and a deep dive into the world of flight.

Ready to join the excitement? Head to the official site and start planning today!

WHEN: Tuesday, April 14 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Daher Aircraft’s exhibit stand, Booth #MD-022B

WHO:

– Nicolas Chabbert, Daher Aircraft CEO;

– Marie Souffez, Customer and Digital support coordinator;

and members of Daher Aircraft’s customer support and sales teams

Las Vegas, USA—The Dominican Republic continues to take important steps toward becoming the leading hub for executive private aviation, which encompasses high-net-worth tourism.

This was announced by the executive director of the Airport Department (DA), Víctor Pichardo, at the Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA) 2025, where the country is participating with a stand for the first time.

Pichardo also indicated that this has been possible thanks to the support that President Luis Abinader’s administration has given to the sector, implementing the necessary measures through the creation of the Protocol for Non-Commercial Private Aviation, established by decree.

“In these five years of government, today we can assure you that we are on the right path to achieving our goal of becoming a hub for executive private aviation, attracting more and more aircraft in this sector, which brings significant economic benefits to our tourism industry,” Pichardo stated.

Dominican-based companies, such as Grupo Punta Cana, Panorama Jets, and Universal Aviation RD, also participated in the fair, showcasing the services they offer in the country.

The Protocol for Non-Commercial Private Aviation is an instrument that establishes the procedure for the reception and departure of private aircraft in the Dominican Republic, with the aim of facilitating this sector.

In this regard, the president of Universal Aviation International, Greg Evans, praised the country’s growth in this area and congratulated the authorities for demonstrating their merits by participating in these types of events.

The Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA) is the largest annual business aviation convention and exhibition in the United States, bringing together approximately 1,100 aviation companies and more than 27,000 visitors each year.

It was highlighted that this is the first time that this type of presentation of FAA airport procedures has been made to a country, in addition to the fact that more than four million North American passengers travel to the country each year.

During a meeting led by DA Director Víctor Pichardo and FAA Director for the Western Hemisphere, Melvin Cintrón, several key points were identified to be addressed within the framework of cooperation, including the creation of a National Airports Program to monitor improvements and implement technologies.

Also, the creation of infrastructure for advanced mobility, green airports; wildlife control at new airports, such as Cabo Rojo International Airport in Pedernales and El Granero del Sur domestic airport in San Juan; as well as cooperation in training airport inspection personnel.

In the framework of the meeting, held at the FAA offices, located at the U.S. Embassy in Panama, Víctor Pichardo highlighted the Dominican government’s interest in being at the forefront of international best practices for the National Airport System.

“This also serves as a great value to strengthen the proposal we are working on to begin the review and update of the DA regulatory framework,” Pichardo stated.

For his part, Melvin Cintrón noted that this is the first time this type of procedure has been presented to a country, and indicated that approximately four million North American passengers travel to the Dominican Republic each year.

“It is important to see the Dominican government’s desire to raise traveler safety expectations; we want a safe hemisphere, and this type of engagement is key to achieving those goals,” Cintrón noted.

The FAA has 42,000 people working worldwide and is present in 35 countries and 22 territories.

In addition to Cintrón, FAA representatives included Giles Strickler, regional representative for Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic; Chris Rucker and Lourdes Ecker, officers.

Participating virtually were John Dermody, FAA Director of Airport Safety and Standards; Michael Meyers, Airport Engineering Division; Alberto Rodríguez, foreign affairs specialist for the Office of Airport Safety and Standards; and Valeria Rodríguez, official for Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic, among others.

The Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, was a German fighter pilot during World War I who is considered to be one of the most successful aces in history. He was known for his distinctive red Fokker Dr.I triplane, which he flew to 80 confirmed victories.

Now, two friends in Argentina have built a flying replica of the Red Baron’s triplane. Antonio García, a pilot, and Héctor Puga, a luthier, began working on the project in 2018. They used plans from the original aircraft and built the triplane using traditional luthier tools.

The triplane is made of wood and fabric, and it is powered by a 100-horsepower engine. It is a faithful replica of the original aircraft, and it is capable of flying.

García and Puga have been flying the triplane at air shows around Argentina. They are proud of their accomplishment, and they are happy to share their passion for aviation with the public.

The Red Baron’s triplane is a symbol of aviation history. It is a reminder of the bravery and skill of the pilots who flew these aircraft during World War I. The replica built by García and Puga is a testament to their craftsmanship and dedication.

Additional details about the project:

• The triplane took three years to build.
• The builders used more than 1,000 hours of labor to complete the project.
• The triplane is made of wood and fabric, and it is powered by a 100-horsepower engine.
• The triplane has a top speed of 120 miles per hour.
• The triplane has a wingspan of 24 feet.
• The triplane weighs 1,200 pounds.

Challenges that the builders faced:

• Finding the original plans for the triplane.
• Obtaining the materials needed to build the triplane.
• Building the triplane to the exact specifications of the original aircraft.

Source:
https://www.lanacion.com.ar/lifestyle/el-baron-rojo-vuela-en-argentina-dos-amigos-construyeron-con-herramientas-de-luthier-una-replica-del-nid08012025/