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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 5, 2009

TAMPA - You wouldn't expect it to take two hours for a plane to go from Davis Islands to downtown Tampa, but that's how long it took Tuesday night.

The Cessna 182 four-seat single-engine plane didn't fly; it was towed by a pickup from Peter O. Knight Airport to the Tampa Convention Center parking circle.

The plane will be among the exhibits at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Aviation Summit today through Saturday.

About two dozen Cessna workers and four Tampa police cruisers accompanied the aircraft. Workers took down a section of fencing at the airport about 10:30 p.m. so the plane could roll through, then city workers removed street signs and carefully watched the wings of the plane as it was navigated across the Davis Boulevard bridge to Bayshore Boulevard, then across the Platt Street bridge to Channelside Drive.

The fencing and the street signs were replaced as soon as the plane had passed, association spokesman Chris Dancy said.

The association expects more than 1,000 aircraft and 10,000 members in Tampa for the summit, Dancy said.

Aircraft, including the 1937 Lockheed Electra used in the movie "Amelia," will be on display beginning today at Peter O. Knight Airport.

On Saturday, the public will be able to test flight simulators and take a $70 introductory flight on a general aviation aircraft at Peter O. Knight Airport.

The public also is invited to attend the association's exhibit hall at the Tampa Convention Center. Admission is $25, or $50 for exhibits and forums.

After the summit, workers will move the Cessna back to Peter O. Knight Airport.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: As part of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's Aviation Summit, Airportfest will give plane enthusiasts a chance to check out new and vintage aircraft, balloons, model planes and other aviation marvels.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Peter O. Knight Airport on Davis Islands
FOR INFORMATION: Go to www.aopa.org/summit/airportfest.html.

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