There are conversations that happen on the show floor that every GA pilot should hear, and Jordan Honeyman’s stop at the Sun ’n Fun Radio Deck on the final day of Sun ’n Fun 2026 was one of them. Joined by Tom Frick and Sarah Rutland, the discussion covered the future of ADS-B, the debut of the new Stratus 4, and what’s ahead for Appareo.
Recorded live at the 2026 Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, this interview explores how ADS-B technology has evolved and continues to shape flight safety across general aviation. From Appareo’s beginnings as a small engineering firm in Fargo, North Dakota, to becoming a leader in portable ADS-B solutions, Jordan shares the full arc of innovation and what comes next.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
- How Stratus became an essential tool for pilots
- Why ADS-B plays a critical role in today’s increasingly congested airspace
- What’s new with the Stratus 4, including its built-in display and expanded capabilities
- How flight data monitoring tools are improving safety, training, and operational oversight
- What’s ahead, including potential regulatory changes and new technology developments
The interview also highlights a lesser-known side of Appareo’s work. Their flight data monitoring systems, widely used by EMS, forest service, and oil and gas operators, are beginning to make their way into flight schools, offering powerful tools for debriefing, safety, and performance tracking.
Whether you’re a pilot, flight instructor, or aviation enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insight into the tools and technology shaping the future of flying.