36th Annual Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In Begins Today!

It’s the roar of a single prop airplane, the sounds of awe during an aerial demonstration and the cheer of the crowd when the world famous US Air Force Thunderbirds appear in the skies.  It’s the sights and sounds of the 36th Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. From April 13 to 18, 2010, enjoy all of the wonders that the SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In has to offer!

SUNn ‘n FUN Fly-In, (a.k.a “Spring Break for Pilots”) is staged on an 850-acre footprint of the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport campus and features a variety of attractions  to engage aviation enthusiasts of all ages; from student pilots, active “veteran” pilots and . This year, the Fly-In & Expo will attract an estimated 170,000 visitors from North America and more than 80 other countries, making it the busiest airport in the world during this 6-day event!

Visitors will have the opportunity to see a variety of aviation exhibits from aircraft from all over the world, ranging from “homebuilds” to military aircraft, exhibitors and daily airshows! In addition to the aircraft, SUN ‘n FUN activities also include guest speakers, presentations and educational experinces. On Tuesday, April 13, the evening program series will feature “Women of the Air” and Wednesday’s evening program will be the first-hand account of the “Miracle on the Hudson” landing from US Airways First Officer Jeff Skiles. As an added bonus, you can have the opportunity to have lunch with Jeff Skiles at the Fantasy of Flight Splash-In. The barbeque luncheon requires a separate reservation of $20 plus tax per person so you better call now to make your reservations! Call 863-984-3500.

On Saturday, April 17,  is the early-morning “dawn patrol” launch of the festive Hot Air Balloon “Hare and Hound” Race. Weather permitting, more than 25 balloonists are scheduled to ignite their burners, lift off above the shimmering morning landscape of Lakeland and create an exciting, colorful start to the day’s activities.

While you are out enjoying SUN ‘n FUN, don’t forget the annual Splash-In Event and Mustangs and Mustangs event at the Fantasy of Flight! Fantasy of Flight is thrilled to be hosting the Splash-In on sparkling Lake Agnes on Thursday, April 15 as part of the 36th Annual Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In.  Visitors will witness a variety of seaplanes and amphibious aircraft perform water landings and takeoffs as part of the competition. The Mustangs and Mustangs event is an annual event where Fantasy of Flight and the Imperial Mustang Club of Polk County team up for to feature both beautifully restored P-51 Mustang war birds from World War II and Ford Mustang automobiles.  Fantasy of Flight’s P-51D and P-51C Mustangs are a dramatic backdrop for hundreds of classic and modern Fords and Mustangs.

For more details on the full schedule of events and activities visit these pages: Fly-In event activities, SUN ‘n FUN and FAA Forums, SUN ʼn FUN workshops, Florida Air Museum speaker schedules and youth activities, SUN ʼn FUN daily air shows.