Sun ‘n Fun Set to Launch Next Week

The unofficial kickoff for GA events kicks off next week at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (KLAL) in Florida. The 36th annual Sun 'n Fun International Fly-in & Expo opens Tuesday, April 13, and runs through Sunday, April 18. As many as 170,000 visitors are expected from more than 80 countries. More than 475 exhibitors will ply their trade, including the latest in aircraft including ultralights, light sport, and other GA aircraft up to and including jets. Also on display will be the latest in avionics, pilot supplies, general aviation services and just about anything else remotely related to flying airplanes. Flying is one of the prominent exhibitors, with its familiar red tent full of fun merchandise. A new display building for 2010, Hangar E will feature a Starbuck's 'fuel stop' for extra motivation during the six-day event. The seaplane migration will splash down on Thursday, April 15, at nearby Fantasy of Flight, a companion sponsor of the event. Headlining the air show's last-day lineup will be the USAF Thunderbirds, though they will also be in evidence daily from their arrival on opening day, to regular practice sessions held during some of the daily air shows. Distinguished visitors will include US Airways Flight 1549 (Miracle on the Hudson flight) First Officer Jeff Skiles; FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, who will address several forums; AOPA President Craig Fuller, and congressman Sam Graves, member of the House Committee on Transportation, who will host a Town Hall meeting on general aviation issues as seen from within the Washington, D.C. beltway. To download the FAA fly-in procedures for Sun 'n Fun, click here to go to the event's website. And look for the Flying Magazine tent. We'll be looking for you.