The 40th Annual Sun 'n Fun Fly-in and Expo

Published: 03-19-2014
As this year marks the 100th anniversary of commercial aviation, the industry celebrates its history and future at the 40th annual Sun`n Fun Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida from April 1-6.

Aviation’s rich history, complete with acts of heroism and visionary leadership, versus the future of flight: that’s the story that will begin to unfold next month at the annual Sun n’ Fun Fly-in Expo in Lakeland, Florida.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of commercial aviation and with it come growing concerns about funding aviation education and generating continued interest in the industry. In an effort to address those concerns, Sun ‘n Fun is both a celebration of aviation and professional conference designed to inspire and educate future and current professionals and flight enthusiasts. This event culminates the year-long effort of the Florida Air Museum which anchors the Sun n’ Fun festival grounds.

This year, Sun ‘n Fun organizers expect over 200,000 attendees from 82 different countries over the week-long event. Originally a two-day event exclusively for pilots and members of several flight organizations, this represents exponential growth since its inception.

There will be presentations by experts and panelists with a combined 200 plus years of experience in commercial, business, military, and recreational flying. On the first night of Sun ‘n Fun, as part of the evening entertainment series, John R. “Lites” Leenhouts will host panelists and industry executives Jack Pelton of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Mark Baker of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Edward M. Bolen of the National Business Aviation Association, and Matthew S. Zuccaro of Helicopter Association International, as they invite you to discover your role in securing the longevity of aviation.

If you are a job seeker, the Fly-In Job Fair will take place on April 2nd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Florida Air Museum. Recruiters for pilots, engineers, flight operations, and mechanics will be present from nine different airlines, including American Eagle, Jeppesen, and the Kennedy Space Center. Find out more about the job fair and pre-register here.

Sun ‘n Fun also welcomes hundreds of vendors in an expansive indoor space spanning the length of five hangars, with additional outdoor vendors. This provides multiple opportunities to meet and network with business owners who have dedicated their lives to improving the experience of flying, from air carriers, to tools and supplies vendors, to unique companies such as 4 Paws Aviation, whose oxygen hoods improve the safety and comfort of dogs in flight.

To rekindle your awe of aircrafts, the US Navy Blue Angels return for demonstrations. Dubbed the “Rolling Stones of the Airshow World,” by International Council of Air Shows President John Cudahy, the group’s performances for 2013 were cancelled due to military-wide budget cuts. The Blue Angels will perform throughout the week.

Sun ‘n Fun is not only a festival, but a destination, encouraging you to camp out for a week and fully immerse yourself in flight culture, surrounded by those who share your passion for aircrafts and love of flying, be they engineers, mechanics, pilots, designers, or students.

The 40th Annual Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in and Expo will take place April 1-6 at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. See a full list of events or buy tickets here.


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