SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo Announces Fly-In Style Pilot Program
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo has long been one of the bucket-list destinations for general aviation pilots to fly to in their own aircraft. New for 2022, the SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In Style Pilot Program will recognize and reward pilots that fly their aircraft to the event, including pilots flying right seat, with deals and discounts throughout the week. Pilots who fly their aircraft and arrive at SUN ‘n FUN will be provided a Fly-In Style Pilot Program Card entitling them to various promotions at participating exhibitors.
The Fly-In Style Pilot Program is exclusive to pilots that fly their aircraft to the SUN ‘n FUN event. Whether pilots opt to stay overnight or just for the day, this new program’s objective is to encourage pilots that may not have chosen to fly to the event grounds in recent years, or never at all, to do so this year.
“When we presented this idea to our 500+ exhibitors, many of them jumped right onboard” said John “Lites” Leenhouts, CEO / President of Aerospace Center for Excellence. “The Fly-In Style Pilot Program is a thank you to the pilots flying their aircraft to our event as well as a financial incentive for them to do so. We also want our exhibitors to be successful and return each year. It’s a win-win for everyone!”.
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, at its core, is an aerospace convention. Touted as “the” largest annual convention in the State of Florida, attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the aviation-based training forums, hands-on workshops, and aircraft demonstrations. The activities are scheduled from sunrise until after sunset and most are included with the ticket purchase. Hundreds of pilots fully immerse themselves by camping with fellow pilots, friends, and families under their aircraft wings. For many, this lodging option quickly becomes an annual tradition because of the relationships they develop with fellow aviators camping alongside.
In keeping with the Aerospace Expo’s 2022 theme of “Where It’s At”, the list of exhibitors attending this year continues to grow. There is already over 40 first-time exhibitors attending including Jet It and TurbAero. Many of the exhibitors that opted to skip 2021 are returning including Redbird Flight Simulations and Florida Institute of Technology. The wide array of exhibitors showcasing their aircraft, products, and services provide an educational and inspiring experience for pilots of all ages, abilities, interests, and certifications.
Top of the must-do lists are the daily airshows that showcase the skill and precision of aerobatic performers and military might. This year, it will be an U.S. Air Force trifecta! In their first appearance since 2016, the U.S.A.F. Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds will take flight in their premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, both Saturday and Sunday, April 9th, and 10th. The aggressive U.S.A.F. A-10 Warthog, a primary low-altitude close air support aircraft, will be showing off its unique combat capabilities. If you prefer heavy metal, the C-17 Globemaster III will be part of a multi-aircraft static display. From light sport, to vintage, to warbirds, to jets, the aircraft that will be on display and in the air will be keep one’s head on a swivel.
SUN ‘n FUN is currently creating aids for pilots to better understand what to expect when flying into this event. The objective is to address the “what ifs” that pilots have expressed. The day-tripper aircraft parking option for single-day only pilots has proven to be extremely popular. “A pilot that has a better understanding of what to expect can only help to increase the level of safety of the event overall which is a top priority for the SUN ‘n FUN organization,” says Andy Ovans, Director of Aircraft Operations. When complete, these resources will be posted to the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo website at flysnf.org.
For more information about the SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In Style Pilot Program, follow SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo on social media platforms or signup for their periodic emails via their website. A complete list of program promotions will be posted on the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo website, flysnf.org.
For media inquiries:
Carol Cali Media and Public Relations SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo ccali@flysnf.org
About SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc.
SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events, inspiring and educating people of all ages. Year-round events, including the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, which is one of the world’s largest aviation events, raise funds for the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE). The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo annually raises funds for ACE enabling the delivery of STEM-related and aerospace education programs engaging over 50,000 local youth each year. Additionally, ACE manages and allocates local aerospace scholarships. For more information: flysnf.org.