Attraction Hosts Popular Event for Second Year on April 23

As demonstrated by Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III, pilot of the US Airways Flight 1549 that made the miraculous landing in the Hudson River earlier this year - great pilots don't always need runways! While Sullenberger proved that the water can provide an emergency landing strip for commercial airlines, there are also many accomplished pilots who simply prefer water landings.

Those looking to learn more about water take-offs and landings and spring fun seekers in search of something different and inspirational are in luck. Back by popular demand for the second year in a row, Fantasy of Flight in Polk City will be hosting their annual "Splash-In" as part of the Lakeland Fly-In activities. Fantasy of Flight's sparkling Lake Agnes will serve as the chosen landing strip for the hundreds of seaplane pilots attending this year's event on April 23 from 10 am - 5 pm. This "fly-in within a fly-in" will include the amazing spectacle of water take-offs and landings as well as competition flying, water-bombing and spot landing.

"Mastery of the wild blue yonder of both the sky and the sea is something that inspires the dreamer in us all," said Kermit Weeks, founder and creator of Fantasy of Flight. "This event will give guests a chance to see firsthand pilots and planes taming both."

In 2008, the "Splash-In" portion of the Lakeland event was moved to Fantasy of Flight to utilize the state-of-the-art facilities and wide-open spaces of the Polk City landmark attraction. Pilots of 87 planes arrived on event day alone as guests enjoyed the amazing sights and sounds as crafts of all kinds descended upon the lake waters or took to the sky. While visions of "'The plane! The plane!'" on Fantasy Island may spring to mind for many, seaplanes and amphibious aircraft come in many shapes and sizes. Seaplanes are most easily categorized as airplanes capable of taking off from or landing on the surface of water. They include flying boats and float planes. Seaplanes with retractable wheels allowing land and/or water operation are known as an amphibian. Fantasy of Flight is home to such water-based aircraft as the Grumman Duck, a PBY Catalina and the only airworthy Short Sunderland MK5 in the world.

Guests at Fantasy of Flight will be able to watch as pilots of both amphibious aircraft and seaplanes land on Lake Agnes and participate in exciting events that range from a "bomb drop" contest to slaloms with floatplanes and flying boats. Those who wish to enjoy the excitement a little longer can also purchase tickets to attend a banquet held in the Fantasy of Flight hangar where hundreds of guests will dine amidst the attraction's aircraft collection.

The "Splash-In" is included in the attraction's guest admission price which is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children, ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Fantasy of Flight is pleased to offer Lakeland attendees $5 off regular admission to the aviation-themed attraction with proof of admission. "Splash-In" hours are 10 am - 5 pm.

FMI: www.fantasyofflight.com