Top Performers On Tap

Sun 'n Fun's 31st annual fly-in is officially underway in Lakeland, FL. Some of the world's best aerobatic performers are scheduled to fly, along with military aircraft, skydivers, and formation teams. This year's programs include special recognition for Veterans, with programs and entertainment focused on the World War II era.

"The thrilling aerobatic routines performed at Sun 'n Fun are the best way to invite the community to Come Fly With US," said SnF's John Burton, in a news release. "For some, these performances ignite the desire to fly, and for others they create lasting memories of aerial artistry and skill. No matter what your age or interest, our air show -- much like the Fly-In itself, offers something for everyone."

There are too many performers to list them all, but Aeroshell Team, Gene Soucy, Patty Wagstaff, Bobby Younkin and many others will dance in the sky. Current and historic Warbirds will fly, including F-16 demonstrations, Lee Lauderback's Heritage Flight, "Glacier Girl" and many others.

"Glacier Girl" is just one example of the warbirds that can be seen at Sun 'n Fun. This P-38 "Lightning" fighter was recovered from under 268 feet of glacier ice in Greenland, where it was forced to land in 1942. Pilot Steve Hinton and expedition leader Bob Cardin will speak at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday at the Florida Air Museum Pavilion. The plane is scheduled to fly each day of the event.

The fly-in runs from Tuesday through Monday, April 12th to April 18th. The air show begins each day at 1400. and continues for about three hours, except for Monday's show that starts at Noon. The Sun 'n Fun Night Air Show starts at Dusk on Saturday April 16th.

Last year's attendance was reported as over 160,000. About 4,000 aircraft actually flew in. The hundreds of educational forums and workshops continue to teach pilots, builders and interested parties all about aircraft construction, maintenance, safety and many other topics.  AOPA Day is on Friday the 15th and Military, Veterans and Florida Resident Day is on Sunday the 18th.

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.aopa.org