Sun 'n Fun facts for kids
 |
|
| Formation | 1974 |
|---|---|
| Type | Nonprofit organization |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) public charity |
| Purpose | Aviation education |
| Location | |
| Services | Fly-ins & other aviation events |
| Fields | Aviation |
|
President & CEO
|
Gene Conrad |
|
Parent organization
|
Aerospace Center for Excellence |
The Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo is a special event held every year in Lakeland, Florida. It's organized by a nonprofit organization, which means it's not trying to make money. Instead, its main goal is to teach people about aviation.
This event is famous for its week-long fly-in and airshow. It usually happens in late March or early April at the Lakeland Linder International Airport. Pilots fly their planes in, and visitors get to see amazing air performances.
The event was once called the Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo. In April 2019, it officially changed its name to the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo.
Sun 'n Fun also used to manage the Florida Air Museum. It also supported the Central Florida Aerospace Academy. This academy is a high school program focused on aviation careers. In October 2019, the fly-in became part of the Aerospace Center for Excellence. This group helps young students learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Contents
A Look Back: Sun 'n Fun's History
The first Sun 'n Fun event took place in 1974. It started as a way to bring aviation fans together.
More Than Just a Show: Other Activities
The Florida Air Museum is located right on the Sun 'n Fun grounds. It's a great place to learn about the history of flight.
In April 2010, Sun 'n Fun received a large grant of US$7.5 million. This money helped build a new building for the Central Florida Aerospace Academy. This school is for high school students interested in aviation. The new building opened in August 2011. It allowed the school to teach 500 students, much more than its previous 175.
Exciting Moments at Sun 'n Fun
The very first weekend fly-in was in January 1975. It was called Mid-Winter Sun 'n Fun. It took place at the Lakeland Municipal Airport. Only pilots and members of certain aviation groups could attend. About 1,980 guests and 365 aircraft were there.
The next year, the event grew to a full week. The city of Lakeland allowed the event to move to a bigger area at the airport. More people were invited. The number of visiting aircraft more than tripled. There were 1,200 aircraft, including many unique types. In 1977, it even snowed at the airport during the show. This was the only time snow has fallen during the event.
In 1992, the Sun 'n Fun Air Museum had its grand opening. It is now known as the Florida Air Museum. In 1997, the Brazilian Air Force's amazing Aerial Demonstration Squadron performed. They are known as the Smoke Squadron.
In 2000, airshow legend Bob Hoover flew his last flight in his Shrike Commander at the event. Two years later, Bobby Younkin showed off the world's first aerobatic Learjet. During the 2004 show, Bruce Bohannon set four world records for how fast his plane could climb.
On March 31, 2011, a strong tornado hit the airshow grounds. It damaged 40 to 50 aircraft. Display tents and exhibits were also harmed. Fifteen people had minor injuries. But the airshow bravely continued the very next day.
The 2015 show featured the first US performance of the Breitling Jet Team. In 2017, the French Air Force Patrouille de France aerobatic team performed. This was only their second appearance in the US in over 30 years.
See also
- EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
- Air & Sea Show – an annual airshow in South Florida
