About SUN ‘n FUN

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What We Are

From its humble beginnings in 1974 as a fly-in for sport aviation enthusiasts, the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo has grown into one of the largest and most successful aviation events on earth. We are Florida’s largest annual convention of any kind, and each year over 200,000 visitors flock to what has become known as “Aviation’s Season Opener” or “Spring Break for Pilots.”

Pilots flying into the Expo are fascinated by the vision of hundreds of aircraft showcased in all shapes and sizes. Aircraft areas include Vintage, Homebuilt, Aerobatic, Warbird, Jet, and Light Sport. To serve all those flying in, a major trade show is part of SUN ‘n FUN. Over 500 exhibitors have an incredible lineup of products and services, hands-on workshops teach hundreds of building and maintenance skills, and dozens of forums educate pilots and maintainers about safety, new products, and an infinite number of other timely topics. Not just for pilots, SUN ‘n FUN has STEM and Career Fair activities, plus a Family Oasis and, of course, our world-famous daily and night airshows that feature breathtaking displays from dozens of military and civilian performers.

Our Cause

SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that markets and supports dozens of year-round events, including the Aerospace Expo. Proceeds from these events are the primary source of funding for The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), which has emerged as a nationally recognized leader in STEM-related and aerospace education through its various learning centers, outreach programs, scholarships, and summer camps aimed at engaging, educating and accelerating the next generation of aerospace professionals. In addition to SUN ‘n FUN, ACE is the home of the Florida Air Museum, Florida’s Official Aviation Museum and Education Center, and the Lakeland Aero Club, which is the country’s largest high school flying club. ACE is the world’s leader in producing licensed teenage private pilots and delivers youth programs that engage over 50,000 students a year.

Vision Statement

“Build a Brighter Future Through Aviation”

Mission Statement

“Preserve and Enhance the Future of Flight Through World Class Events, Inspiring and Educating People of All Ages”

Pioneers

Our SUN ‘n FUN Pioneers were and, in some cases, still are instrumental in the initial and continued success of the SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In. We honor those who gave so much so those today can continue to enjoy aviation and educate our future aviators.

Arnold Allen*Max Dooley*Esther Jenkins*Roscoe Morton*Sandra Spanier
Daris AndersonAllan Duncan*Merle Jenkins*Johnny Mott*John Starr*
Marshall Anderson*Bob DunhamWilliam JenningsTom Murray*Max Stenger*
Ray AndersonJennie Dyke*Milt Jobes*Gladys Muse*Jo Stephenson
Joe Araldi*John DykeRuth Jobes*Robert Muse, Sr.*Paul Stephenson
Allan ArbuthnotCarl Eaton*Ruth Johnson*Wynn Nobriga*Glen Stork*
Warren Arnault*James Eaton*Einer Johnson*Jo Olcott*Grover Summers*
Calvin Arter, Sr.Lorraine Eaton*Betty Jones*Ray Olcott*Hubert Talton*
Em Avery*Bill Ehlen*Martin Jones*Betty Orme*Charlotte Thomas
Barry BarkmanBill EickhoffJack Kehoe*Kirby Orme*Chris Thomas*
Dan Barnes*Suzy EickhoffLandis Ketner*Hank Palmer*Gary Thomas
Fran Barnes*Len Elswick*Art Kilps*Bonnie Peck*Ralph Thomas*
John Baugh*Rachel ElswickJune Kilps*Carl Peck*Steve Thomas
Don Bennett*John Engles*Jane KimballCarl PedersonJoan "Jo" Thompson*
Johnny Bennett*Marty FauxJim KimballW. B. "Red" Perkins*W.D. "Duffy" Thompson*
Lee BennettRay Fiset*Gordon KnappBonnie PerkinsDean Tilton*
Morris Bennett*Fred Fisher*Bud Koetz*Rex PerryLloyd Toll*
John Best*Lyle Flagg*Willie LaneAudrey Poberezny*Tommy Tompkins
Evelyn Blink*Duane Fournier*Delores LangleyPaul Poberezny*Walt Troyer*
Leo Blink*Nelda FournierJames Langley*Dorothy PrattBill Truebe*
Jack Bowling*David FrantzMarguerite Lawrence*Claude “Gene” PrattFrank Valdes*
Pat Boyce*Donna FrantzMerle Lilly*Freddie Quinn*Rose Valdes*
Victor Boyce*John Freeman*Olin "Pappy" Longcoy*Patricia Quinn*Fred Varn*
Russell Brause*Jim FreyBarney Lucas*William Race*Ruth Varn*
Larry BrockGrahame Gates*Tom Mack*Roger Don Rae*Laura Vaughn (H)
Bergon Brokaw*Brian GeigerJim Mahoney*George Read, Jr.*Ed Veres
Buddy Brokaw*Lorena Grotefend*Lu MahoneyDolores "Dodie" ReddingDave Vergason*
Peggy Brown*Ray Haberman*Byrd Mapoles*Herb Redding*Milt Voigt*
William Buston*Nick HarperStewart Mast*Jerry ReynoldsBetty Walker
James Campbell*Chris Heintz*Bill McClintock*Ken Rickert*Ken Walker
Doris Casey*Michael HeintzLeonard McGinty*Marion Robles*Linn Walters
Harry Casey*Adair Henderson*Ann McKeeRosemary RogersFred Ware
Ken Chalker*Arthur HendersonWilliam McKeeWillie Ropp*Lloyd Washburn*
Michael ChenowethBilly Henderson*Phil McKenzie*Grace Russell*Everett Welsch
Ralph CobbWade HendersonSandy McKenzieLarry Russell*Bill Wheeler
Bill Cocker*Ronald Henry*Ernie Meixner*George Saunway*Lyle D. Wheeler*
James CoverdaleBob HermanEmily Mensing*Mary Lou Saunway*Bill Williams*
Lynn Coverdale*Bonnie Higbie*W.R. Mensing*Floy Sawyer*Larry Willis*
Esther Cowan*Ken HigginsLes Merritt*Rocky Sawyer*Lorrie Wilson
George Cowan*Pam HigginsWilliam Meserole*Dave Schlingman*Patricia Wilson
Golda Cox*Bob HighleyMarie Miller*Polly Schroeder*Allan Wise*
Jack Cox*Susan Highley*Marvin MillerDave ShallbetterMitch Wiseman*
Bob CurtisDick Hill*Sherry "Sweetpea" Miller*John Shinn*Steve Wittman*
Ron Dahly*Jeannie Hill*Truman Miller*Carol ShoafDon Wood*
Jim DantzmanEdward Hoffman, Sr.*Lois Mitchell*Merle Shoaf*Jessie Woods*
Bud DavidsonPaul Hopkins*Wallace Mitchell*Diane SmithGeorge "Woody" Woodward*
Emogene DavisRobert Hopkins*Bob Moler*Mike Smith
Ken Davis*Orrick Howard*Don Morris*Jimmy "Ragman"
Snyder*
Charles Dewey*Charles Jamieson*Donna-Lee Morris-NattrassRod Spanier*

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