Teachers’ Pre-Flight Experience

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Teachers’ Pre-Flight Experience

April 18, 2026

Come experience the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo with us and leave inspired to help your students reach for the stars! Afterall, the Sky is Just the Beginning!

The day begins with a hot catered breakfast and Keynote Speaker from the aerospace industry, followed by special activities in the Skylab Innovation Center. The morning will continue with focused visits to the Junior ACEs and Career Fair tents in the Future ‘n Flight Plaza.

Teachers’ Pre-Flight Experience tickets are available at a low rate of $30.00.  All pre-K to college educators are eligible. Programming runs from 7:45 AM to 12 PM. Attending teachers are eligible to receive 10 hours of in-service credit.

In addition to the activities listed above, registration includes the following:

  • Regular admission to the SUN ‘n FUN Expo for Saturday, April 18th
  • 1 free Parking Pass
  • 1 Fly-in Survival Goodie Bag
  • 1 Lunch Voucher
  • $5 off up to 2 adult Saturday daily tickets*
  • $5 off up to 2 youth Saturday daily tickets*
  • All children 12 and under receive free tickets.

Note: Only teachers may attend the Pre-Flight Experience breakfast and activities.  Your family may explore the Expo during the activities or come separately and join you at lunchtime.  If they come later, they will need to purchase a separate parking pass.

*Tickets must be purchased at the same time as Teachers’ Pre-Flight tickets for discounts to apply.  Discounts are automatically applied in your cart.

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Parking & Wristbands

  • Park in general admission parking Lot 1. See map.
  • Additional information for those driving can be found by clicking here.
  • Wristbands can be picked up at the Jo Alcott Main Registration Building upon walking in from Lot 1. Show them your e-ticket to scan in for a physical wristband.

In 1988, Ray pioneered the first Aerospace Educator Workshop at SUN ‘n FUN. In honor of his dedication to aviation and education, the Ray Lien Award is given annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to aviation.

Nomination Procedures – Deadline March 21, 2026.

  • The award will be presented at the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida during the Teachers’ Pre-Flight Experience.
  • Anyone can nominate a teacher, including self-nominations. The nominator must submit a letter of recommendation for the candidate by describing his/her contributions to aviation education.
  • The nomination letter of support should be submitted no later than March 21, 2026.
1998 Paul Poberezny1999 A. Scott Crossfield2000 Lyle R. Flagg
2001 Billy Henderson2002 Gene Olson2003 Dr. Charley Rodriguez
2004 Dr. Carol Denicole2005 Barbara Walters-Phillips2006 Greg Harbaugh
2007 Marie Grein2008 Richard Ortega2009 Chad Smith
2010 Barry Scharf2011 Lori Bradner2012 Bill Yucuis
2013 Joseph Oliver2014 John Iskra2015 Not Awarded
2016 George “Gabe” Gabrielle2017 Thomas J. Sarko2018 Mary Catherine Vaughn
2019 Marie Hill2021 Jessica Strauss2022 David Cohen
2023 Jeri Martin2024 Kevin Strickland2025 Susan Mallet
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