Learn by Doing
Roll up your sleeves and put new skills to work at SUN ’n FUN’s Hands-On Workshops.
Designed for everyone from curious first-time builders to experienced aircraft owners and aviation professionals, Workshops give you the opportunity to learn practical aircraft construction and maintenance techniques directly from experienced builders and instructors.
Best of all, Hands-On Workshops are included with your SUN ’n FUN admission at no additional cost.
Explore the Hands-On Workshops
Whether you’re building an aircraft, maintaining one or simply want to understand how it’s done, there’s plenty to discover.
Composite Construction
Learn the fundamentals of working with composite materials, including hot-wiring foam, fiberglass and epoxy resin techniques, along with an introduction to the materials, equipment and processes used in vacuum bagging.
Electrical Installation
Learn about the wire, terminals, tools and techniques used to create safe and reliable aircraft electrical systems.
Engines & Firewall-Forward Installations
Explore aircraft engine maintenance, assembly, modification and installation, with opportunities to learn more about the systems and components found forward of the firewall.
Fabric Covering
Get hands-on experience with aircraft fabric covering techniques and learn about the materials and processes used to properly cover and finish fabric-covered aircraft.
Fabric Rib Stitching
Learn how aircraft fabric is secured to wing structures through rib stitching, with hands-on instruction in the techniques used in fabric-covered aircraft construction.
Metal Shaping
Explore techniques for creating custom and compound shapes in aluminum using tools such as the English wheel and forming mallets, along with techniques for beading aluminum.
Safety Wiring & Cable Swaging
Practice techniques used to properly safety wire aircraft components and learn about cable swaging, control cables, turnbuckles, thimbles and other aircraft hardware.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Learn the fundamentals of sheet metal aircraft construction, including material selection, cutting, drilling, riveting and fabrication of aircraft components.
Oxyacetylene Welding
Learn the tools, techniques and fundamentals of oxyacetylene welding used in the fabrication and repair of aircraft steel components.
TIG Welding
Explore aircraft welding techniques using tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding and learn more about its applications in aircraft fabrication.
Woodworking
Get hands-on experience with traditional wooden aircraft construction while learning about aircraft-grade wood, tools, adhesives, jigs and techniques used to build wooden aircraft components.
Learn from Experienced Builders & Instructors
SUN ’n FUN’s Hands-On Workshops are led by a combination of experienced homebuilders, aviation professionals and volunteer instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge.
Many instructors hold FAA Airframe and Powerplant ratings or bring extensive experience from across the aviation industry, giving participants the opportunity to learn directly from people who know these skills firsthand.
Whether you’re exploring aircraft construction for the first time or adding to years of experience, you’re encouraged to ask questions, get involved and learn by doing.
Earn Credit While You Learn
Select Hands-On Workshops qualify for FAA/IA renewal credit, giving eligible aviation maintenance professionals the opportunity to build their skills while working toward applicable renewal requirements.
Qualifying sessions and available credit will be identified in the event schedule.
Workshop Hours & Location
Daily | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Hands-On Workshops are located in the Aerospace Center for Excellence area, just west of the Future ’n Flight Plaza.
Included with Your SUN ’n FUN Admission
There’s no separate Workshop fee or additional ticket required.
Your SUN ’n FUN admission includes access to the Hands-On Workshops, giving you the opportunity to explore new skills, learn from experienced instructors and experience aircraft construction techniques firsthand throughout your visit.
Looking for More Learning Opportunities?
Continue learning throughout the Expo with SUN ’n FUN Forums, featuring educational presentations and discussions led by pilots, builders, mechanics, educators and aviation experts from across the industry.
Thank You to Our Workshop Sponsors
The support of our Workshop sponsors helps make these hands-on educational experiences possible.
Workshops Sponsored by:
