What You Need to Know Before Flying Into Sun 'n Fun

Pilots should study the FAA's Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prior to departure.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, April 08, 2024 at 02:18 PM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

The FAA predicts nearly 2,000 pilots are headed to Sun 'n Fun this year. [Credit: Jason McDowell]

Key Takeaways:

Pilots flying to the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo must thoroughly review the FAA's NOTAM for Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) due to updated and specific procedures for arrivals and departures.
Adhere to strict VFR arrival protocols, including maintaining specified altitudes and speeds (e.g., 100 knots at 1,200 feet msl), following ATC sequencing instructions, and carrying extra fuel for potential holds.
Minimize radio transmissions, acknowledge instructions by rocking wings, maintain a safe half-mile trail behind similar aircraft, and file IFR from your departure airport if weather is marginal VFR.
Upon landing, high-speed taxi off the runway, display clear parking/departure signs, tie down and chock aircraft, and exercise extreme caution around pedestrians in all airport areas.

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If you are planning to fly yourself to Lakeland, Florida, for the annual Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, make sure you study the notice to air missions (NOTAM) prior to departure. There have been several changes from previous years, and you don’t want to be the pilot who does something silly, unexpected, and potentially dangerous.

The FAA, which predicts nearly 2,000 pilots are headed to Sun ‘n Fun (SNF), has published a NOTAM for the event, effective Monday, April 8, to Sunday, April 14, for the duration of the event.