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, effective April 8-14, as it contains critical changes and specific procedures for safe arrival due to high traffic volume.
Strictly adhere to detailed VFR arrival procedures, including specific altitudes (e.g., 1,200 ft msl at 100 knots), maintaining proper spacing, limited radio transmissions, and unique instructions for various aircraft types, including NORDO operations.
Ensure safety by acquiring ATIS early, carrying extra fuel for potential delays, displaying parking signs, executing high-speed taxi after landing, securing aircraft, and exercising extreme caution around pedestrians on the ground.

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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.