A Fond Memory: Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo 2023

There's something special about about flying your airplane into an airshow or aviation festival. You truly feel accomplished when you fly the published approach, rock your wings on command, stick the landing on the dot specified, and then are greeted by the people on scooters who direct you where to park at the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo.

Meg Godlewski

Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 11:49 AM ET

Verified

Panchito soars through the moody central Florida skies during the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo's daily airshow. [Credit: Stephen Yeates]

Key Takeaways:

Meticulous pre-flight planning is essential for flying to an airshow, encompassing route selection, aircraft performance, weight and balance, weather and fuel checks, and ensuring multiple backup navigation and communication methods.
Thoroughly study the airshow's multi-page NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions), paying close attention to specific communication procedures, temporary control tower operations, and traffic patterns, as these are often adjusted annually.
Pilots should brush up on specialty skills like precision landings, crosswind approaches, and wing-rocking, while maintaining heightened situational awareness, practicing good pilot health, and preparing for potential diversions or delays.

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There is something extra special about flying your airplane into an airshow or aviation festival. You truly feel accomplished when you fly the published approach, rock your wings on command, stick the landing on the dot specified, and then are greeted by the people on scooters who direct you where to park.

That’s how it is supposed to go—and often it does go that well, provided you do your homework before you launch for the big event.