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 (April 8-14) are required to thoroughly study the FAA-published NOTAM, as it contains critical changes and specific VFR arrival procedures that vary by aircraft type.
Key in-flight requirements include acquiring ATIS no later than 60 miles out, maintaining specific speeds (e.g., 100 knots at 1,200 ft MSL), using landing lights within 40 nm, rocking wings for acknowledgment, and minimizing radio transmissions.
Upon arrival, pilots must follow ATC instructions for landing (e.g., green/orange dot), perform high-speed taxiing off the runway, display designated parking/camping signs, and be vigilant for pedestrians; NORDO and IFR pilots have specific pre-arrival communication and filing requirements.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.