Whoo, Hoo! It’s almost showtime! April 2023 seems destined to finally overcome all the Covid baggage as attendees sign up in droves for Sun ‘n Fun. With a delicious 10-day spacing between them — time to rest up a bit after a vigorous week — later in April comes Aero Friedrichshafen. Get ready for plenty of reporting from these two events. Both events have new leadership in 2023. A time for changes. Fresh ideas are emerging. What can you expect at this years airshows? With Sun ‘n Fun 2023 starting in about two weeks as this is written, let’s focus on Lakeland, Florida first. Organizers of the 49th event announced major plans for this popular airshow that kicks off the recreational flying season. My focus is on LSA, Sport Pilot kits, and ultralights. At Sun ‘n Fun, that means Paradise City, where big things are happening. You would not be wrong if you scanned this article and saw increased interest in this part of the overall Sun ‘n Fun grounds.
It’s Almost Here! — Sun ‘n Fun 2023 Theme “The Magic of Aviation” and “The Island”
Friendly Island
Hey, I have one on my new iPhone and now Sun 'n Fun will have one, too. Apple calls their design "Dynamic Island." Sun 'n Fun is even simpler with "The Island." What could this mean?Gene Conrad is the new head of Sun 'n Fun. He outlines plans to change the grounds at the Lakeland Florida show. Blue arrow points to Paradise City, white arrow points to "The Island," yellow arrow points to the former Piper building to help orient those familiar with the grounds.
A big attraction in Paradise is the evening STOL competition. Last year, Steve Henry's 300-horsepower modified Just Aircraft has wowed crowds with incredible performance. You can close to the action if you arrive early enough.
Area Sponsors
This year the overall area has two major sponsors. This is not new. Sun 'n Fun has long had sponsors for the area but not of the capability of this year's pair. Everyone who has ever looked at an airplane knows Flying magazine. The new owner of this storied title is an LSA enthusiast himself so no surprise that he wanted to help this area. The magazine is giving away a high-end LSA as part of a subscription offer.ARTICLE LINKS:
- Sun 'n Fun, main airshow website
- Sun 'n Fun, online tickets link
- Flying magazine, LSA giveaway link
- Junkers Aircraft, content on this website
- Aero Affinity, content on this website
- DeLand Municipal Airport, city website for airport
- Evektor and Harmony LSA, content on this website
- Bristell USA and BRM Aero, content on this website
- Rotax Aircraft Engines, content on this website
- LAMA, Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, organization website