A two-day event in Lakeland, Florida, will help quench the thirst of aviation enthusiasts who missed out on the annual Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo, which was canceled earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition, pilots will have a unique opportunity to interact with notable industry leaders. AOPA will sponsor a General Aviation Town Hall session on December 5, in which pilots can hear about the state of GA in the COVID-19 era. Scheduled town hall panelists include Sun 'n Fun/ACE President and CEO John Leenhouts, AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker, and Experimental Aircraft Association President, CEO, and Board Chairman Jack Pelton.
On December 5, the Lakeland Linder International Airport is sponsoring the SUN 'n RUN 5k, with proceeds benefiting Women in Aviation and the Lakeland Aero Club.
The Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo is the main fundraiser for the Aerospace Center for Excellence, a leader in science, technology, engineering, math, and aerospace education through its various learning centers, outreach programs, summer camps, and scholarships. Proceeds from the Holiday Flying Festival and Car Show will go to the center.
Event organizers are promising an “over responsible” safety focus for the all-outdoor event, as all attendees and personnel will be properly distanced over the 300 acres of available space, with plenty of sanitizing stations on the grounds. Sun 'n Fun announced the event after it received final approval from the town of Lakeland and airport officials. Organizers will continue to monitor the health situation and make any changes prescribed by guidelines.