Sun ‘n Fun Ready For Early Launch

It's barely April, and some parts of the East Coast woke to snowfalls this morning, but in Lakeland, Florida, it's time for an early start to flying season with the opening of Sun 'n Fun. The show has been tweaking its dates for several years, trying to satisfy fly-in pilots in search of perfect weather and vendors who juggle the show's schedule with the Aero Friedrichshafen general aviation event, in Germany. Last year, by comparison, the show didn't start until April 21. This year it runs April 5 to 10, Tuesday through Sunday. According to local weather reports, it should be mostly clear and dry all week, with temps around 80 and just a chance of showers on Thursday. AVweb staffers are now arriving at the show and will provide daily coverage to your inbox starting Tuesday morning.

Among the news expected this week from Sun 'n Fun are new product announcements from engine and avionics manufacturers, updates on new airplanes in the works and all the latest details from the big airplane companies. Aviation experts and advocates have had a chance now to look over the FAA's proposed new rules for certifying Part 23 airplanes, so that's expected to be a major topic of discussion. An update on the FAA's progress toward approving a lead-free avgas also is expected. And there will be plenty of airshow acts as well, with a demo by Red Bull pilots Michael Goulian and Kirby Chambliss on the agenda, plus the Brietling Jet Team, and a night airshow on Saturday. The F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter will visit the show for the first time. Also exhibiting at Sun 'n Fun for the first time will be Icon, with their A5 light sport aircraft on display. AVweb will be there and bring you daily reports, with stories, videos and podcasts, all week long.