Updates From Sun 'n Fun 2021

Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, which runs April 13-18 in Lakeland, Florida, is the first major airshow since the pandemic. While the number of exhibitors is down 20% from the 2019 show, ticket sales are way up and the campground is nearly full. In the past seven days, Sun ‘n Fun has had 1.1 million hits on its social media sites, said John Leenhouts, CEO and president of Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo. “The world is ready for an aviation event,” Leenhouts said. Credit: Molly McMillin

Financially, last year’s cancellation was “devastating” to the organization, called Sun ’n Fun Fly-In, said Greg Gibson, show director and chief marketing officer. The air show is the primary source of funding for the Aerospace Expo, which offers education, outreach, summer camps and scholarships. Gibson predicts the organization will be financially “in really good shape” after the Sun ‘n Fun show in 2022. Here, volunteers help move attendees across the vast show campus. Credit: Molly McMillin

Daher’s exhibit during Sun ‘n Fun features the TBM 940 turboprop and Kodiak 100. Daher is sold out of the TBM 940 until October, following a sell-out in 2020, said Michael Sarsfield, director of TBM Sales Southeast. Demand has been spurred by three factors: Garmin’s Autoland sytem, bonus depreciation and the COVID-19 pandemic. “No one likes to airline anymore,” Sarsfield said. Credit: Molly McMillin

Flight Design’s F2 LSA, on display at Sun 'n Fun 2021, is being certified to EASA CS23 standards, saysTom Peghiny, president of Flight Design in the U.S. After EASA certification, expected in July, Flight Design plans to bring the aircraft to the U.S. for validation. It’s been a two-year project. The F2 LSA includes an autopilot, Garmin G3X, ADS-B, BRS parachute system and AMSAFE airbags strategically mounted in the instrument panel. Here, a company representative readies the aircraft for display. Credit: Molly McMillin

Diamond Aircraft is showcasing its DA40 NG and DA 62 aircraft at its exhibit during Sun ‘n Fun. The two are “doing very well this year,” said Annemarie Mercedes Heikenwalder, Diamond aircraft sales manager. Orders are up as buyers seek safe, socially distant travel options, she said. The company is expecting deliveries in 2021 similar to those of 2020 with growth in 2022. Heikenwalder is heartened by reports of an increase in ticket sales to the show. "I really hope this sets the groundwork for (AirVenture) Oshkosh," she said. "Sun 'n Fun is the second biggest show for us. Oshkosh is the first." Credit: Molly McMillin

Boca Aircraft Maintenance (BAM) is an annual exhibitor at Sun ‘n Fun to showcase its Garmin installations, ADS-B upgrades, paint services, custom glass display installations and other services. “Business has been good,” says Daniel Saldibar, BAM materials specialist. Credit: Molly McMillin

Among its aircraft on display, Piper Aircraft is showcasing the M600 turboprop with the Garmin Autoland system it calls Halo. With a passenger’s push of a button, the equipment will land the aircraft automatically at the closest suitable airport should the pilot become incapacitated. Autoland is part of the Garmin G3000 avionics suite. Credit: Molly McMillin