Airshow..

Balloon Launch

One of the oldest and most beautiful forms of flight was first “test-piloted” by a sheep, a duck and a rooster! In 1783 the Montgolfier brothers loaded this menagerie aboard an airship and launched it up, up and away! Later that year they themselves took to the skies in a balloon made of paper and silk.

Modern hot-air balloons are showcased early Saturday morning with a spectacular airship launch. Pilots participating in this launch are part of a unique group of seasoned air-show veterans from around the world.

Hot air balloon pilots carry an FAA issued pilot’s license in the “Lighter than Air” Category. In addition to passing the traditional written tests, a pilot is specially trained in balloon mechanics, safety, procedures, and the unique flight characteristics of balloons. Rated as either Private or Commercial, pilot competence can only be attained by extensive experience in actual flight.

Balloon events at SUN ‘n FUN include limited daily demonstration flights from the Light Plane field by commercial firms – usually at 7:00 a.m. Saturday is the “big” event! Balloons will be launched in a traditional “Hare and Hound” race. As the name suggests, this event involves chasing a single airship after it takes off. This airship acts as the “hare” and floats in the air for a short while before other balloons are allowed to take off. The balloons that follow are the “hounds”, and the winning balloon is the one who lands closest to the “hare”. This is a sight you won’t want to miss, but you’ll have to get up early.

The Balloon launch (weather permitting) takes place between 6:30-8:00 a.m., Check out the BALLOON GLOW during our night air shows!

Showcase Fly-By’s

The Showcase Fly-Bys are free of charge and featured daily from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

This is an opportunity for manufacturers and individuals to display their aircraft in the air in the Fly-By pattern at show center while having it described over the public address system. Pilots and their announcers are given a briefing at the Fly-By and Showcase Briefing building. Briefings are daily at 8, 9, and 10 AM and include a description of the Fly-By pattern, staging and launching times. Our Showcase crew will be on hand to stage, launch, and recall each aircraft on our own discrete radio frequency.

Each aircraft or group of manufacturer`s aircraft have exclusive use of the Fly-By pattern for 6 minutes while their representative extolls its virtues over the PA system. The same planes can fly on multiple days if times and slots are available, and they usually are.

The Showcase is one of our most popular attractions and is a great opportunity to exhibit your aircraft in action!

Sprint / Sport 20

This year, two contests of speed and precise navigation will be conducted: The Sun 20 Sprint and the inaugural Sport 20 Time Trial for Sport Pilot eligible aircraft cruising 120 knots or less, including Gyro planes. Only aircraft capable of cruising 121 knots or better can enter the Sprint 20. Specific classes will be determined by participation. Each event is limited to piston aircraft. The Sport 20 event is intended for SUN ‘n FUN Exhibitors or their sponsored entries.

Pre-registration is required as well as a $30.00 non-refundable fee. An awards dinner will be held Wednesday evening and tickets may be purchased for $15 each on the Registration page. Note: All crew members will require an Admissions (wrist band) or Exhibitor’s Credential to participate.

Participants must fill out the form below. Additional information for the FAA monitors must also be provided, please follow the links. Evidence of Insurance coverage must also be provided. Chairman Craig Payne will contact each pre-registration for entry verification.