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One of the top “can’t miss” aviation events is the Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In & Expo, which takes place this week in Lakeland, Florida and will kick off our season of global air show appearances.

This year marks the 44^th annual fly-in, which features exciting new technology and aviation products, airshows, educational forums, hands-on workshops, aircraft displays, and much more. In addition to checking out Hartzell’s exhibit at B-034/035, here are five more things to see and do at Sun ‘n Fun.

Warbirds on Display

Aviation and history enthusiasts alike will enjoy Sun ‘n Fun’s warbird activities and static displays. This year, expect to see the debut of four newly restored D-Day Squadron C-47 and DC-3 aircraft flying in for the event.

Educational Forums

SUN ‘n FUN will feature over 250 free educational forums held daily in the Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA). With forum topics ranging from pilot safety to careers in aviation and everything in between, there’s bound to be a forum that peaks your interest. Check out the complete event schedule, which will be updated each day.

Hands-on Workshops

In addition to thought-provoking forums, Sun ‘n Fun will also host a variety of workshops for homebuilders included in the price of admission. All workshops are staffed by volunteer instructors, many of whom hold FAA Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic ratings. These workshops will include the basics of woodworking, metal fabrication and shaping, fabric covering, and more to educate novice builders on the safe construction of experimental and amateur-built aircraft.

The Florida Air Museum

The Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum will be open to attendees and runs programming throughout the event. You can enjoy lectures from pilots and historians, or take a tour to see the museum’s impressive aviation artifacts and exhibits including the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame and the personal aviation collection of Howard Hughes.

Aerobatics

Sun ‘n Fun will also feature exhilarating airshow performances both day and night. All week long, you can catch some of the world’s top aerobatic pilots take to the skies – many of them flying Hartzell props – to showcase their incredible skill and precision. Among the performers is American aerobatic national champion aviator Michael Goulian. Be sure to watch him perform during the shows in his Extra 330XC utilizing a Hartzell Claw Propeller, and stop by the Hartzell booth at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10th to meet Mike and receive his autograph.

The SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo is the largest fundraising event for The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) and Florida’s largest annual convention. Sun ‘n Fun is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and proceeds from events fund aviation scholarships and education programs. Visit the Sun ‘n Fun website for more information.