Flying Into Sun ’n Fun? Here’s What You Need to Know

Good morning! If you’re at Sun ’n Fun this week—have an absolute blast! I’m bummed I can’t make it this year, but I’ve got my sights set on Oshkosh this summer. In the meantime, the Flybuyer YouTube channel is going full throttle, with new videos coming soon. And if you haven’t seen my recent review on the brand-new Cirrus Vision Jet, it’s definitely worth a watch! 🛩️

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• Navigate Sun ’n Fun Like a Pro

• The Race to Modernize U.S. Air Traffic Control

• Around the Skies: Boeing lands F-47 contract, Alaska pilot faces review, Textron’s Denali debuts at Sun 'n Fun, Pilot’s passport blunder, GAMA expands their roster

• PilotTube: One Tiny Helipad, One Giant Leap for STOL Pilots

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Your Sun ’n Fun Checklist Begins Here

If you’re flying yourself into Sun ’n Fun this week, the NOTAM isn’t just suggested reading—it’s essential. With arrivals already underway and official procedures now in effect, make sure you’ve studied the fine print before joining the swarm headed for Lakeland. The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo runs from April 1 through 6 and attracts thousands of airplanes, making it one of the busiest and most exciting fly-ins of the year. Preparation is key to arriving smoothly and safely among the aerial crowd.

The 22-page FAA NOTAM lays out everything you need to know, from VFR arrival routes and holding procedures to communication protocols and parking instructions. Highlights include illustrated maps, recommended altitudes and speeds and friendly reminders like “no overtaking” and “rock your wings.” If your aircraft is NORDO (no radio), plan to land 30 minutes out and call in for instructions. And even if you're fully digital, printing out a hard copy of the NOTAM is strongly recommended.

Daily airshows mean that the airport temporarily closes, so you’ll need to work around those windows of activity. Check ATIS (118.025) before arrival to confirm when the airspace reopens and don’t plan on departing after the night airshow ends. IFR pilots should file from their departure airport if conditions are marginal, but be aware that busy airspace around Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville may limit IFR pickups. Timing and flexibility are everything.

Finally, don’t overlook the importance of parking placards. Whether you're camping under your wing or just parking for the day, make sure the right sign is clearly visible in your cockpit. Getting sent to the wrong zone can turn your aviation vacation into a taxiing nightmare. Sun ’n Fun is all about adventure, camaraderie and a sky full of wings, but it all starts with a little homework. So study the NOTAM, brief your crew and get ready to join the airborne celebration.

Transportation Secretary Charts Bold Path for Air Traffic Control Revamp

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced that the United States could implement a new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system within three years. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Duffy emphasized the urgent need to replace outdated technology and address staffing shortages, calling the current system aging and under-resourced. He plans to request tens of billions of dollars from Congress to support upgrades, including new radar systems, modernized communications infrastructure, improved safety technologies and expanded controller hiring.

The initiative comes in the wake of several high-profile safety incidents, including a fatal midair collision near Washington National Airport earlier this year. In response, the FAA has already implemented a number of safety recommendations and is using artificial intelligence to identify potential conflict zones in the airspace. Duffy stressed that these efforts are only the beginning and outlined plans to phase out legacy equipment and enhance efficiency throughout the system.

The FAA is currently moving forward with its modernization programs, including a $2 billion contract with Verizon under the FAA Enterprise Network Services program. However, other companies, such as SpaceX, have expressed interest in contributing to the overhaul, with the FAA testing satellite and wireless technologies at several locations. Final decisions on deployment will be made by the agency’s leadership, including its newly nominated administrator, Bryan Bedford.

In addition to technology upgrades, the FAA is also accelerating its hiring efforts to address critical staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. The agency recently announced that more than 8,000 candidates have advanced to the assessment phase, with the hiring process now significantly faster than in previous years. These combined efforts aim to strengthen safety, reliability and efficiency across the national airspace system.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ Boeing has snagged the contract for what may be the Air Force’s final crewed fighter jet, the sleek and stealthy F-47. This sixth-generation aircraft will cost up to $300 million each and is expected to begin entering service in the 2030s. The F-47 will team up with autonomous drones and feature next-level technology, from new engines to advanced sensors.

🛩️ A student pilot flying a Piper PA-12 with his two daughters made an unplanned landing on a frozen lake in Alaska recently. Fortunately, all three were rescued safely and the plane suffered only minor damage. The NTSB has closed its investigation, noting that the incident did not meet the threshold for further review. However, since the pilot was not licensed to carry passengers and did not report the incident on time, the FAA may have a few follow-up questions of its own.

🛩️ Textron Aviation is bringing its full lineup of aircraft to Sun ‘n Fun, with the Beechcraft Denali making its debut at the show. This clean-sheet, single-engine turboprop is still on track for certification in 2026 but is already drawing plenty of attention. The Denali aims to deliver business-class comfort with a rugged, can-do attitude.

🛩️ A United Airlines flight to Shanghai made an unexpected U-turn after the pilot realized he forgot his passport two hours after takeoff. The aircraft landed in San Francisco, where a backup crew stepped in to complete the journey. Passengers eventually made it to China with a six-hour delay and a few free snacks.

🛩️ GAMA just added four new names to its ever-growing aviation guest list, welcoming one full member and three associates. TAT Technologies joins as a full member, bringing decades of experience in auxiliary power units and landing gear systems. Meanwhile, Eve Air Mobility, Ascendance and Electra join as associate members, each working on futuristic flight concepts, from flying taxis to hybrid-electric aircraft with some serious VTOL swagger. The general aviation roster is getting more electric, more vertical and a lot more interesting.

PilotTube

Pilot Luke Czepiela made history by landing a fixed-wing aircraft on the tiny helipad atop Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, 56 stories in the sky. After 650 practice landings, he nailed the real thing, stopping in just 20.76 meters on the 27-meter pad. With help from CubCrafters and Mike Patey, his bushplane was lightened, boosted with nitrous and fine-tuned for rooftop heroics. He wrapped it up by launching off the helipad and into aviation history.

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