SUN ‘n FUN Recap: Record-Breaking Crowds at 45th Annual SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In
LAKELAND, Fla. – Phillips 66® Aviation was honored to be a part of the record-breaking 45th Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expoheld April 2 – 7 in Lakeland, Florida. If you missed all the soaring action – from the airshows to the educational forums – we’ve got the updates you need.
The highlights for many attendees included the airshows. The Phillips 66 Aerostars performed in three different airshows throughout the week. If you weren’t able to watch live, you can see photos and videos on their Facebook page here.
Additionally, Phillips 66 Aviation and Afton Chemical discussed the “Future of Avgas” during two educational sessions. The group of panelists included Ryan Manor, Director, QC& Technical Support and Enrico Lodrigueza, Fuel Quality Director, East/Gulf from Phillips 66 Aviation, as well as Zach McAfee, Sr. R&D Engineer at Afton Chemical. They discussed current industry efforts to create an unleaded replacement avgas and the challenges and risks associated with development and commercialization.
The fly-in also announced a name change to better reflect its evolving mission. Beginning in 2020, the event will be named the "SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo.”
"Renaming this iconic aviation event reflects our mission to engage, educate and accelerate the next generation of aerospace professionals,” says John "Lites" Leenhouts, SUN n FUN president and CEO. “Our fundraising efforts enable us to provide extensive youth-based programs and scholarships that have been recognized as the model that is now being replicated across this country. Our focus on preparing the next generation to be inspired and trained as job-ready candidates to address the demands of today's aerospace industry will be reflected in our new name, SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo starting in 2020."
The first SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo will be held March 31 – April 5, 2020.
Do you have a favorite moment or photo to share from SUN ‘n FUN? Tweet us @P66Aviation and let us know!