Category Archives: sun and fun

SUN 'n FUN SUN 'n FUN Building a Brighter Future through Aviation.. at AirVenture!

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For more information, contact:
Sandy Bridges
Director Communications and Public Relations
863-712-1897
sbridges@sun-n-fun.org
4175 Medulla Rd. • Lakeland, FL 33811
P: 863.644.2431 • F: 863.644.9737

SUN ‘n FUN SUN ‘n FUN Building a Brighter Future through Aviation.. at AirVenture!

LAKELAND, FL  – July 24, 2013 – On Wednesday, July 31st, in the Media Center at EAA Airventure, Robert A. (Bob) Knight, Chairman of the SUN ‘n FUN Board of Directors and John R. “Lites” Leenhouts, SUN ‘n FUN President and CEO will introduce current students and graduates of the Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) in Lakeland, FL to the aviation community. The students will visit unique aviation exhibits as well as volunteer for the week at KidVenture in Oshkosh representing the future of aviation offered through SUN ‘n FUN.

Located on the SUN ‘n FUN campus, CFAA is a workforce academy of Polk County Schools – a public school with a 100% graduation rate! Students are incorporated into the daily activities at SUN ‘n FUN as staff and volunteers strive to “Build a Brighter Future Through Aviation.” Projects in the Buehler Restoration Center are completed by future aviators and A&P mechanics as professionals offer guidance and oversight. Members of the Lakeland AeroClub are offered a 75% cash scholarship for flight lessons. The remaining 25% of the expense can be worked out in volunteer hours. With the relocation of the Florida Headquarters for the Civil Air Patrol to the SUN ‘n FUN campus, students participate in community service projects. The Air Force Junior ROTC program at CFAA enrolls students into the rigor of a military academy that may be in their future. Teens assist as mentors and teachers’ aides during Destination Aviation and STEMtastics™ summer camps and offer tours to visitors to the SUN ‘n FUN campus year-round. Examples of high quality citizens and overachievers is seen in every activity.

Benefactors, sponsors, exhibitors and attendees at year round events contribute financially to aviation curriculums and activities conducted year round enabling SUN ‘n FUN to contribute more than $1 million to education in Polk County. Learn about the new look in the Florida Air Museum and the dynamic presentations as visitors experience interactive displays entwined with the rich history of aviation. Plans for the 40th SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo will also be discussed. Visit SUN ‘n FUN in Booth 3012 at EAA Airventure to learn more about the programs and year round events.
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SUN ‘n FUN’s mission is to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events, inspiring and educating people of all ages. SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc. is a 501c3 corporation.

RARE OPPORTUNITY TO FLY IN HUEY #354!

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For Immediate Release                                                          Contact:
                                                                                                Rick Welch 770/897-0444
RARE OPPORTUNITY TO FLY IN HUEY #354!

Perhaps there is no more iconic symbol of the Viet Nam War than the venerable UH-1 Huey helicopter.  On Monday, July 29th, Tuesday, July 30th and Thursday, August 1st, Huey #354 will be available for rides from 9 AM until 4 PM at the Fond Du Lac County Airport, 260 S. Rolling Meadows Drive in Fond Du Lac.  Huey #354 is part of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and will also be appearing as part of the air show at AirVenture this year.
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, known by all as the Huey, first flew in 1956 and was the first helicopter powered by a turbo shaft engine that controlled the two bladed main rotor as well as the tail rotor.  The UH-1 went into full production in 1960 and over 16,000 Huey’s were produced.  The first combat service for the Huey, in 1963, was in Viet Nam and the US Army utilized the Huey for troop transport, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), search & rescue and all general utility roles.  Depending on the mission, the Huey could fly with a crew of up to 4.  The Huey is no doubt one of the world’s most recognized helicopters.
Huey #354 (N354AF) is one of 4 flyable UH-1’s owned by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.  #354 flew over 1,500 combat hours in Viet Nam and has been faithfully restored, by members of the foundation, in the exact markings that were on the aircraft when it served in Viet Nam.  The Huey was acquired from the Georgia National Guard in 2008.
“Folks love to fly with the veterans and aircraft that made history and that’s why we enjoy making #354 available for rides as often as possible” said Rick Welch, Director of the Foundation.  The price per rider is $60.00 and the minimum age requirement is 5 years old.  Reservations are not necessary during this rare 3 day opportunity, but all flights are flown on a first come, first serve basis.

For additional information or questions, call 770/897-0444