Sun-n-Fun 2019

[FS]

Corollary to Pat's posts for Oshkosh.

My current plan is to alternate years between Sun-n-Fun and Oshkosh. Not sure I can handle doing both each year.

Since I did Oshkosh this year, for 2019 I've already got a flight, hotel, and car booked for S-n-F. Arriving Monday, departing Thursday. I'm signed up for the Piper factory tour on Thursday morning before I head home. Not that I'm looking at Piper, but a friend said it was very interesting, regardless.

Hotel prices usually skyrocket as we approach April, so best to get it done now before they get ridiculous. Well, actually some of the hotels are already ridiculously priced.

 

[Johnf3305]

Re: Sun-n-Fun 2019

Corollary to Pat's posts for Oshkosh.

My current plan is to alternate years between Sun-n-Fun and Oshkosh. Not sure I can handle doing both each year.

Since I did Oshkosh this year, for 2019 I've already got a flight, hotel, and car booked for S-n-F. Arriving Monday, departing Thursday. I'm signed up for the Piper factory tour on Thursday morning before I head home. Not that I'm looking at Piper, but a friend said it was very interesting, regardless.

Hotel prices usually skyrocket as we approach April, so best to get it done now before they get ridiculous. Well, actually some of the hotels are already ridiculously priced.

Frank,
I'll be at Sun 'n' Fun, haven't decided if I'm flying in or driving over from Kissimmee...

John

 

[N1049j]

Re: Sun-n-Fun 2019

I believe I also will be there hoping to fly and bring the motorhome!

 

[wab003]

Re: Sun-n-Fun 2019

Frank,
I'll be at Sun 'n' Fun, haven't decided if I'm flying in or driving over from Kissimmee...

John

There is merit to both approaches John. Crazies on both land and in the air so you get to pick your poison...

 

[Jamesdub]

Re: Sun-n-Fun 2019

I really enjoy the arrival / departure NOTAM procedures.

After that it's a lot of walking though there is a good network of tram routes available . . .

 

[mcgrathm]

Re: Sun-n-Fun 2019

Flew behind John last year. Camped next to each other.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[wiguy]

Re: Sun-n-Fun 2019

I have not been to Sun & Fun since 1992, still have the sticker. The older Son is a flight instructor in Vero Beach, may just be a reason to go next year.

I also hope to fly down in a few weeks for a visit, word is there’s a nice restaurant at the KVRB airport. I’ve got some flexibility, just need somewhat cooperative weather.

 

[plight]

Re: Sun-n-Fun 2019

SunNFun is too much easier than AirVenture. My son Benji and I had a great time last year.

 

[Sherman]

Nah Phil, on Sun N Fun- We just spent 7 weeks between Florida &( a week) in the Carribean. Met up with John Fiandola at KSM for my COMMANDER fix & my younger 2nd/3rd Cuzzins from Tampa in Lakeland. so now need to wait for Real Spring (Cold Raw, Damp today) to finish Roofing/Skylights replacement on Columbia House. Meanwhile on warmer days working on the Annual. Do plan 'ACTIVE Summer Flying Excursions: NECOG,Upstate NYS, New England, Maybe OSH-TBD: May- Sept. My HS buddy, Ex USAF Nuclear Bomb Loader B-52's lives in Greater Montreal, keeps me abreast of 'Canadian Conditions'. You Hardy Sou Canadians all braver than this Senior can handle (although it seemed like every other license plate in S Florida (Jjan-Feb) was from Ontario or Quebec) . When I grow up, I want to be like Joel S (AZ) & John Potter in Calif.

 

[plight]

Hey Sherman ... sounds like a full spring and summer of flying ... If you end up in Montreal, don't forget sample Montreal Smoked Meat sandwiches.

 

[Sherman]

Phil- You mean Montreal's famous Schwartz's Deli ? We hiked up the hill when we were in Montreal, 2015. In fact, sent a T shirt to Joel. As good as Attman's in Baltimore & Katz's in NYC (by the Brooklyn Bridge). Commander info: We flew into Plattsburg (ex AFB) with (Like RME, ex Griffiss AFB where I grew up) the 12,000 ft runway. Tie down fee was $3 night, fit my budget perfectly. HS bud Bill Smith picked us up, spent a week up in Montreal. Took us to all the tourist sights. Wonderful time. Hoping to do the same this summer if logistics work out.
Think I finally found the signature edit. We 'Cruise' - in now! You planning Sun N Fun?

 

[plight]

Sherman ... yes, I'm planning on SunNFun. Arriving on April 2, for a few days.
I've been to Schwartz's and Katz's. Check out Snowdon's deli next time you're in Montreal. The kids of the founders setup a similar deli in Toronto (Centre Street Deli). Awesome smoked meat. Why not fly right into Montreal. St. Hubert (CYHU) is a great spot. It's an Airport of Entry, so you can clear CND customs right there.

 

[Sherman]

Phil -In 2011, when I bought the 36 Packard up in Ottawa thru connections with my Ottawa Jaguar Club associates, just used my birth certificate & Drivers license. Still Had a delay with Canadian Customs with the Cashier's checks, until Ottawa Jag Club Officers assisted.

By 2015, They wanted ' a Passpor't, not just my original Birth Certificate & Drivers License. My HS buddy (Dual citizenship) who keeps a mailbox in Champlain NY & goes evry week or so), suggested the 'New' hi tech Enhanced Passport Card, Plastic, , looks like a drivers license.

Then we found out that even with the 'New' hi tech Enhanced Passport Card, your Customs said I could not fly 'over border ' into your country' .
Good for" International land, & sea travel: Canada, Mexico & Carribean but not air. .Go figure. Wanted to fly into a smaller airport closer to my friend's abode in Duex-Montagnes, but was not to be. SO Plattsburgh was the simplest solution. There is a small local road border crossing just N of Champlain NY. Was a 2 minute deal.
We are working on summer 2019 logistics.

 

[plight]

Sherman .. the Press the Easy button is to have a US passport. Simple, easy, no hassle at the boarder.

 

[Dober]

Any Sun n Fun tips for someone going their first time?

 

[mcgrathm]

Any Sun n Fun tips for someone going their first time?

Are you flying or driving? If you flying here is a link to the NOTAM. https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/ntap/spair19001.html
Last year was my first time and it can be daunting, but once in line it just follow the leader. I got a bit confused initially so I climbed out out of the pattern to find the correct starting point. The tower will call you by color of you plane and you do not respond. They may ask you to do sometime a little unusual as they did me. I was on downwind to the runway, gear down & flaps 10%. 2 planes in front with the first one on Base. The tower called me and told me to turn and land now. So basically cut the throttle turned and did a 180 from the downwind leg and landed in front of the other 2. What I found out later was they were in a hurry to close the airspace down and they were getting everyone down as fast as possible.

Taking off a few days later was pretty easy. James "Jamesdub" and I were asked to position and take off in formation. I think mainly because he loved the looks of the Commanders.

 

[Jamesdub]

[url]https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2019/march/26/10-must-do-events-at-sun-n-fun[/URL]

Obviously download the Arrival NOTAM and scan it over a few beverages of your choice. LOT's of airplanes funneling into Lakeland so keep your head on a swivel.

Lake Parker is fairly simple. Approach from the East (westbound) and enter the circular pattern counter clock wise around the lake. Sounds easy enough but will require a bit of air work as most of us are arriving from the North.
After you drop off with Approach you shouldn't have to talk again - just follow the portable ATC's instructions all the way into parking.

They want you dirty at the lake, so 'slow flight' will be norm as you await your clearance. Most of the time a couple of laps will do it. My worst case was holding for 13 Laps a few years ago.

You'll land and KEEP moving on the parallel taxiways- landing to a large painted Dot. Seems rushed but don't let it be, you'll have plenty of time . . .

Parking will be on the SOD and the sandy turf may require a bit of throttle to get her started. Bring a set of tie downs. I've seen those dog collar corkscrew things used. Ground folks usually have a set they'll sell you if don't bring a set.

Mike described the departure, it CAN take awhile waiting in a very long line. Watch your temps, I've never had a problem.

Don't forget to ALWAYS ask of the Sun n Fun price . . .

 

[gmores]

Update: I'm very sorry to report that due to some personnel issues at work I will not be able to attend. Very frustrating but I hope everyone else has a great time. Weather looks beautiful for most of the week.

 

[Dober]

I'm driving so I have plenty of room to buy lots of stuff. I'm not that far away from it. Do I need to bring food and snacks? Any favorite food stands?

 

[Jamesdub]

Can't help with the driving experience . . sure parking will be fun . .

LOT's of overpriced food vendors available, breakfast through an evening buffet style 'tray' dinner. One outfit has 'two I think' Root Beer trailers setup and if you buy their 'SnF' mug you can refill all day. Problem is the place is so spread-out that your have to make an effort to get your next refill. Mug is cool to have though . . .

My wife packs me a backpack and she'll freeze a couple of small bottles of water to put inside to drink throughout the day.

AOPA has a large shade tent where you can listen to a class and 'sit down' for a bit. They usually have bottled water and 'ice cream' . . .

and LOT's of Other vendors . . .