Whether you are an avid aviation enthusiast or just simply enjoy hearing those fighter jet engines roar, SUN ‘n FUN 2025 is sure to have something for everyone in the family. From daily airshows to plenty of static exhibits, this is one of the few chances around to see planes and their pilots perform at their peak. Continue reading below to learn what you can expect from SUN ‘n FUN 2025.
Starting in 1974 as a fly-in event for sport aviation enthusiasts, SUN ‘n FUN is now one of the largest aviation events in the world and takes place at the Lakeland Linder International Airport. Bringing in over 200,000 visitors from all around the world, it has become known as “Aviation’s Season Opener” or “Spring Break for Pilots.” Not only do some of the best airshow performers around come fly at the event, but there are plenty of exhibitors and hands-on workshops for both seasoned pilots and inspiring STEM students looking to get into aviation. You’ll also find the FAA and other top manufacturers at the event, providing forums and interviews about the latest comings in the aviation field. One of the more unique features of this event is that pilots can fly their planes into the airport. While you’re walking around the various exhibits and static displays, you may have to stop by a taxiway as one of these pilots is arriving or going for a little joyride.
Static Display Highlights
One of the most interesting areas at the show is the Warbird Ramp, where you can get up close and personal with historic aircraft and some of the latest fighters around. The list below is the current lineup of aircraft you can expect to see at the show, but it can change at a moment’s notice:
- C-130J Super Hercules
- C-17 Globemaster
- KC-135 Stratotanker
- F-14 Tomcat
- F-16 Fighting Falcon
- F-35A Lighting II
- A-10C Thunderbolt II
- T-6 Texan
- E-9
- Boeing P-8 Poseidon
- CASA C-212 Aviocar
- U.S. Customs & Border Patrol King Air
- TH-73A Thrasher
- Boeing AH-64 Apache
- Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk
- Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk
- Boeing CH-47 Chinook
- MD-530
- CMV-22B Osprey
- TG-16 Glider
- BQM-167 Skeeter
While most of these aircraft aren’t too old, don’t be surprised to see some World War 2 era fighters parked on the ramp as well as we have a number of P-51s that will be participating in the daily airshows. Speaking of airshows, let us move on to what you can expect there.
SUN ‘n FUN Airshows
Perhaps one of the biggest pulls for the SUN ‘n FUN events are their daily airshows. As the title says, you’ll see everything from prop planes to military fighter jets and maybe some gliders as well. While not as fast as some of the other performers, Greg Koontz and his Super Decathlon will gracefully soar through the sky with Cuban 8s and other maneuvers. Then, you’ll witness several high-performance aerobatic prop planes, such as Mike Goulian in his Extra 330SC, performing intense maneuvers that will have you second-guessing if they’ll pull up in time.
Things get taken to the next level once the military performers begin flying. This year, you can expect to see the following military demo teams flying:
- F-16 Viper Demo Team
- F-35A Lighting II Demo Team
- E/A-18 Growler Demo Team
- USAFA Glider Demo Team
- F-35C Demo Team
- US Navy Blue Angels
It will be important to reference the SUN ‘n FUN airshow schedule to know exactly what days the performers are flying as they don’t fly every day. For instance, the F-35C Demo Team will only fly two shows during the day (Friday 4/4 and Sunday 4/6). Otherwise, you can catch them in the Saturday night airshow. The nighttime airshows are also exciting to watch as you’ll see those afterburning exhausts even clearer than you do during the day, and golden hour provides an excellent opportunity for pictures. Be sure to follow Space Explored’s social feeds as we’ll have some of our photographers attending the event!
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