Aerospace Center For Excellence

Wings 'n Waffles
2024-08-10 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York)
Join us the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 A.M. to enjoy breakfast (chicken and waffles, thus the event name) and hear from aviation professionals, veterans, pilots and more. Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $10.00 per person at the door, which includes a day pass to tour the Museum when the event is over, a $5 discount on regular daily admission!

Our August 10th Speaker: Craig Tinder, Artist

Mr. Tinder is a Historical and Military artist known for embedding authentic vehicle relics into his creations. He is active participant in restoration and preservation of historic military aircraft and has been a collaborator with aviation legends, including WWII Medal of Honor Recipient James E. Swett, Clarence “Bud” Anderson, Archie Donahue, and Dean Caswel. His artwork is showcased in museums, airports, memorial sites, and private collections around the world!

Stuffed Animal Flight School
2024-08-02 15:00 - 2024-08-04 15:00
Does your Stuffed Animal dream of flying? Do they feel the need for speed? Do they crave adventure?

If so, Enroll in Stuffed Animal Flight School at the Florida Air Museum!

Step 1: Identify which of your stuffed animals has what it takes.

Step 2: You and your stuffed animal attend mandatory orientation (see event details for dates).

Step 3: Leave your stuffed animal with our experienced team of aviation professionals for a rigorous flight training program.

Step 4: Return the following day between 1-3 p.m. to collect your newly winged pilot!

Note to Parents: Orientation will include a presentation and video of the activities that the stuffed animals will be “participating in” while in flight school. A photo will be taken of the child with their animal as they say goodbye. The next day, the child will pick up their animal who will have “successfully completed flight school.” They will go home with their new pilot certificate, a logbook to be used for future flights, the photo from orientation, and a set of pilot wings for the animal and the child.

Please reserve one ticket per participating child. Adults and nonparticipating children do not need a ticket.

Session 1: August 2nd Drop-Off at 3 PM; Pick-Up on August 3rd from 1-3 PM

Session 2: August 3rd Drop-Off at 3 PM; Pick-Up on August 4th from 1-3 PM

Register Here

Sponsors

Movie Night at the Museum
2024-06-06 18:00 - 20:00
Attend this Museum Member exclusive event! The Florida Air Museum presents Movie Night!

Movie: “Rio”

The first 100 museum members will be allotted entry. Bring your own chairs, blankets, and pillows. Doors open at 6 PM, movie begins at 6:30 PM.

Concessions will be available through the local Women in Aviation Chapter!

Kid's Museum Day
2024-05-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Florida Air Museum, 4075 James C. Ray Dr, Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
The Florida Air Museum invites you to come and experience the exciting history of aviation! Your FREE admission will give you access to explore the wonderful galleries and aircraft assets the Florida Air Museum has to offer. In addition, you can enjoy bounce houses, local exhibitors, and more!

Come experience the exciting world of aviation!

Get up close to static aircraft

Learn about aviation among a hangar full of exhibits – Air Racing, Howard Hughes personal collection and more!

Participate in fun hands-on STEM activities

Let the littles play in the “Tots” play area

Grab a friend and play an interactive game

Explore space inside our Science on a Sphere Lab

Visit community partner booths

Jump as high as you can in a bounce house

PHOTO-OP! Sit in a P-3 cockpit!

Ice Cream Truck (cash only)

Gift shop full of unique aviation souvenirs and merchandise.

PLUS! Get 50% off a Family Membership to the Florida Air Museum ALL DAY on May 11, 2024

Annual Membership Includes:

Daily admission to the Florida Air Museum for one year!

10% off at Gifts of Flight Gift Shop

Discounted admission to the Annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo

Discounts to over 200 other Science Centers and museums that participate in the ASTC Travel Passport Program

Wings 'n Waffles
2024-05-11 09:00 - 10:00
Join us the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 A.M. to enjoy breakfast (chicken and waffles, thus the event name) and hear from aviation professionals, veterans, pilots and more. Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $10.00 per person at the door, which includes a day pass to tour the Museum when the event is over, a $5 discount on regular daily admission!

We look forward to seeing you at Wings ‘n Waffles!

Our May 11th Speakers: SUN ‘n FUN Pioneers

Come hear from some of SUN ‘n FUN’s Pioneers as they reflect on the last 50 years and the history of this awesome event. Our panel of speakers will recount their favorite stories and share their thoughts about the 50th celebration and the future of the event. The panel will consist of: Bill Eickhoff, Ann McKee, Bob Highley, and Susan Highley.

Cookies 'n Convos
2024-05-02 18:00 - 19:00
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. The speaker then leads a Q&A session so that young people and their parents can learn more about each career field especially how to pursue each field as a personal career option! Per the event title, there will be snacks, and the whole family can stick around to participate in hands-on activities. Content is geared for school aged kids, but all are welcome to attend!

Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $5.00 per person at the door.

Our May 2nd Speaker: Hugh MacDonald and Chase Haley – Precision Agricultural Services

Come GROW your understanding of commercial agriculture – namely how companies use drones to keep us fed! Hugh MacDonald and Chase Haley from Precision Agricultural Services will explain their journey to this awesome career and showcase their heavy lift and imaging drones. They will explain the technology behind one of the most important emerging industry segments in aviation right now. After the presentation students will get a chance to fly a drone!

* Please reserve one ticket per attending student. Adults do not need a ticket.

SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo
2024-04-09 08:00 - 2024-04-14 17:00
From its humble beginnings in 1974 as a fly-in for sport aviation enthusiasts, the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo has grown into one of the largest and most successful aviation events on earth. We are Florida’s largest annual convention of any kind, and each year over 200,000 visitors flock to what has become known as “Aviation’s Season Opener” or “Spring Break for Pilots.”

From April 9-14, 2024, we celebrate our 50th FlyIn and Expo with dozens of airshow acts, including the USAF Thunderbirds, hundreds of exhibitors, displays, demonstrations, workshops, and more.

MacDill Airfest
2024-03-29 08:00 - 2024-03-30 17:00
The SUN ‘n FUN and Aerospace Center for Excellence team will attend the annual MacDill Airfest March 29-30, 2024! Stop by for some information about our programs and events, plus pick up some limited edition 50th SUN ‘n FUN SWAG!!

Strawberry Festival
2024-03-10 10:00 - 23:00, 2024-03-03 10:00 - 23:00
The SUN ‘n FUN and Aerospace Center for Excellence team will be at the annual Strawberry Festival! Please stop by our booth for information on our upcoming 2024 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo and collect some limited edition 50th SUN ‘n FUN SWAG! We also offer information on our programming and will have flight sims for all those to try.

The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace expo is also a proud sponsor of the Kiddie Korral! For more information, click the button below.

Wings 'n Waffles
2024-03-09 09:00 - 10:00
Join us the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 A.M. to enjoy breakfast (chicken and waffles, thus the event name) and hear from aviation professionals, veterans, pilots and more. Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $10.00 per person at the door, which includes a day pass to tour the Museum when the event is over, a $5 discount on regular daily admission!

We look forward to seeing you at Wings ‘n Waffles!

Our March 9th Speaker: Lee Lauderback, P-51 Mustang Instructor Pilot

Lee Lauderback is an ICAS member with over 22,000 flight hours in aircraft including the P-51 Mustang. He has won many distinguished awards throughout his career. https://www.stallion51.com/mustang-flight-ops/lee-lauderback/

Following his presentation, we will unveil a new Bob Hoover aileron donated to the Museum by the ICAS Foundation.

Cookies 'n Convos
2024-03-07 18:00 - 19:00
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. The speaker then leads a Q&A session so that young people and their parents can learn more about each career field especially how to pursue each field as a personal career option! Per the event title, there will be snacks, and the whole family can stick around to participate in hands-on activities. Content is geared for school aged kids, but all are welcome to attend!

Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $5.00 per person at the door.

Our March 7th Speaker: Adam Lunn

Adam is a Polk county native that grew up attending ACE summer camps and Sun ‘n Fun. He is currently the Assistant Airport Director at the Lakeland Linder Airport. He is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives and was listed in the Airport Business Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” list. Come hear Adam’s story and learn about the exciting world of airport management. After the presentation students will get a chance to fly in our Redbird Flight Simulation Laboratory!

*Please reserve one ticket per attending student. Adults do not need a ticket.

11th Annual Lakeland City Commission SUN 'n FUN Breakfast
2024-03-06 07:00 - 08:30
Please join us for the 11th Annual Lakeland City Commission SUN ‘n FUN Breakfast celebrating the 50th SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo. We will showcase the significant economic impact that SUN ‘n FUN has on our beloved community. SUN ‘n FUN is the primary fundraiser for the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), whose mission is to Engage, Educate, and Accelerate the New Generation of Aerospace Professionals throughout the year!

This year’s speaker will be a representative of Avelo Airlines. In addition, SUN ‘n FUN President and CEO, Gene Conrad, will highlight plans for the upcoming SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo scheduled for April 9-14, 2024.

Attendees at the breakfast will have the chance to win exciting door prizes, including discovery flights generously donated by Legends Aviation Academy, VIP tickets to the Dylan Scott concert, and SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo ticket packages. Attendees will be immersed in aspects of the innovative STEM education offered to our local youth by flying drones, experiencing flight simulators and virtual reality, and engaging with robotics! Frescos will provide a delicious breakfast, so bring your appetite. See you there!

Fondly,

Stephanie Madden

Lakeland City Commissioner

Presented By:

Event Hosted By:

The Aerospace Center for Excellence at the Skylight Hangar on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus

4075 James C Ray Dr. Lakeland, FL 33811

In partnership with

Winter Haven Community Fest
2024-03-02 11:00 - 16:00
The SUN ‘n FUN and Aerospace Center for Excellence team will be in attendance at the Winter Haven Community Fest! Stop by our booth for information on our upcoming Aerospace Expo and learn about our programming. We will also have some great SWAG!

Storytime Under the Stars
2024-02-23 18:00 - 19:30
Join us for fun under the stars as we bring our weekly Story Time event outside around our fire ring for stories, songs, and s’mores!

Come and be our guest for a unique and fun-filled Story Time. If you have joined us on Tuesdays in the Florida Air Museum, you know that we have a great time with stories, songs, and learning. This event is open to your entire family, so bring everyone for fun around our large fire pit as we read, sing, and enjoy some s’mores together!

The event is free to all. We ask for a $10 donation per family to help offset the material costs. You can choose to make a donation in the checkout page.

When you register, please secure a ticket for everyone in your party. This will help us plan for purchasing s’more making materials.

EVENT NOTES:

As you know, Florida weather is unpredictable. Stay tuned for updates in the case of bad weather.

Bring camping chairs. There are only a few picnic tables available.

Bring flashlights. The area is fairly dark and uneven. We want you to be safe while you are walking to/from your cars.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
2024-02-10 10:00 - 17:00
Come visit the SUN ‘n FUN and Aerospace Center for Excellence booth at Planes, Trains, and Automobiles! Gather information about our local programs and events along with some awesome giveaways and 50th SUN ‘n FUN SWAG! To purchase tickets, click the “More Information” button below.

Wings 'n Waffles
2024-02-10 09:00 - 10:00
Guest speaker: Eric Washburn

Join us for Wings ‘n Waffles, where we will hear from Eric Washburn.

Captain Eric Washburn is a Chief Pilot for Frontier Airlines and an accredited Airbus Test Pilot. He has been at Frontier Airlines for eight years and in the aviation industry for 19 years. Prior to flying for the airlines, Eric was an Honor Graduate in the U.S. Army, followed by working for a metro-Atlanta police department as a police officer and detective for six years. Eric lives in Lakeland, Florida, and serves on the Board of Directors for the SUN ‘n FUN Airshow and the Aerospace Center for Excellence. As part of the Frontier Airlines Chief Pilot Office and Aerospace Center for Excellence, Eric hopes to contribute to Frontier Airlines and the industry through servant leadership and community outreach.

Wings ‘n Waffles will be at the Florida Air Museum inside the Aerospace Center for Excellence building. For more information, click the “REGISTER NOW” button.

First Friday in Downtown Lakeland
2024-02-02 18:00 - 21:00
Come visit the SUN ‘n FUN and Aerospace Center for Excellence booth every first Friday of the month in Downtown Lakeland! Gather information about our local programs and events along with some awesome giveaways and SWAG!

Cookies 'n Convos
2024-02-01 18:00 - 19:00
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. The speaker then leads a Q&A session so that young people and their parents can learn more about each career field, especially how to pursue each field as a personal career option! Per the event title, there will be snacks, and the whole family can stick around to participate in hands-on activities. Content is geared for school-aged kids, but all are welcome to attend!

Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $5.00 per person at the door.

Our February 1st Speaker: Audrey Baxacjay

Audrey is an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic and works as the Director of Operations at Double M Aviation at the Lakeland Linder International Airport. Come hear her speak about her experiences within the aviation industry as a mechanic and the job prospects available in this field now and in the future. After her presentation, students will get a chance to fly in our Redbird Flight Simulation Laboratory!

* Please reserve one ticket per attending student. Adults do not need a ticket.

MEGA ACE/SUN ‘n FUN YARD SALE / BAKE SALE
2023-12-02 07:30 - 14:00
Location – 4075 James C Ray Drive Lakeland FL 33811 – ACE Pavilion

Multiple Vendors selling a bit of everything!

Homemade Bake Sale Items will be available for sale.

Admission to the Florida Air Museum is half-price on Saturday!

Funds raised will support the new ACE Destination Aviation Playground and the United Way of Central Florida.

Breakfast and Lunch will be available at the Little Red Wagon!

Breakfast – Egg Toaster, Sausage & Egg Toaster, Bacon & Egg Toaster and Hash Browns

Lunch – Hamburgers, Double Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Chicken Sandwiches

Drinks – Soda, Water, Lemonade, Sweet Tea, and Coffee

Wings 'n Waffles
2023-11-11 09:00 - 10:00
Join us the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 A.M. to enjoy breakfast (chicken and waffles, thus the event name) and hear from aviation professionals, veterans, pilots and more. Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $10.00 per person at the door, which includes a day pass to tour the Museum when the event is over.

We look forward to seeing you at Wings ‘n Waffles!

We’re taking two months off after November’s Wings ‘n Waffles, we will be back in February!

Ticket Information

Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction
2023-11-10 00:00 - 2023-11-11 23:59
Join Carlisle Auctions November 10-11 starting at 10:30 a.m. daily for the Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction. 300+ consignments are anticipated and will span decades of automotive history. From pre-war classics to post-war muscle, the event has it all. You can find an investment that truly accelerates with Carlisle Auctions, including white-glove, best-of-show gems, show-worthy daily drivers that are guaranteed to turn heads, and a few things in between. This is more than an auction, it’s an automotive experience. Lots range in price from four to six figures and there are THREE great ways to bid; in person, on the phone, or online. Carlisle Auctions also offers an All-Truck Hour on Friday, November 10 at 1:30 p.m. During this block, nothing but trucks/Jeeps/SUVs will cross the block.

Not looking to buy, but still looking for in-person automotive entertainment? Carlisle Auctions offers ample FREE parking and it’s just $10 for spectator admission. Kids 12 and under are also admitted free.

For details on registering to bid, consigning a vehicle to sell, or simply attending as a spectator, call Carlisle Auctions at 717-960-6400 or visit CarlisleAuctions.com.

Cookies 'n Convos
2023-11-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. The speaker then leads a Q&A session so that young people and their parents can learn more about each career field especially how to pursue each field as a personal career option! Per the event title, there will be snacks, and the whole family can stick around to participate in hands-on activities. Content is geared for kids in grades 2-5, but all are welcome to attend!

Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $5.00 per person at the door.

Our November Speaker: TBD!

The NOAA Hurricane Hunters do what most pilots avoid – they fly into storms to gather important weather information and help keep us safe. Come meet these brave pilots and learn what led them to this awesome career in aviation!

Ticket Information

SUN ‘n FUN Family Spooktacular and Pumpkin Dash 5K
2023-10-28 07:00 - 21:00
By:

Join us for our 3rd Annual Family SpooktacularA family fun Halloween celebration and 5K at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus!

By:

PUMPKIN DASH 5K – 7:00 am – 11:00 am

Halloween-themed 5K across the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus

Costumes encouraged

Post-Race Dance Party with food & drink available from food trucks after the race at the finish line

Prizes are given to the top 3 finishers in each age group division

T-Shirt and swag for each runner

Race highlights – finishing time, photos from the race, and video of a runner crossing the finish line

Registration is $35 per person (plus taxes & fees) Register Here!

5K Parking and Packet pick-up – Enter Main General Parking Lot from W Pipkin Rd

FAMILY SPOOKTACULAR – 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Ms. Pat’s Traveling Emporium of Horror

Spooky Trail

Exhibitors (vending, informational, promotional) Register Here!

S’mores at the Fire Hub by Legends Airways, LLC

Fortune Telling

Trick-or-Treating in the Campground by Burger 21

Trick-or-Treating along the Taxiway by Burger 21

Educational Activities and Crafts by Publix

Camper and Airplane Decorating Contests

People’s Choice voting for Best Decorated Camper

People’s Choice voting for Best Decorated Airplane

Food Trucks

Admission is $5 per carSUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus4075 James C. Ray DriveLakeland, FL 33811

Overnight RV Camping is available at a special rate of $79.40 for 2 nights (including all taxes) October 27-29, 2023! Decorate your camper and enter to win the People’s Choice award. Hand out candy in our Haunted Campground. Spooktacular admission is included with all camping reservations.

Reserve Camping Now!

Attention Pilots: We invite you to fly in and park, or camp under your aircraft for our 3rd annual SUN ‘n FUN Family Spooktacular! From 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Arrive from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, tie down your plane, add Halloween decorations, and plan to hand out Halloween candy and treats to our Trick-or-Treaters on Saturday, October 28, 2023 – starting at 4:00 pm! Pilots participating in the 5K should plan to arrive on Friday.

Click here for Aircraft Registration

National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) Summit 2023
2023-10-24 00:00 - 2023-10-26 23:59 | SUN ‘n FUN Campus, 4075 James C Ray Dr , Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
Join your colleagues for a program designed to help you become a better CFI and pilot. Learn from industry experts, visit exhibitors, and network with fellow CFIs at the NAFI Summit.

Learn from industry leaders

Hear from noted flight instruction experts on the vital role of CFIs, with an emphasis on improving safety, pass-rates, and customer service.

Connect with your peers

We all have stories to tell and information to share. The NAFI Summit will provide plenty of time to network with your friends and colleagues from around the industry.

A priceless program

At long last, actionable solutions! Our program will give you valuable information you can use in your aviation career immediately.

Presentations will focus on the following key topics:

Managing your own flight instruction business

Tips and techniques to improve your skills as an instructor

What went wrong: A look at accident data from instructional flights

Maintaining your health and well-being

Creating a path to success for students

Using new technology effectively

Get More Information

Wings 'n Waffles
2023-06-10 09:00 - 10:00
Join us the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 A.M. to enjoy breakfast (chicken and waffles, thus the event name) and hear from aviation professionals, veterans, pilots and more. Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $10.00 per person at the door, which includes a day pass to tour the Museum when the event is over.

We look forward to seeing you at Wings ‘n Waffles!

June Speaker: Dr. Aaron Judy, Chief Test Engineer, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division

July Speaker: TBD

August Speaker: TBD

September Speaker: TBD

October Speaker: TBD

November Speaker: TBD

December Speaker: TBD

Ticket Information

Cookies 'n Convos
2023-10-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
Each month a new speaker talks briefly about what they do in aviation/aerospace and why they love it. The speaker then leads a Q&A session so that young people and their parents can learn more about each career field especially how to pursue each field as a personal career option! Per the event title, there will be snacks, and the whole family can stick around to participate in hands-on activities. Content is geared for kids in grades 2-5, but all are welcome to attend!

Members of the Florida Air Museum receive FREE admission to this event. Non-member cost is $5.00 per person at the door.

Our October Speaker: TBD!

The NOAA Hurricane Hunters do what most pilots avoid – they fly into storms to gather important weather information and help keep us safe. Come meet these brave pilots and learn what led them to this awesome career in aviation!

Ticket Information

Girls in Aviation Day
2023-09-23 10:00 - 14:00
The Aerospace Center for Excellence is proud to partner with our local Women In Aviation – Lakeland Chapter to host this local event for the 2023 Girls in Aviation Day!

This is a FREE event, and participants will be able to explore the Florida Air Museum, participate in hands-on STEM activities in our Skylab Innovation Center, and network with our local aviation business community. Content is geared for girls, ages 10-17, but all are welcome!

The Central Florida Gun Show
2023-09-17 09:00 - 15:00, 2023-09-16 09:00 - 17:00 | Skylight Hangar on SUN ‘n FUN Campus, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland, Florida, 33811, United States
Time: 9am-5pm on Saturday, 9am-3pm on SundayLocation: Skylight Hangar on SUN ‘n FUN Campus

Buy, Sell or Trade

Our shows have vendors with up to 350 display tables of modern, antique and military weapons, guns, blades and so much more.

Convenient opportunities to buy, sell, or trade at the largest gun show in the Southeast.

Free appraisals are also available.

Concealed Weapons Class

The Concealed weapons class is available on both days starting at 12:00 noon at SUN ‘n FUN. You will have all materials to send for your permit. Advance registration is suggested. Please call Stoney Pointe Shooting Academy at (863) 255-8354 or email jspurlock3@gmail.com for more info.

Admission

$12.00 (ages 17 & up)

Children 16 and under are FREE & must be accompanied by an adult
