Aerospace Center For Excellence

Lakeland Fall Collector Car Auction
2023-11-10 00:00 - 2023-11-11 23:59 (America/New_York)
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.

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Strawberry Festival
2024-03-03 10:00 - 23:00, 2024-03-10 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.

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

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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

Wings 'n Waffles
2024-08-10 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, 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!

Wings 'n Waffles
2024-09-14 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!

September’s Speaker: CMsgt Shane Williams

CMSgt Shane Williams has expansive professional experience in technology, aviation, and leadership. Career highlights over the last 30+ years include:

Leading a global team of GIS professionals to support the future of drone delivery

Serving as the drone and aeronautical subject matter expert for innovative sUAS software platform

Leveraging knowledge of geospatial data management, analysis, and application regarding aviation and drone operations

Holding 20+ years of volunteer service with the Civil Air Patrol, focusing on cadet programs, ground, and aerial operations

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

Wings 'n Waffles
2024-11-09 09:00 - 10:00
For this Wings ‘n Waffles, the Aerospace Center for Excellence salutes veterans and honors their sacrifice and service. In recognition of Veterans Day 2024, ACE will unveil a brand-new Redbird MX-2 full motion flight simulator. The MX-2 models the P-51 Mustang “Crazy Horse” as an homage to our friends and partners at Stallion 51. The P-51 Mustang is an iconic fighter aircraft of WWII; it is emblematic of the honor and duty our veterans embody.

Guests will enjoy an informative presentation about the simulator and the flight characteristics of the P-51 Mustang. Guests will also learn about new and exciting events coming to the Florida Air Museum.

Following the presentation, guests will have an opportunity to climb aboard the P-51 Mustang flight simulator and take to the digital skies.

Wings ‘n Waffles is $10/ person and free for Florida Air Museum members.

Pumpkin Dash
2024-11-16 07:45 - 10:15
Join us for our 2nd Annual SUN ‘n FUN Pumpkin Dash 5K! All participants will receive a dri-fit tech shirt (Shirt and size guaranteed if pre-registered before Sept 23), custom bib and entry into the Flightoberfest after the 5k event at 11 AM! Prizes given to the overall and age group winners!

Auto Parking Instructions

Parking for BOTH 5K early packet pickup on Friday and the Saturday 5K run will be in the Main General Parking Lot. Please enter from West Pipkin Road. The parking entrance will have feather flags for reference. Parking is FREE.

Early Packet pick up – SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus: Friday, Nov 15, 2024, from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM

Day of Race – SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus:

Saturday, Nov 16, 2024

7:45-8:45 AM – Registration and Packet Pickup

9:00 AM – Race Starts

10:15 AM – Approx time for awards presentation

AWARDS:

Overall Male And Female

Age Group Awards to the 1st and 2nd place Male and Female in the following age groups: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29… up to 80+

REGISTER HERE

COURSE MAP

SPONSOR PACKET

Interested in volunteering for this event? Click here to sign up!

Sponsored by

Flightoberfest
2024-11-16 11:00 - 21:00

StoryTime Under the Stars
2024-11-18 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:

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

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.

Address – 4590 Rocky Rd Lakeland, FL 33811

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STEM Sprouts
2025-01-06 09:00 - 10:15
This parent participation class is designed for children between 3-5 years old. Each week, students and parents will explore a letter of the alphabet and a corresponding aviation concept using engaging, hands-on, skill-based learning centered around play.

Classes are held on Monday mornings from 9:00-10:15am. Each week has a unique theme, and enrollment is limited to 15 students using our online registration system. The class fee is $10 per student, with a 50% discount given to Florida Air Museum members. Parents can also purchase the full 26 weeks of the course at a deeply discounted bundle price. Admission to the Florida Air Museum and Destination: Aviation Playground are included in the class fee. The STEM Sprouts calendar runs from September through May.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

9-SepAAerodynamics16-SepBBiology23-SepCCirrus30-SepDDensity7-OctEElevation14-OctFFlight21-OctGGravity28-OctHHot Air Balloons4-NovIInsulation18-NovJJetstream2-DecKKinetic Energy9-DecLLightning16-DecMMagnetos6-JanNNavigation13-JanOOrbit27-JanPParachutes3-FebQQuestioning10-FebRRadio Communication24-FebSSeaplane3-MarTThrust10-MarUUniverse14-AprVVector21-AprWWeight and Balance28-AprXX Wing5-MayYYoke12-MayZZulu

Storytime at the Florida Air Museum
2025-01-07 10:00 - 10:30
Come join us as we bring stories to life and create amazing, interactive learning experiences for our Junior ACE’s – exploring the universe, one adventure at a time!

Please email us at museum@flysnf.org with any questions!

StoryTime is FREE. Access to the Florida Air Museum AND the Jerry Holland Destination: Aviation Playground is included!

Wings 'n Waffles Buehler Build Edition
2025-01-11 09:00 - 10:00
Wings ‘n Waffles Buehler Build: Riveting 101 and Cookie Cutters – Saturday, January 11th

Join us from 9:00 – 10:00 A.M. for our first ever Buehler Build! You will enjoy breakfast (chicken and waffles, thus the event name) while learning from Museum staff about the history of riveting and its impact on the aviation industry. Then you will head next door to Buehler to build you own cookie cutter!

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 a regular daily admission!

Note: Buehler Build is a special edition Wings ‘n Waffles event that will occur three times annually.
