Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day
Name:
Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day
Date:
March 23, 2019
Time:
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM EDT
Event Description:
fly-in
noun: a gathering for pilots who arrive by air
- We have invited many military bases in Florida and neighboring states, along with airports, aviation groups and flying clubs to fly in to our event. Part of the fun is we won’t know exactly who or what is flying in until that day!
- This is not an airshow, static display only
- Admission is free to the public; parking is free
- Gates will open 8 a.m. and a free shuttle will transport attendees from all parking areas to the main gate
- Breakfast will be provided 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. by Maple Street Biscuit
- Event will officially start 9 a.m. with a color guard by UF Navy ROTC
- Guest speakers start in the University Air Center Mustang Hangar at 11 a.m.
- Confirmed Distinguished visitors to date include Colonel Joseph W. Kittinger II, USAF (Ret.); U.S. National Aerobatic Champion Patty Wagstaff; Mark Baker (President, AOPA); Marine Cpl. Bob Gasche (WWII Iwo Jima vet)
- Food trucks, live music, judged aircraft show of civilian aircraft, classic cars
- All branches of military aviation to be represented
- We will be doing Swamp Tours (flyovers of the UF Stadium) for a fee in a variety of aircraft, including Robinson 22 Helicopter or Cessna 185 ($50 per passenger, 2 - 3 passengers max – weight dependent), and a Beechcraft T-34 (one passenger at a time; $195 for 20 min.; $265 for 40 min.; $325 for an hour)
- We will have vendors and exhibitors in our Mustang hangar, along with kids’ events
- Veterans groups have been invited and are encouraged to attend
- Distinguished visitors will be judges of the categories of best civilian aircraft that attend the Fly-In; there will also be a People’s Choice Award
