Sun and Fun Airports

[Aviator]

I am planning a trip to Sun and Fun this year.  On past trips I have used Kissimmee (KISM) and combined Sun and Fun with Orlando activities.  This year I am looking to stay closer to Lakeland and spend more time at the event.

If anyone has any thoughts, comments or recommendations for airports or hotels I would be appreciative.

Thanks

[steingar]

Why not just land LAL?  I did it a few years back, didn't seem like that big a deal.  Seemed to me most of the airplanes came in the morning and left in the evening.

[WilliamR]

Other than the obvious as noted above, there's KBOW (Bartow) and KPCM (Plant City).  BOW has a little bit better service (bigger FBO) and access to services (rental car and hotels) than PCM.  Can't go wrong with either though.

 

William

[salty]

PCM is getting busier every year. They were packed to the gills last year, and they keep upping the prices every year as well. It is very close though.

[mike_elliott]

Mike Quinn the GM at Atlas Aviation over at PCM is a joy to work with and will treat you right.

FULL DISCLAIMER: Atlas aviation supports the Mooney Community by sponsoring the Mooney Summit this year. Personally, I like to support the businesses that support us. They also have the FBO at Peter OKnight KTPF

[PT20J]

Anyone use ZPH?

[Jerry 5TJ]

I’ve been into Bartow for SnF twice in recent years.  The folks at the FBO are very welcoming.  Enterprise sets up a car rental desk at the FBO for the week.   

[1964-M20E]

KLAL and camp out with your plane. 

That's what I have done for the last few years.

Bring water, drinks and snacks they have enough food at the event.

[Oldguy]

20 hours ago, PT20J said:

Anyone use ZPH?

I have used them in years past, and they were quite nice to work with.

Of course now, you could schedule a paint job with Hawk and drop it off there...

[Oldguy]

Even though I have a hangar at KLAL, I will probably fly into KBOW this year. They have RWY 9/27 torn up and are changing many of the taxiway exits from it. While it will be open for SNF, I imagine it will be a bit hectic with construction equipment and everything.

Not to mention the fact our house is half way between KBOW and KLAL, so my drive is the same either way.

[Hector]

KBOW is good, friendly FBO, cheap gas, very close to SnF


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[carusoam]

+1 park in the grass at KLAL, bring tent!   

Bring extra warm clothes, just in case...

Best regards,

-a-

[Raptor05121]

You cant beat parking in the grass and watching the show from your tent

 

[bradp]

GIF was one of the best GA experiences I’ve had. Excellent facilities. On site restaurant. Rental cars easily available. Close to both Orlando and LAL activities.  Highly recommend if you want off site. 

Winter havens a fun little town too - had a good seafood dinner there @ Harry’s old

place. 

[rbridges]

On 2/13/2020 at 5:42 PM, PT20J said:

Anyone use ZPH?

I did maybe 5 years ago. Had a rental car ready. Easy in and out.

[LANCECASPER]

On 2/13/2020 at 4:42 PM, PT20J said:

Anyone use ZPH?

I did last year - it was busy, but it worked well.

[Oldguy]

For those considering flying into KLAL, here is the latest update on the status of the runways before, during, and after SNF:

 

Runway 9/27 west of Runway 5/23 will be re-opened Friday February 21, 2020 at 5:00pm to facilitate the continued rehab and strengthening of the east end of Runway 9/27. The following closures and restrictions will be in effect.
·         Runway 9/27 east of Taxiway B will be closed for construction.

·         Runway 27 will be displaced 3,499’ leaving 5,000’ available.

·         Taxiway B between Runway 9/27 and Taxiway A will be restricted to aircraft with wingspans less than 49’.

·         The south side of the airport will be NOTAM’d a non-movement area.

This phase of work is projected to be completed by Wednesday March 11, 2020.

There will be a stand-down period from March 11, 2020 to April 12, 2020 for the annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo. The runway will be open and available throughout the airshow.

Aircraft taxiing from the south side of the airfield to Runway 9 will be directed there via Taxiway E, Taxiway B, Taxiway D, Taxiway F and Taxiway P and should plan accordingly for the additional taxi time required.

Taxiway A4 and Taxiway A5 have been removed. Taxiway A3 has been relocated and widened. Taxiway A2 has been widened.

After the airshow Runway 9/27 will be closed once more to complete painting, grooving, and any additional punch list work as may be required. All work is scheduled to be substantially completed by May 17, 2020.

Please check NOTAMs for the most accurate closure information. 

Should you have any questions or concerns please call Airport Operations at 863-834-4911.

 

CURRENT PHASE CLOSURES

[TGreen]

Just bought my tickets. Flying in to KLAL and pitching a tent. Got the VIP tickets cause what the heck. Looking forward to meeting some of you!

[Jeff_S]

Last year they changed the GA day parking to a new spot very close-in to the exhibits and hangars...it was a welcome change. No more taxiing forever after landing and then still having to walk a mile to get to the event. I hope they keep it that way for this year as well, but I was just at KLAL in February for the MAPA Clinic and the construction made things very confusing. I hope they have good routing for folks during the show.