The 2025 Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo is a wrap. The 51st annual expo took place from 1-6 April at Lakeland Linder International Airport in Central Florida.
Over 200,000 guests, 3000-3500 aircraft, and several hundred vendors attended the event. The Expo brought in roughly $31 million, and a big portion of the profits will go to the Aerospace Center For Excellence, which supports Youth Education Programs in aviation.
Throughout the week, Sun ‘n Fun offers activities such as military and civilian flying demonstrations, static displays, workshops, lectures, and vendor displays.
Blue Angels Lead Flight Demonstrations at Sun ‘n Fun
Flying demonstrations are a highlight of any air show or Expo, and the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels were the headline group during the event. Last Thursday, the Blue Angels did not perform their typical aerobatic show. Instead, they showed off their ability to fly in close formation at varying speeds. They flew for well over an hour, giving spectators many photo opportunities.
Several other medium and light planes demonstrated their short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities from the Paradise City grass runway at the Expo. Guests could get very close to the runway as the planes taxied.
Thousands of Aircraft on Static Display at Sun ‘n Fun
Thousands of aircraft were parked all over the Sun n Fun grounds. A large section of the flight line had new and old warbirds. These included F-35s, a C-17, and a KC-135. Some older military aircraft included P-51 Mustangs, a B-25 Mitchell Bomber, and a C-47 Skytrain.
On other parts of the flight line, hundreds of other aircraft, including planes and helicopters for corporate and private owners, and many light or experimental planes, were also present.
Many people fly their own planes to Sun n Fun and camp there during the week. Several hundred planes were parked in long rows on a large section of the grass airfield, and their owners slept in tents next to the planes.
Innovative Aircraft on Display
One interesting aircraft was the Aperion MD-52 Guardian drone. At 30 feet long, it is larger than a typical commercial or hobby drone. The Guardian can carry up to 1500 pounds and is powered by a diesel engine. The company hopes to get contracts from military and commercial customers.
Workshops Offer Experiences for People Building their Own Aircraft
One of the workshops at the Expo covered metal shaping techniques. Eight engineers and craftsmen showed guests how to form aluminum sheets into aircraft parts like cowlings and wing leading edges. Guests then got to try out the tools and equipment. All the work was done by hand, with no electric tools in the shop.
Rodney Beckwith from Bendix Academy in Brighton, Michigan, was division chairman for the workshop. He explained how he designed many of the tools and turned some of the forms or molds on a lathe. Beckwith demonstrated how to cut and shape smooth edges on aluminum parts and develop a smooth mirror-like finish. He also talked about how Bendix Academy helps students ages 12 and up learn mechanical skills.
Four Hangars Filled with Vendors Demonstrating Thousands of Products
In another section of the Sun ‘n Fun grounds, four hangars buzzed with activity as roughly 557 exhibitors showcased a vast array of aviation-related products. They displayed avionics components, pumps, brakes, lights, test kits, headsets, insurance, and more.
Among them, Aerotronics, a company from Billings, Montana, actively crafted custom avionics panels for individuals constructing their own aircraft. They tailored each panel to include the precise components their customers requested. As part of their service, Aerotronics handled the fabrication, wiring, installation, and testing of their products.
Expo Guests Test Flight Simulators
Nearby, another hangar housed companies promoting their flight simulators. Customers actively tested the lifelike simulators, which featured authentic controls and instruments. Desktop Pilot, one of the vendors, showcased three models of their simulators and offered individual components for sale, allowing customers to personalize their setups.
Mission Aviation has a Big Presence at Fun ‘n Sun
Yet another hangar featured displays from several organizations providing aviation support for missions around the world. One notable vendor was Ethnos360. This Sanford, Florida-based organization flies planes and helicopters to remote communities, providing humanitarian support like food, supplies, and medical transportation.
Something unique about Ethnos360 is that they transcribe Bibles into obscure languages and then distribute them to people who otherwise would never be able to read them. For example, they support people in remote Isnag communities in the Philippines. These people did not speak English or have Bibles in their spoken language. A team from Ethnos360 moved into an Isnag community, learned their language, and transcribed the Bible for them.
Every day at Sun ‘n Fun was filled with hundreds of things to do, and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to describe it all in a few words. Still, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Expo offered literally everything aviation enthusiasts could hope to find.
