Thunderbirds to fly at 2013 Sun 'n Fun
December 27, 2012, 11:33 am
In an announcement made at the International Council of Airshows Convention in Las Vegas, officials of the 2013 Sun 'n Fun International Fly-in & Expo said next year's show will feature the United States Air Force Thunderbirds military jet team. The event will be held on April 9-14 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida.
“SUN ‘n FUN is honored and excited that the world’s most recognized military jet team – the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds – has included our event on their 2013 schedule,” said John Leenhout, SUN ‘n FUN president and convention chairman. “Their participation will add to the aircraft and activities already being planned for this year’s fly-in. We look forward to having the Thunderbirds here in Lakeland and know they will find the people and businesses throughout Lakeland, Polk County and Central Florida to be avid enthusiasts and most hospitable hosts.”
The Thunderbirds flight team, who are known for their diamond formation of F-16s, were also featured in Sun n' Fun's last two air shows and are expected to show toward the end of the 2013 event. During the show, the Thunderbirds perform nearly 30 maneuvers, including ground and air routines, which typically last more than an hour.
While the Thunderbirds are an official U.S. Air Force aerial demonstration team, they are also an active combat force. At any moment, the pilots and plans can be required to deploy at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where their F-16s can are made combat ready in under 72 hours.
The Thunderbirds began in 1953 at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where they got their name from the Native American culture in the area. According to the Thunderbirds website, the latest team will be on the road more than 200 days this coming year, as they celebrate the Thunderbirds 60th year.
On December 28, Sun 'n Fun will be giving 12 children a free plane ride. Parents, loved ones and friends filled out a 500-word essay on why the selected child should win a free plane ride at Sun 'n Fun. The selection process began on December 13 and one child will be named each day until Christmas. Winners will be given a certificate and a luncheon will be hosted for immediate family members, along with a tour of the Florida Air Museum by Central Florida Aerospace Academy cadets and Lakeland AeroClub members.
Pilots who are considering a trip to Florida for the 2013 fly-in are also reminded to obtain pilot life insurance before doing so, in order to ensure their family's financial future.
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