SUN ’n FUN ANNOUNCES EVENING PROGRAMS: TOP NAMES, INFORMATION & ENTERTAINMENT

March 23, 2010
SUN ‘n FUN CAMPUS, LAKELAND, FL. - From Congressional Gold Medal recipients from the Womens Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) and other “Women of the Air” to US Airways Flight 1549 First Officer Jeff Skiles discussing his “Miracle on the Hudson Landing,” this year’s line-up of Evening Programs is one of the strongest in the history of the SUN ’n FUN International Fly-In and Expo. This year’s Fly-In will be held April 13 – 18 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Fla.

In addition to the programs mentioned above, the remainder of the week will include a look at recently completed or currently in the works Hollywood productions whose focus is on aviation; AOPA President Craig Fuller reporting on the state of general aviation and issues that impact the flying community; and a concert by “Aire Traffic,” a talented group of musicians comprised of current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Controllers.

“This year’s Evening Programs are shaping up to be the best Sun ‘n Fun has ever offered,” said SUN ’n FUN President and Convention Chairman John Burton. “There’s something for everyone each night of the week. What a great way to cap off an exciting day with an informative, entertaining and inspirational evening session. Bob and Beverly Hayden (Evening Program Co-Chairs) and the Evening Programs team have outdone themselves this year!”

Evening programs are held in the Florida Air Museum’s outdoor Pavilion, which is located adjacent to the museum itself. Programs generally begin at 8 p.m., although the Aire Traffic concert will be staged between the afternoon and night air shows on Friday, April 16 (likely 6 to 7:30 p.m.)

Following is a breakdown of the week’s Evening Programs:
Tuesday: “Women of the Air” – hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI) President Dr. Peggy Chabrian with members of the Womens Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), who recently received the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington; Elaine Morrow, Past President of the 99’s; renowned air show performer Patty Wagstaff; and Martha King, recognized as one of the “100 Distinguished Aviation Heroes” of aviation’s first century by the First Flight Centennial Commission.

Wednesday: Jeff Skiles, First Officer of U.S. Airways Flight 1459 that became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson” landing, presents the lessons, training and scenarios that led to the successful landing of an Airbus 320 on the Hudson River off Manhattan Island after both engines lost power due to multiple bird strikes with a great sense of humor and natural storytelling ability. Hear his incredible story of people overcoming adversity and tremendous hardships.

Thursday: “Engaged with Aviation.” AOPA President Craig Fuller Craig Fuller discusses the numerous challenges facing aviation in the months and years ahead in a focused, “Town Hall” type environment. With user fees off the table and elections approaching in November, the general aviation community has a unique opportunity to seek change through a positive agenda of our choosing. Learn more about how you can get engaged in GA to build a better future.

Friday: Aire Traffic – In Concert (between the afternoon and evening air shows). Aire Traffic is a unique blend of original jazz and rock music written and performed by air traffic controllers. Enjoy the concert prior to the spectacular Night air show!

Saturday: “Aviation at the Movies” – hosted by Mort Crim, noted newscaster, commentator and author; featuring Susan Butler, author of the book East to the Dawn: The Life of Amelia Earhart, on which the movie Amelia is based; Rico Sharqawi, Executive Producer and CEO of Wilco Films, which is producing the movie “A Pilot’s Story” and the film’s Director, Will Hawkins; and Nicholas Spark, Producer and Writer of the movie “The Legend of Pancho Barnes: A Documentary” (the movie will be shown at the conclusion of the program).

SUN ’n FUN’s Evening Programs are traditionally followed by aviation-themed movies. This year, several movies will be featured, each introduced by members of the Production team, including:
“Over Africa! Low and Slow with the Kenya Wildlife Service” on Wednesday, April 14 (following Jeff Skiles’ Evening Program). This film tells the story of the brave game wardens who fly for the Kenya Wildlife Service in small, single-engine airplanes over the spectacular parks of Kenya to protect their endangered inhabitants from the threat of poachers and human encroachment. Renowned air show performer and champion aerobatic pilot Patty Wagstaff, with support from the Lindbergh Foundation, traveled to Africa to teach the Kenya Wildlife Service the correct methods of flying "low and slow" over the expansive plains to look for poachers. The film was directed by former CNN correspondent Miles O'Brien, who documented the inspirational story with a team of fellow aviators and environmentalists.

“Der Rote Baron” (The Red Baron) on Thursday, April 15 (following AOPA President Craig Fuller’s presentation). German production (in English) tells the story of Baron Manfred von Richthofen, the most feared and celebrated pilot of the German air force in World War I. To him and his companions, air combats are events of sporty nature, technical challenge and honorable acting, ignoring the terrible extent of war. But after falling in love with a nurse, von Richthofen realizes he is only being used for propaganda. Caught between his disgust for the war and his sense of responsibility for his fighter wing, von Richthofen sets out to fly again.

“The Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club” on Saturday, April 17 (at the conclusion of the “Aviation at the Movies” Evening Program). This film chronicles the thrilling life and extraordinary times of aviation pioneer Florence Lowe "Pancho" Barnes, one of the most colorful and accomplished women pilots of the earliest 20th Century, and an ill-behaved woman who made history. The project features newly discovered documents from Barnes’ personal files, never-before-seen photos and rare movie footage to tell her story plus interviews with her friends, historians and biographers.

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