I'm greatly interested in this thread, as I volunteer at SnF and want to see it thrive, especially for fellow RV owners and pilots. I'd like to post a few comments on the "why" we do things at Lakeland, then ask for your input.
First, my name is Sam Huffstetler...I go by the nickname of "Flipper," and I'm a volunteer--and by the way I don't officially speak for SUN 'n FUN! I'm the Chairman for Air Operations, and work with all of the other "airside" chairmen and women to make our event a successful one. I also do the coordination with the FAA and ATC to ensure compliance and safety...and therefore I am in a unique position to answer a few of your questions.
First, the arrival procedure has been honed since the late 70's to incorporate the most easiest way to land a massive number of aircraft in a short period of time. The procedure works well when everyone reads and follows the NOTAM procedures AND the weather cooperates. We do our best to make it an easy arrival...but witness the following events:
- the wayward NORDO Zodiak landing opposite direction
- the blown nose tire on 9R
- the collapsed nose gear on a Lanceair on 9L
- weather clearing ("Start the arrivals!") and unanticipated low ceilings moving in ("Whooooaaaaa!") within 8 minutes of each other
....well, you get the picture. We can't control any of that. For what it's worth, we apologize for the delays.
Why is HB parking cleared out during the airshow? The FAA imposes a (reduced) 2700 by 9000 foot aerobatic "box", e.g. the sterile aerobatic box for our normal air show. The major military jet teams require a 2700 x 12,000 foot box for their shows. That 2700 foot dimension is measured from the runway centerline and extends 1500 feet south and 1200 north, by FAA concurrence. (The guidance for all airshow production is found in the FAA 8900.1, Vol 3, Chapter 6...it's really fun reading...
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No matter which "box" is used, the homebuilt parking area extend well into the south side. Thus that area has to be clear of spectators. Is there a solution?
We aren't going to change the FAA's rule on this, but we could move HB parking to another location...but guaranteed it would be a far longer hike to almost every other venue at SnF, including the core area. Plus the grass and sod in the present area is in far better shape than any other parking area at SnF, a consideration for tight wheel pants.
"The prices are too high...." They are higher than outside the venue...but consider this. It takes $2 million dollars to open the gates for SUN 'N FUN....that's no exaggeration. Even though there are only 20 full time employees and over 3500 volunteers, the cost of just making this event happen are staggering. Porta potties, golf carts, paying for ATC services, fire extinguishers, rental cars for performers, gas for the warbirds...it all adds up.
Also consider this--SnF is a 501c3 non-profit entity, which funds a aviation education and training high school (on campus at KLAL...) We fund some of tomorrow's aviators, at little cost to them. This is a worthy endeavor!
We aren't perfect, by a long shot....so please--give me some feedback as to what needs to be fixed. If you can be specific, I promise to address the issues with the SnF staff.
Most of all--thanks to everyone that came to our international air exposition! We hope to provide an even better event in 2016!