iPad pilot’s guide to Sun ‘N Fun 2017
The flying season’s unofficial kick-off is next week, as the gates open for the 2017 edition of the Sun ‘N Fun Fly-in at the Lakeland airport. There will undoubtedly be new products to see and spectacular airshows to take in. But for iPad pilots, there will also be some great opportunities to learn about the new iPad Pro models, latest iPad tips, apps and accessories.
Here are our top tips to help you get the most out of the event this year.
1.) Download the Sun ‘N Fun app
To help you navigate the airport grounds and keep track of all the events, the organizers released an updated app for your iPhone, iPad and Android device. This includes a complete schedule, interactive grounds map (including your location on the map), food services and a digital radio feature to listen to the local ATC frequencies. They even added a feature that’s new for 2017 that will send a reminder to your device 30 minutes before one of your favorited events is scheduled to start.
Download the Sun ‘N Fun app for iPhone/iPad
Download the Sun ‘N Fun app for Android
2.) Attend an iPad seminar
The iPad has become such an integral part of general aviation that the Sun ‘N Fun organizers created a dedicated iPad forum track at the event this year. Topics include iPad basics, ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot tips, weather flying and common iPad mistakes. Head over the to schedule section of the Sun ‘N Fun app or visit the event website and search for “iPad” to find one of the over 20 iPad-related seminars to attend.
The editors of iPad Pilot News will also be presenting an updated version of the “10 things every iPad pilot should know” seminar Thursday morning at 9 am in room #1 of the Florida Aerospace Academy.
3.) Download the NOTAM
We hear you can drive your car to Sun ‘N Fun (and they may even have parking lots), but the best way to arrive at the event is by landing on runway 9L or 9R at the Lakeland airport. Start your planning by visiting the Arrival Procedures section of the Sun ‘N Fun website and download the official NOTAM. This contains all the information you need to plan your trip by airplane to arrive safely at the Lakeland airport.
Tip: Open the NOTAM link on your iPad and tap the “More…” button in the top left corner to save the PDF to an app on your iPad that supports documents, like Notes, iBooks, Kindle and even some aviation apps. ForeFlight users can also download the 2017 NOTAM directly from the Documents section of the app.
4.) Demo the latest iPad gadgets and accessories
Have you been looking for a better way to mount your iPad in the airplane, or want to see what SiriusXM satellite weather looks like in ForeFlight? There’s no better way than to walk the exhibit halls and tents and visit the companies that offer the latest in iPad gear.
iPad GPS, ADS-B, mounting, power and accessories: Appareo, Levil, MyGoFlight, SiriusXM and Sporty’s Pilot Shop
Aviation apps: ForeFlight, FlyQ (Seattle), Garmin, iFly, Jeppesen and WingX Pro (Hilton)
Connected panel hardware: Aspen, Avidyne, Dynon, FreeFlight, Garmin, Guardian, L-3 and uAvionix
The editors of iPad Pilot News will be in the Sporty’s Pilot Shop exhibit tent throughout the week, located on the main aisle between Sunset Grill and the main runway, ready to answer all your iPad questions. Stop by and say hello!
