MzeroA Takes on the Sun ‘n Fun Visual Arrival: Ride Along!

The flight to Sun ’n Fun 2025 involved departing from Daytona’s busy Class Charlie airspace and proceeding toward Lakeland. The journey required navigating multiple controlled airspaces, coordinating with air traffic control (ATC) for flight following, and following published arrival procedures to integrate safely into the event’s busy airspace environment.

Departure and Flight Following

The operation began with a request for flight following to Lakeland while the aircraft was still on the ground. After takeoff, the aircraft traversed Daytona’s Class Charlie airspace under radar guidance. Clearance into Orlando’s Class Bravo airspace soon followed, allowing a more direct route and improved progress toward Lakeland.

Navigating Arrival Procedures

Approximately 70 to 80 miles from Lakeland, the Sun ’n Fun Arrival Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) information service was monitored. This provided essential details on runway assignments and arrival entries. The procedure directed flight toward the Sun ’n Fun racetrack, maintaining the required airspeed for the Cessna 172L aircraft.

ATC Instructions and Visual Cues

Air traffic control cleared the aircraft to fly over smoke stacks near the north end of Lake Parker, a key visual checkpoint. Pilots acknowledged the frequency with a wing rock, then proceeded westbound toward Interstate 4. Along this route, landmarks such as golf courses and golf ball-shaped water towers aided in maintaining situational awareness and compliance with arrival instructions.

Final Approach and Precision Landing

Upon reaching a designated visual flight rules (VFR) waypoint—a cake tower and golf ball landmark—ATC directed the start of the downwind leg for Runway 28 Right. The landing procedure emphasized precision to touch down on a specific green dot on the taxiway, requiring accurate positioning and airspeed control to ensure a safe and precise touchdown.

Taxi and Arrival on the Ground

Following landing clearance, the aircraft taxied at high speed to the end of the runway and were directed to parking areas. The arrival marked the conclusion of the flight and the beginning of participation in the Sun ’n Fun aviation event.

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