Haven't been to Sun 'n Fun yet? Here are 11 things you don't want to miss this weekend

LAKELAND — The celebration of Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo's 50th anniversary is fully underway on the grounds of Lakeland Linder International Airport. With more than 200 acres filled with thousands of planes, hundreds of exhibitors and hands-on activities, it's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed and lost.

If you are headed out to Sun 'n Fun this weekend, The Ledger has compiled this list of things you don't want to miss:

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are flying in Lakeland

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds were scheduled to arrive Thursday afternoon at Sun 'n Fun in their F-16 Falcon fighter jets. While the details of this year's show are yet to be revealed, the unit's precision maneuvers are designed to inspire and and excite. Here's when to see them:

• Friday afternoon airshow, rehearsal: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Saturday afternoon airshow, performance: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sunday afternoon airshow, performance: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Bonus: Meet and Greet the Thunderbirds at The Hangar 7 p.m. Thursday

F-35A Lightning II Demo Team

Keep those eyes on the sky if you want to catch a glimpse of the U.S. Air Force's F-35A Lightning II Demonstration team. This aircraft is a stealthy, multirole, all weather air-to-air and surface-attack fighter. Here's a tip: If you hear the engines come up behind you, look to the skies ahead to catch a glimpse. If you turn around, it's probably too late.

The F-35A has a female pilot, Capt. Melanie "Mach" Kluesner, for its Sun 'n Fun shows. Here's when to catch a glimpse:

• Friday afternoon airshow: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Saturday afternoon airshow: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sunday afternoon airshow: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Pyrotechnics planned for Saturday night

The Saturday night air show has always been a crowd pleaser at Sun 'n Fun, and this year's 50th anniversary edition promises to be no different. The night show's finale is something to behold, bringing together fireworks, pyrotechnics, drones and, of course, aerobatic planes. Wednesday night attendees got a sneak peek, as Sun 'n Fun had pyrotechnics and fireworks mid-week for the first time. Some early look showed the four elements coming together in some amazing images that just shouldn't be missed.

Can you succeed in Operation: Shadow Strike

For those who have always wondered if they are up to the task, the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard have come together to present "Operation: Shadow Strike." It offers an immersive 4D simulator with a first-person perspective in the middle of a covert Air Force mission. Fly in an F-35 Lightning and a CV-22 Osprey, ride a special warfare wing boat in an attempt to infiltrate an enemy compound and rescue a group of captive aid workers.

The best part about this experience: admission is free. Children younger than 13 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The U.S. Air Force's experience is parked with a large black trailer near the main entrance of the expo, near the Florida Air Museum.

Fly yourself: Lift's Hexa drone flying experience

For those interested in a future where aviation and drones meet, Austin-based Lift Aircraft is demonstrating its new Hexa: a multirotator drone-flying experience. The aircraft can be flown by a single pilot, or manned remotely more like a traditional drone. It's an entirely new type of innovative aircraft that anyone can fly ― we do mean anyone.

Lift representatives on-site are offering drone pilot training sessions where in a hour or so, individuals can learn how to operate the craft's 18 independent electric motors and propellers. No pilot's license is required to fly the vehicle. While its currently in developmental stages, there's some hope this could lead to a future air taxi system. Lift has been offering demonstrations of the aircraft since late March and, so far, roughly 100 individuals have come to try it out. The company is offering the chance to view it up close at Sun 'n Fun, and will remain in Lakeland after the expo until late April.

Aviation's future at the Innovation Showcase

Companies like Lift and others can be found sharing the latest in aviation, drones and AI technology at Sun 'n Fun's Innovation showcase, presented by Tampa International Airport. It's hard to walk through the area without finding something to get excited about. The Innovation Showcase is located within the new Future 'n Flight Plaza and is open daily.

Sunset aerial circus

For those who rather admire aviation's earlier days, Sun 'n Fun's nightly Sunset Aerial Circus offers a "throwback" to older aviation shows, according to Gene Conrad, Sun 'n Fun CEO and president. The Sunset Aerial Circus will perform on Friday night, so as not to compete with the expo's Night Air Show. It features more niche, approachable and exciting forms of recreational and sport flying.

The lineup includes powered paragliders flying in formation with lights and smoke as well as RC airplanes performing aerial feats.

Watch the Sunset Aerial Circus on Friday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in Paradise City.

STOL competition sure to bring thrills

Sun 'n Fun is hosting the 2024 STOL Invitational, in which pilots compete to see who can accomplish short take-offs and landings in the smallest distance possible. It's becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in general aviation. Some of this year's pilots are expected to travel in from as far away as Alaska, Canada and the West Coast. Spectators can gather to watch at the grass strip 8/26 in Paradise City at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

Hot air balloon launch

Even if you aren't normally an early riser, this may be enough to coax you out of bed. On Saturday, Sun 'n Fun attendees can watch the hot air balloon launch from 6:30 to 8 a.m., weather permitting. Dozens of balloons will be launched from the airport's flight line in a "Hare and Hound" style race. This involves balloons chasing after a single lead airship that acts as the "hare" taking off ahead of the others. The winning balloon is the one that can land closest to the hare.

Building Sun 'n Fun's future

Lakeland Linder International Airport is expanding and has plans to build a second runway parallel to its existing runway 927. It will allow the airport to conduct an additional 75,000 operations, that's take offs or landings, per year. It will mean changes for future Sun 'n Fun events and its grounds, according to Conrad.

Attendees have the opportunity to attend a presentation in Tent SE-10B on the future master planning for Sun 'n Fun's next 50 years and what it will look like. They will be given a QR code to provide ideas, suggestions and their feedback.

Here's where to find it:

• Dates: Through Saturday

• Time: Daily at 10 a.m., noon and 3 p.m.

• Where: Tent SE-10B

Bonus: Visit the Consolidated PBY Catalina and other planes

There are hundreds of pilots and aircrafts with interesting stories to be found across the grounds of Sun 'n Fun. There's the vintage section for those who are into aviation's early history. There's the Warbird Ramp for history buffs who want to see military aircraft.

One of many aircraft worth visiting is the 1943 Consolidated PBY Catalina "Flying Turtle", which has been parked over by The Island. It originally served in World War II and had a proven record of five submarine kills and one possible kill while serving both the U.S. and Canada forces. It's also got a plush interior after the aircraft was resdesigned for executive transport.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: 11 things you don't want to miss at Sun 'n Fun this weekend