Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) and its FBO, the University Air Center (UAC) will once again host the Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day Saturday, March 22, 2025.
A fly-in is a gathering for pilots who arrive by air and display their aircraft for all to enjoy. The main event takes place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at University Air Center, 4701 NE 40th Terrace, Gainesville, Fla. (Enter at General Aviation Entrance, Waldo Road) and is open to the public. Admission and parking are free, and a complimentary shuttle will be provided.
Celebrating our Military. Gators in Space, Gator Aviators
Planned events include opening ceremonies with a color guard and flyovers, most notably a “Flown West” Missing Man ceremony for all who have gone before us.
This year’s event will be a celebration of “Gators in Space”. In addition, invited dignitaries will make speeches. Invited guests include Rob Ferl, distinguished University of Florida (UF) molecular biology professor and director of the new UF Astraeus Space Institute; representatives from NASA and U.S. National Aerobatic Champion Patty Wagstaff. Veterans’ groups from the North Central Florida region have been invited to participate.
Static Display:
All branches of the military have been invited to fly in and participate in the event’s aircraft static displays. We also expect aircraft manufacturers, privately owned aircraft and law enforcement aircraft to be on display. In addition, both NASA and the Swamp Launch Rocket Team plan to display rocketry at the event.
Best Aircraft Contest and People’s Choice Awards
A “Best Civilian Aircraft” and “People’s Choice: Best Aircraft” contest will be held, allowing event attendees to vote for their favorite aircraft at the Gator Fly-In.
Pre-Event Pancake Breakfast, Live Music, Classic Cars, Kids’ Activities and All-Day Food Trucks
Activities include static aircraft, military trucks, a kid’s corner with face painting, toy airplanes and coloring, arts and crafts vendors, and food trucks. Live Music by The Treetop Flyers will take place throughout the event. The third annual “Col. Joe ‘Pamcake’ Breakfast,” honoring the late Gator Aviator Col. Joe Kittinger, will take place 8:30 am – 11 am, and Food Trucks will operate throughout the event.
Aircraft Rides for purchase – “Swamp Tours”
For a fee, attendees can purchase helicopter and airplane rides featuring “Swamp Tours” over the University of Florida football stadium, aka “The Swamp.” In addition, the Commemorative Air Force will be offering airplane rides for purchase. Walk-up tickets can be purchased at the UAC booth at the event.
A schedule for the day follows:
1. 7 a.m. Vendors arrive for set-up
2. 8:30 am Col. Joe ‘Pamcake” Breakfast
3. 9 am – aircraft arrive and park; all aircraft parked by 9:30 am
4. 10 am – Public Arrive; helicopter and airplane rides begin
5. 11 am Opening Ceremony
6. 11:15 am Flown West Ceremony
7. 11:20 Speakers begin.
8. 12 noon Live Music, food trucks.
9. 2 pm People’s choice and Best of Show Airplane Contest announced
10. 3 pm Final thank you and prep for departures
Please tell your flying friends and anyone who enjoys aviation. For more information on the Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day, please contact paml@universityaircenter.com or phone (352) 416-0787, visit the Gator Fly-In Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071182496259 or visit https://www.flygainesville.com.
A QR Code follows: 