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 28, 2026.
A fly-in is a gathering for pilots who arrive by air and display their aircraft for the public to enjoy. The 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 Gator Aviators
Planned events include opening ceremonies with a color guard and flyovers, most notably a T-34 “Flown West” ceremony honoring our fallen military. This year’s event will also be a celebration of participating University of Florida Alumni Gator Aviators in the military. Those individuals will be encouraged to participate in an ongoing “open mic” Fireside Chat throughout the event where they can share their memories of attending UF, their decision to join the military, and how they currently serve our nation.
Static Display:
All branches of the military have been invited to fly in and participate in the event’s static display. A wide variety of aircraft are expected, and potential fly-in aircraft include Lockheed C-130 Hercules; Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk; T6-B Texan II; F/A-18 Super Hornet; McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk; Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II; Lockheed P-3 Orion; Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion and more. We also expect aircraft manufacturers, privately owned aircraft and law enforcement aircraft, including a ShandsCair helicopter (the critical care transport system of UF Health Shands Hospital) to be on display.
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.
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, and Food Trucks will operate throughout the event.
Aircraft Rides for purchase –Beech T-34 Mentor, Robinson 44 Helicopter and Cessna 172; “Swamp Tours”
For a fee, attendees can purchase rides in four different aircraft featuring “Swamp Tours” over the University of Florida football stadium, aka “The Swamp.” In addition, the Confederate Air Force T-34 Mentor military trainer 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:
- 9 am – aircraft arrive and park; all aircraft parked by 9:30 am
- 10 am – Public Arrive; helicopter and airplane rides begin
- 11 am – Opening Ceremony with University of Florida Billy Mitchell Drill Team and Buchholz High School Color Guard
- 11:15 am – Flown West Ceremony
- 11:20 am – Speakers begin – “Open Mic” for participating Military Gator Aviators (UF Alumni)
- 12 noon – Live Music, food trucks
- 2 pm – People’s choice and Best of Show Airplane Contest Announced
- 3 pm – Final thank you and prep for departures
Please tell your flying friends and anyone who would rather be “flying in.” 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 or https://www.flygainesville.com
A QR Code follows:
