Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) and its FBO, the University Air Center (UAC) annually host the Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day. The event typically takes place the third Saturday in March. This year’s event is set for Sat. Mar. 22, 2025.

A fly-in is a gathering for pilots who arrive by air. The main event takes place at University Air Center, 4701 NE 40th Terrace, Gainesville, Fla. (Enter at General Aviation Entrance, Waldo Road) from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., but in recent years the popular Col. Joe Pamcake Breffist (pre-event pancake breakfast) is held starting at 8:30 a.m. Along with military and civilian pilots “flying in”, the event is open to the public. Admission and parking are free, and a complimentary shuttle will be provided.

“Our annual Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day is our way of honoring all branches of the military, including some great dignitaries, military and civil aviators who will be flying in many different types of aircraft to the UAC for the event,” says Allan Penksa, CEO, Gainesville Regional Airport. “It’s an exciting day for our community — especially anyone who is curious about flight — to learn more about aviation.”

At the 2025 Gator Fly-In,  we are especially focused on celebrating Gators in Space, and have confirmed participation from NASA, UF’s Astraeus Space Institute, UF’s Department of Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering, with invitations out to many more. As always, we look forward to sharing this very special celebration at our airport with the community.

A tentative schedule for the day follows:

1. 7 a.m. Vendors arrive for set up

2. Pre-Event: 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Second Annual Col. Joe “Pamcake” Breakfast

3. 9 a.m. – aircraft arrive and park; all aircraft parked by 9:45 a.m.

4. 10 a.m. – Public Arrive; helicopter and airplane rides begin

5. 11 a.m. Opening Ceremony

6. 11:20 a.m. Speakers begin

8. 12 noon Live Music, food trucks

9. 1 p.m. People’s choice and Best of Show Airplane Contest Announced

10. 3 p.m. 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 Pam Landis at paml@universityaircenter.com or phone (352) 416-0787, visit the Gator Fly-In Facebook page.