Tue, Apr 21, 2009
Attraction Hosts Popular Event for Second Year on April 23
As demonstrated by Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III, pilot of
the US Airways Flight 1549 that made the miraculous landing in the
Hudson River earlier this year - great pilots don't always need
runways! While Sullenberger proved that the water can provide an
emergency landing strip for commercial airlines, there are also
many accomplished pilots who simply prefer water landings.
Those looking to learn more about water take-offs and landings
and spring fun seekers in search of something different and
inspirational are in luck. Back by popular demand for the second
year in a row, Fantasy of Flight in Polk City will be hosting their
annual "Splash-In" as part of the Lakeland Fly-In activities.
Fantasy of Flight's sparkling Lake Agnes will serve as the chosen
landing strip for the hundreds of seaplane pilots attending this
year's event on April 23 from 10 am - 5 pm. This "fly-in within a
fly-in" will include the amazing spectacle of water take-offs and
landings as well as competition flying, water-bombing and spot
landing.
"Mastery of the wild blue yonder of both the sky and the sea is
something that inspires the dreamer in us all," said Kermit Weeks,
founder and creator of Fantasy of Flight. "This event will give
guests a chance to see firsthand pilots and planes taming
both."
In 2008, the "Splash-In" portion of the Lakeland event was moved
to Fantasy of Flight to utilize the state-of-the-art facilities and
wide-open spaces of the Polk City landmark attraction. Pilots of 87
planes arrived on event day alone as guests enjoyed the amazing
sights and sounds as crafts of all kinds descended upon the lake
waters or took to the sky. While visions of "'The plane! The
plane!'" on Fantasy Island may spring to mind for many, seaplanes
and amphibious aircraft come in many shapes and sizes. Seaplanes
are most easily categorized as airplanes capable of taking off from
or landing on the surface of water. They include flying boats and
float planes. Seaplanes with retractable wheels allowing land
and/or water operation are known as an amphibian. Fantasy of Flight
is home to such water-based aircraft as the Grumman Duck, a PBY
Catalina and the only airworthy Short Sunderland MK5 in the
world.
Guests at Fantasy of Flight will be able to watch as pilots of
both amphibious aircraft and seaplanes land on Lake Agnes and
participate in exciting events that range from a "bomb drop"
contest to slaloms with floatplanes and flying boats. Those who
wish to enjoy the excitement a little longer can also purchase
tickets to attend a banquet held in the Fantasy of Flight hangar
where hundreds of guests will dine amidst the attraction's aircraft
collection.
The "Splash-In" is included in the attraction's guest admission
price which is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children, ages
6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Fantasy of Flight is pleased to
offer Lakeland attendees $5 off regular admission to the
aviation-themed attraction with proof of admission. "Splash-In"
hours are 10 am - 5 pm.
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