Seth Johnson
Thunderstorms on Friday and projected rains on Saturday have forced last-minute changes to the Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day.
The Fly-In will begin at 11 a.m. instead of 10 a.m. and the opening ceremony will happen at 1 p.m. followed by the “Flown West” ceremony in memory of the late Commander Lt. Col. Richard “Spad” McSpadden, USAF (ret).
An updated schedule is found below.
Weather has also grounded the Commemorative Air Force at Airbase Georgia from bringing their Beechcraft T-34B Mentor and Fairchild PT-19A for paid rides. However, the helicopter, Cessna and P51 Mustang rides are still scheduled.
Mark Baker, president of the Aircraft Owner and Pilots’ Association (AOPA), the world’s largest civil aviation organization, will not be able to attend as expected. Instead, Kollin Stagnito, senior vice president of media and marketing for AOPA, will deliver comments about McSpadden before the “Flown West” ceremony.
This year’s event will focus on women in aviation with three female speakers, including two Gators.
- Patty Wagstaff: three-time US National Aerobatic Champion; gold, silver and bronze medal winner in International Aerobatic Competition; and National Aviation Hall of Fame inductee
- Lauren Monahan: UF alumna; former officer in the US Coast Guard; private pilot and was just crowned Ms. Florida Senior America 2024
- Elizabeth Gray: Hawthorne native; began working at the UAC at 18 years old while attending UF; worked for UAC as a flight instructor; flew for Spirit Airlines and now works for Delta Air Lines
The fly-in takes place on the civilian side of the airport at the UAC (4701 NE 40th Terr, Gainesville), and visitors should use the entrance off Waldo Road.
Military, civilian, law enforcement and commercial aircraft will touchdown at the airport, and attendees will be able to walk through some aircraft and fly in others. Other activities include the Porsche Club car displays, face painting, community booths, food trucks and live music.
- 11 a.m. Event opens to the public; helicopter and airplane rides begin with live music and food trucks
- 1 p.m. Ceremony begins
- 1:15 p.m. Flown West Ceremony for Commander Lt. Col. Richard “Spad” McSpadden
- 1:20 p.m. Speakers begin
- 2:30 p.m. Contest winners announced
- 3 p.m. Final thank you and prep for departures
