Seth Johnson
Gainesville Regional Airport and the University Air Center (UAC) will open its taxiway on Saturday for the general public to come celebrate at the annual Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with second annual “Col. Joe ‘Pamcake’ Breakfast” beforehand at 8:30 a.m. 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.
Allan Penksa, CEO of Gainesville Regional Airport, said in a press release that this year’s event will be dedicated to Gator Aviator Commander Lt. Col. Richard “Spad” McSpadden.
McSpadden served as commander and flight leader of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team, piloting the lead aircraft in over 100 flight demonstrations. He also worked as senior vice president of the Aircraft Owner and Pilots’ Association’s (AOPA’s) Flight Safety Institute.
McSpadden died in October 2023 in a plane crash, and the fly-in will have a “Flown West” ceremony in his honor at 11:15 a.m.
“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,” said Penksa in a press release. “It’s an exciting day for our community — especially anyone who is curious about flight — to learn more about aviation.
Attendees can vote for “Best Civilian Aircraft” and “People’s Choice: Best Aircraft.”
Event speakers will include:
- 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 flight instructor; flew for Spirit Airlines and now works for Delta Air Lines
- Mark Baker: earned his pilot’s license in his 20s and has worked to make aviation more accessible; president of the Aircraft Owner and Pilots’ Association, the world’s largest civil aviation organization; formerly the president and CEO of outdoor outfitter Gander Mountain Company, and chief merchandizing officer and executive vice president for The Home Depot
Airplane and helicopter rides will also be available for purchase at the fly-in.
The UAC will have Swamp Tours that last around 15 minutes and take passengers over UF’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Those tours cost $50 and are available with a Cessna 172, a Bell 47-G helicopter or a Robinson R-44 helicopter.
Commemorative Air Force from Airbase Georgia will have three aircraft for rides as well—a Beechcraft T-34B Mentor, Fairchild PT-19A and a P51-D Mustang. The T-34B and PT-19 rides cost $295 for 20 minutes or $395 for 30 minutes. The P51 Mustang costs $2,500 for 20 minutes.
Schedule of events:
- 10 a.m. Event opens to the public; helicopter and airplane rides begin
- 11 a.m. Opening Ceremony
- 11:15 a.m. Flown West Ceremony for Commander Lt. Col. Richard “Spad” McSpadden
- 11:20 a.m. Speakers begin
- Noon Live music and food trucks
- 1 p.m. Contest winners announced
- 3 p.m. Final thank you and prep for departures