POLK CITY, Fla. - Fantasy of Flight once again hosted one of Central Florida's splashiest events where the fun may be watered down but never diluted. The aviation attraction welcomed over 60 planes in the one-day Thursday event specifically designed to celebrate seaplanes and amphibious aircraft. Throughout the day, dozens of seaplane pilots landed in Fantasy of Flight's sparkling Lake Agnes for the fifth year.
Guests were transported by shuttle to and from SUN 'n FUN headquarters at Lakeland Linder Field and Fantasy of Flight to share in the fun.
Amphibious planes competed in various air- and water-based competitions including spot landing, a "bomb drop" contest and slaloms with floatplanes and flying boats. Fantasy of Flight's own Grumman Duck was featured at the event, while the PBY Catalina and the only airworthy Short Sunderland MK5 in the world was on display at the attraction.
Seaplane Pilots Association Executive Director, Steve McCaughey and Jay Fry, Board Member welcomed participants. Nineteen pilots signed up for a new SPA membership during the event. An evening seaplane pilot gathering and dinner was held inside the attraction following the splash in.
Kermit Weeks, owner and creator of Fantasy of Flight, debuted three recently purchased legendary aircraft, added to his World's Largest Private Aircraft Collection- Pitcairn PA-18 Autogiro, Albatros D.VA and Sopwith Snipe.
"Splash-In" is part of the annual SUN 'n FUN "Fly-In," an aviation convention and Expo started in 1975. In 2008, the "Splash-In" portion of the wildly popular Lakeland Linder Regional Airport 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. Splash In support is provided by Fantasy of Flight, SUN ‘n FUN Seabirds, Falcon Insurance and Wipaire. -B Meyer, FMI: Fantasy of Flight