Sim 'n Fun 2025 - Prepare for SUN 'n FUN using your Flight Simulator

March 8-9th, 2025

What is Sim ’n Fun?

Sim ‘n Fun is modeled after the real world airshow/fly-in called SUN ’n FUN held every April in Lakeland, Florida since 1974. Sim ’n Fun offers a practical way for pilots to practice flying into Sun ’n Fun ahead of time, using the actual Sun ’n Fun arrival and departure procedures. As you rock your wings and make your way in over Lake Parker, you’ll be talking to the real Sun ’n Fun air traffic controllers who volunteer with us for Sim ’n Fun in order to prepare pilots to fly into the real show.

The Mission Behind the Event

Real World Pilots
Whether you have never flown to Sun ‘n Fun in the past, or if you are a Sun ’n Fun veteran, the procedures to fly into Lakeland Airport during Sun ’n Fun week are some of the most non-standard that you’ll encounter as a VFR pilot. Since pilots typically utilize these procedures just once a year, everyone can benefit from a refresher. PilotEdge’s Sim ’n Fun provides a means for real pilots to practice their arrival and departure just 2-3 weeks before Sun ’n Fun, using their flight simulator, while becoming comfortable and familiar with the Notice procedures. This builds confidence and familiarization which contributes to a safer real flight to Sun ’n Fun.

Flight Simulator Enthusiasts
Whether you have dreamed about flying into Sun ‘n Fun for years, or you are just learning about it now for the first time, PilotEdge’s Sim ’n Fun event is one of most realistic and exciting flights you will ever experience with your flight simulator. If you have always wanted to fly into a show like this, but have never had the opportunity, this gives you nearly the same great feeling.

Actual Air Traffic Controllers Provided by NATCA

You may notice the air traffic controllers for PilotEdge’s Sim ‘n Fun event sound very much like those who actually work the real Sun ’n Fun. That is because they are the actual controllers! PilotEdge has a strong relationship with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association who helps connect us with the controllers. By having the actual air traffic controllers volunteer for PilotEdge’s Sim ’n Fun event, pilots are certain to have a true-to-life experience as they will hear the same fast paced ATC that has become so unique to Sun ’n Fun.

Required Downloads

Each pilot will be required to download the Sim ’n Fun Notice and the specific Sim ’n Fun flight simulator scenery. PilotEdge will provide both of those downloads here once they become available.

What do you need to Participate in Sim ’n Fun?

1. A working computer flight simulator (MSFS2024, MSFS2020, X-Plane 12, X-Plane 11, FSX, or Prepar3D) with an internet connection
Need help getting set up with a flight simulator? Click here

2. An active PilotEdge membership (free trials work, too!)

3. A computer headset, or a way to use an aviation headset with your computer

4. Sim ’n Fun Scenery for your Simulator (provided by PilotEdge and will be available here when ready)

Sim ’n Fun 2025 Schedule

PilotEdge will operate Sim ’n Fun 2025 at the following times. All times are Pacific Time (GMT-8 on Saturday, GMT-7 on Sunday*):

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday March 9th. For those who do not observe the time change, pay careful attention to the Zulu times above.

Further Questions?

Visit our Discord chat server, email kevin@pilotedge.net, or reach out to us on social media @pilotedgeatc.

Exclusive Sim ’n Fun Merchandise

The Virtual Journey from the Western half of the US

One of our PilotEdge users, Erik “Medtner”, created several suggested routes for those looking for a realistic experience of flying across the country to get to Florida in the days/weeks leading up to Sim ’n Fun. This is an entirely optional level of realism, but following these suggested routes may allow users to meet up with fellow PilotEdge pilots along their journey.

While these graphically appear to be Standard Terminal Arrival Procedures (STARs), they are not. They’re just a fun, creative, way to depict a funnel-like route into the Lakeland, FL area and these may be flown either VFR or IFR. Finally, these are only to be used for virtual flight planning, not flight plan filing. PilotEdge ATC will not have any knowledge of these routes.

Learn more here

Disclaimer

PilotEdge’s Sim ‘n Fun event, the PilotEdge Sim ’n Fun Notice and any other material provided by PilotEdge regarding Sim ’n Fun is for flight simulator purposes only. None of the material or guidance shall be used for real world flight or navigation. Refer to Sun ’n Fun’s official Notice when flying into the real Sun ’n Fun event.