Gainesville Regional Airport and University Air Center Canceling Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day

Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) and University Air Center (UAC) are canceling their annual Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day which was scheduled for March 21, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University Air Center, 4701 NE 40 Terrace in Gainesville, Florida (general aviation entrance off Waldo Road.)

“Sadly, this morning we had to make the tough decision to cancel one of our favorite things, the annual Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day, due to the coronavirus developments our entire nation is experiencing,” Penksa said. “We will announce our plans as soon as possible for next year’s event. We look forward to holding next year’s event that is dedicated to helping our community to learn more about aviation and celebrating our military. One of the things we were most looking forward to was our Flown West celebration dedicated to giving thanks for the life of our dear friend, Marine Corporal Bob Gasche. We will be back soon with an announcement of our future plans.”

Some may have purchased aircraft rides in advance of the event on the EAA’s Ford TriMotor or the Commemorative Air Force’s T-34 Mentor. All pre-booked flight reservations are being fully refunded, by the ride providers.

Both organizations expressed their regret to Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day attendees. The EAA issued a news release yesterday regarding the cancellation of the Ford TriMotor tour through mid-April.

“As much as EAA thoroughly enjoys bringing the history of early aviation to communities through our Ford Tri-Motor’s national tours, the health and safety of our guests, crews, and volunteers is the top priority,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “Given the uncertainty of the situation throughout the country regarding the transmission of the coronavirus, we made the decision to pause the tour at this time and begin again next month.”