For the first time ever. the NATCA Charitable Foundation (NCF) partnered with APP JetCenter to host the Sarasota Spring Fly-In.  Welcoming pilots and the aviation community to join air traffic controllers from around Florida, the event was held to help support and show awareness for NCF and Angel Flight Southeast.   On the morning of May 1st, the fly-in began with a charity pancake breakfast followed by a variety of events including a silent auction, air traffic
presentation and aircraft static display.

 
Not every event can run without a hitch and this one was no exception.  Beginning the morning with a power glitch that threatened to ruin the entire breakfast, Sarasota FACREP and NCF Director, Elena Nash, continued on with the help of fellow controllers and NCF volunteers to overcome the problem.  



   The breakfast turned out to be a hit, along with the great prizes available at the silent auction.
   Ranging from the Grand Prize wine basket. donated by TPA, PIE, RSW, & SRQ NATCA Locals, to a door prize of a skydiving adventure, the silent auction proved to be a success among the guests.

  The Air Traffic presentation, given by Luke Alcorn (ZJX), alloowed pilots to ask any and all questions of the controllers, gaining valuable information on topics from the weather to realignment.  The aircraft static display featured a WWII L4J, P51 Mustang, and numerous other locally based aircraft.  Multiple participants from local artist/business Aerotoons, Experimental Aviation Association,  Civil Air Patrol and Angel Flight Southeast were available to give information on their respective duties.
  Sarasota NATCA Local sends a special thanks to the following volunteers who helped make this new NATCA Charitable Foundation event a success:  Cathy Meachum, Elena & Jerry Nash, Terri Jeffries, Betsy Beaumont, Kelly Richardson, Roger & Marty Alcock, Luke Alcorn, Kristen Humphries and Sean McCue.
  After such a great turnout, and the proceeds amounting to over $2,000 for Angel Flight Southeast, the event is in the works to make the Sarasota Spring Fly-In Fund-Raiser an annual occurrence.