Miracle on the Hudson First Officer at Fantasy of Flight's Splash-In

On Jan. 15, 2009, Americans everywhere were glued to their televisions as they watched an airplane float precariously in the Hudson River with its passengers packed onto its wings, awaiting rescue.

On Thursday, April 15, guests at Fantasy of Flight's first-ever "Splash-In" BBQ lunch can hear firsthand about the harrowing ordeal and heroic rescue from Jeff Skiles, First Officer to Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III on US Airways Flight 1549, during the historic "Miracle on the Hudson."Back by popular demand for the third year in a row, Fantasy of Flight will once again host the "Splash-In" portion of the 36th Annual SUN 'n FUN International Fly-In & Expo,held in nearby Lakeland, Fla. April 13-18.

"Splash-In" will be held on Thursday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Skiles, 50, was at the controls with Captain Chesley Sullenberger when the Airbus A320 jet experienced multiple bird strikes and lost power to both engines shortly after taking off from New York City's LaGuardia Airport. Captain Sullenberger safely landed the airplane on the chilly waters of the Hudson River just west of midtown Manhattan.

Of the 150 passengers and five crew members on board, only a few received minor injuries. Fantasy of Flight creator and founder Kermit Weekswill pick up Skiles at the SUN 'n FUN Fly-In in his amphibious Grumman Duck at 10 a.m. and fly him to Fantasy of Flight to the delight of "Splash-In" guests anxiously awaiting their arrival to Fantasy of Flight's Lake Agnes. Skiles will then speak to guests about his role in the heroic NY landing at a BBQ lunch. Cost of the BBQ lunch is $20 plus tax and does not include admission to Fantasy of Flight and "Splash-In," which are priced separately.

Tickets are available for all of the events at www.fantasyofflight.comor by calling 863-984-3500. Jeff Skiles started flying at the age of 16 and to date has logged more than 20,000 hours as a pilot. His mother and father - both pilots - introduced him to flying at an early age. He has spent the past 24 years as a First Officer and Captain for US Airways and currently serves as the Vice President of the Coalition of Airline Pilots' Associations (CAPA).

Jeff also enjoys recreational aviation and currently owns (and flies) a WACO Cabin biplane. He resides in Oregon, Wis., with his wife and three children. "Splash-In" at Fantasy of Flightis just one portion of the SUN 'n FUN International Fly-In & Expo, which has been dubbed "Spring Break for Pilots." The one-day event specifically celebrates seaplanes and other amphibious aircraft, as dozens of seaplane pilots use Fantasy of Flight's sparkling Lake Agnes as their chosen landing strip.

This "fly-in within a fly-in" will include the amazing spectacle of water take-offs and landings as well as competition flying, spot landing, a "bomb drop" contest and slaloms with floatplanes and flying boats. The "Splash-In" is included in the attraction's guest admission price which is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children, ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Fantasy of Flight is pleased to offer SUN 'n FUN attendees $5 off regular admission to the aviation-themed attraction with proof of admission to SUN 'n FUN. SUN 'n FUN attendees must show 2010 SUN 'n FUN proof of purchase (receipt or wristband) at the Fantasy of Flight admissions desk to receive this special offer.

Offer is good for multiple visits and expires May 31, 2010. Not valid with any other discount, special event or annual pass. "Splash-In" hours are 10 am - 5 pm. SUN 'n FUN guests who do not wish to visit Fantasy of Flight will be charged $5 for parking and admission to the "Splash-In."

Visitors who do not wish to visit Fantasy of Flight, and are not SUN 'n FUN guests, may pay $10 for parking and admission to the "Splash-In."Guests are transported by shuttle to and from Fantasy of Flight and SUN 'n FUN headquarters at Lakeland Linder Field throughout the event. For more information about SUN 'n FUN, to purchase admission or to register attendance by seaplane, visit www.sun-n-fun.org.

For more information about Fantasy of Flight, or to purchase tickets for "Splash-In" or the Jeff Skiles luncheon, visit www.fantasyofflight.com. SUN 'n FUN, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization based in Lakeland, Florida, is best known for its annual International Fly-In & Expo held each April.

The April event is the primary source of funding for SUN 'n FUN's expanding year-round aviation education programs including operation of the Florida Air Museum, the state's "Official Aviation Museum and Education Center," which is also supported through grants from the Division of Historical Resources and Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State. A growing scholarship program provides financial support to ensure SUN 'n FUN's education programs are accessible to all.

For more information, access SUN 'n FUN's website (www.sun-n-fun.org) or call the SUN 'n FUN offices at 863-644-2431.Fantasy of Flight also hosts a number of other special events throughout the 2010 year, including Mustangs & Mustangs-Legends Havin' Fun 2010, April 17; Roar n' Soar, Nov. 13 -14 and many more.

Fantasy of Flight admission is $28.95 for adults, $14.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Children 5 and younger are free. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Open Cockpit Days are free for Annual Pass holdersand $20 additional for paid guests.For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.