Airport of the Week: KLAL - Lakeland Linder International Airport

Every spring, the skies over Lakeland, Florida, buzz with an extra level of excitement. This isn't just your typical air traffic; it's the sound of thousands of aviation enthusiasts converging on Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) for the iconic Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo. Held this year from April 1st to April 6th, 2025, this event transforms KLAL into a global hub for pilots, aircraft builders, industry professionals, and anyone captivated by the magic of flight.

Lakeland Linder International (KLAL): A Central Florida Gem

Located conveniently in Polk County, southwest of Lakeland, KLAL (IATA: LAL, ICAO: KLAL) is much more than just the host venue for Sun 'n Fun. It's a vital piece of Florida's aviation infrastructure. Designated as a national reliever airport for Tampa International, KLAL boasts impressive facilities, including a primary runway (10/28) stretching 8,500 feet and a secondary paved runway (5/23) of 5,000 feet, plus a turf runway popular with smaller aircraft.

Established initially during World War II as Drane Field, a training base primarily for B-26 Marauder crews, the airport has evolved significantly. Today, it's home to over 80 businesses employing thousands, contributing significantly to the local economy. Major tenants include Amazon Air's cargo operations, Draken International providing tactical aircraft training support for the military, NOAA's Aircraft Operations Center ("Hurricane Hunters"), and Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) like Sheltair serving general and business aviation. With over 128,000 aircraft operations annually (as of 2021) and around 250 based aircraft, KLAL is a busy place year-round.

Sun 'n Fun: Aviation's Spring Break

For one week each year, KLAL truly shines as it welcomes the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo. From its humble beginnings in 1974, it has grown into the second-largest aviation event of its kind in the United States, often dubbed "Aviation's Season Opener" or "Spring Break for Pilots."

Drawing over 200,000 visitors, the event is a dazzling spectacle:

Airshows: Daily and nightly performances featuring breathtaking aerobatics from military and civilian acts.
Exhibits: Over 500 exhibitors showcasing the latest aircraft, avionics, and aviation products.
Aircraft Displays: Hundreds of aircraft parked across designated areas – from vintage planes and warbirds to homebuilts, jets, and light sport aircraft.
Workshops & Forums: Educational sessions covering everything from aircraft building and maintenance to safety seminars and career fairs.
Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE): Sun 'n Fun is a non-profit, and proceeds support ACE, a nationally recognized leader in STEM and aerospace education located right on the airport grounds. ACE includes the Florida Air Museum and the Lakeland Aero Club, the largest high school flying club in the US.

Weather Watching: METARs During Sun 'n Fun 2025

Yes, METAR! This is the PaperMETAR blog after all! So, what was the weather like during Sun 'n Fun 2025? The Lakeland area experienced weather that was generally very favorable for the event. April 2025 was significantly warmer and drier than average for Lakeland, ranking as the 5th driest and tied for the 5th warmest April on record. High pressure dominated the region, leading to many days with sunshine and comfortable warmth.

Here is a set of interesting METARs from start of the event.

01/04/2025 04:50 -- METAR KLAL 010450Z 19005KT 10SM SKC 21/21 A2999=

01/04/2025 05:50 -- METAR KLAL 010550Z 00000KT 10SM SKC 21/21 A2998=

01/04/2025 06:50 -- METAR KLAL 010650Z 00000KT 8SM SCT003 20/20 A2998=

01/04/2025 07:00 -- SPECI KLAL 010700Z 00000KT 1 3/4SM BR BKN002 20/20 A2998=

01/04/2025 07:50 -- METAR KLAL 010750Z 00000KT 3/4SM BR VV002 21/21 A2998=

01/04/2025 08:50 -- METAR KLAL 010850Z 00000KT 1 1/2SM BR OVC002 21/21 A2997=

01/04/2025 09:50 -- METAR KLAL 010950Z 19004KT 1 1/2SM BR OVC002 21/21 A2997=

01/04/2025 10:50 -- METAR KLAL 011050Z 20004KT 1/2SM FG OVC002 21/21 A2999=

01/04/2025 11:50 -- METAR KLAL 011150Z 19004KT 1/2SM FG VV002 20/20 A3002=

01/04/2025 12:50 -- METAR KLAL 011250Z 00000KT 3/4SM BR OVC002 20/20 A3003=

01/04/2025 13:50 -- METAR KLAL 011350Z 00000KT 3SM BR OVC003 22/21 A3004=

01/04/2025 14:50 -- METAR KLAL 011450Z 18003KT 10SM SCT009 24/24 A3006=

01/04/2025 15:50 -- METAR KLAL 011550Z 00000KT 10SM SKC 27/27 A3006=

01/04/2025 16:50 -- METAR KLAL 011650Z 28004KT 10SM SCT026 29/22 A3005=

01/04/2025 17:50 -- METAR KLAL 011750Z 28004KT 10SM SCT035 31/20 A3003=

01/04/2025 18:50 -- METAR KLAL 011850Z 23004KT 10SM SCT046 32/19 A3002=

As you can see, it started with clear, saturated conditions leading to the rapid formation of dense fog (FG) and very low cloud cover in the morning. As the day progressed, the fog lifted to mist (BR) , the cloud bases rose, and eventually, the skies cleared with improving visibility and a larger temperature-dew point spread.

This sequence is typical of radiation fog, which forms overnight under clear, calm conditions when the ground cools and chills the air above it to its dew point. The fog then dissipates as the sun rises and heats the ground and air.

METAR Quiz

Here is a METAR to test your knowledge.

METAR KLAL 022050Z 15012G18KT 10SM SCT050 33/19 A3006

You can see the interpretation by pasting the above at https://e6bx.com/metar-decoder/

Looking Ahead

Lakeland Linder International Airport masterfully handles its dual identity. A bustling hub for commerce, training, and transport year-round, and the welcoming host for one of the world's premier aviation gatherings. As the sounds of Sun 'n Fun 2025 fade, KLAL returns to its daily rhythm, already preparing for the next chapter, including Sun 'n Fun 2026, scheduled for April 14-19.