2026 Gulf Coast Fleet Fly-In
"Honoring the Past. Celebrating the Future."
The annual GCFFI in Florida is an unforgettable week-long experience packed with networking, great food, friendly challenges, and exclusive opportunities. Your All-Access Pass unlocks free swag (patches, stickers, t-shirt, koozie, and more), multiple breakfasts throughout the week, lunches including Mission BBQ, and evening socials at Beardless Brewhaus and Garden & Grain. It’s everything you need to connect, compete, and celebrate, GCFFI style.
Along with this year's GCFFI, we are also honoring the TH-57 by having a Sundown event following the last flight, which will take place on Tuesday, January 27th, at the Naval Aviation Museum.
Want more? We are also hosting the first-ever GCFFI Aircrew Challenge on Tuesday, October 27th! Get your teammates ready.
We hope to see you at all our events!
Hotel Information
Hilton Garden Inn Pensacola Airport/Medical Center
When making reservations, mention the Naval Helicopter Association or use the group code NHA. This will allow you to book your room at the group rate of $129 per night for January 26-30th, 2026.
1144 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32504
(850) 479-8900
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/pnscpgi-hilton-garden-inn-pensacola-airport-medical-center/
Holiday Inn Express Pensacola Downtown
The block code for the Naval Helicopter Association is NHA. You can use the code NHA to make their reservations at the discounted rate of $179 per night by calling 850-433-2231 or online with the link below.
101 E Main St, Pensacola, FL 32502
https://www.ihg.com/redirect?path=rates&brandCode=EX&localeCode=en®ionCode=1&hotelCode=PNSDT&checkInDate=05
GCFFI Breakdown
🚁 GCFFI is almost here! 🚁
Wondering what the Gulf Coast Fleet Fly-In is all about? Let’s break it down ⬇️
📍 When & Where: January 26th-30th at NAS Whiting Field and Pensacola, FL
👥 Who: Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard pilots, flight students, instructors, maintainers, and industry partners
✨ Why: To connect training with the fleet—giving students hands-on experience, face time with aviators, and insight into operational life beyond Whiting Field.
From static displays, simulator events, briefs, panels, and FAM flights to socials, networking, and exclusive merch, GCFFI is a one-of-a-kind week of professional development, camaraderie, and career-shaping opportunities.
🔥 Daily Highlights:
- Monday: Kick off with arrivals + Leadership & Industry Social at Sir Richard’s Pub
- Tuesday: First-ever Aircrew Challenge* + Milton Pastries and Firehouse Subs + Fleet Static Displays, TH-73 Fleet Incentive Flights, Simulators and Panels + TH-57 Last Flight & Sundown Commemoration
- Wednesday: Chick-Fil-A breakfast + Fleet Leadership Briefs and Industry Sims + NHA Membership Social at Beardless Brewhaus
- Thursday: Bagelheads + SNA Fleet FAM Flights + Aircrew Burger Burn + Membership Social at Garden & Grain in Pensacola
- Friday: Wrap up with the legendary Flounders Volleyball Tournament*! The perfect end to the week and start of your long weekend!
👉 Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready for an unforgettable GCFFI 2026!