The Wandering Disciple

Lakeland, Florida: The airspace above Lakeland Linder International Airport came to life during the annual Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo. The annual week long airshow is the season opener for the airshow season and attracts world class pilots and hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts to Central Florida for a week of fun in the sun.  The Sun ‘n Fun Expo got its start in 1974 as a fly-in event for sport plane enthusiasts. Today the show has grown to one of the largest events in the world. It features over 500 exhibitors, static aircraft from both the civilian and military field, the top names in aerial aerobatics and demonstrations from the military top teams all for a good cause.  This year’s show took place from March 28th through August 2nd and was headlined by the US Navy Blue Angels. No two shows are alike during Sun ‘n Fun, each day provides different entertainers and different aircraft. We attended Saturday’s edition of the Sun ‘n Fun.  Saturday’s show kicked off w...

As we gear up for the Florida International Air Show this weekend in Punta Gorda, we mourn the loss of an air show veteran across the state in Stuart.  Dr Joe Masassa has taken his unique OV-1 Mohawk across the show to pay tribute to 1,636 soldiers unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.  Just like the mission you supported, may your memory never be forgotten.  (Photo: March 30, 2014)

USAF Thunderbirds - 2014 FIAS Punta Gorda, Florida:  The skies above Punta Gorda Airport roar to life this weekend with the return of the annual Florida International Air Show.  For over thirty years, the show has been dazzling crowds with amazing aerial aerobatic displays.  This year's show is sure to not disappoint with acts the whole family will enjoy from the comedy of the Alabama Boys to the adrenaline packed routine of the US Air Force Thunderbirds. The headline act for the 2019 show will be the Thunderbirds.  The return of the Thunderbirds to Punta Gorda marks the first military demonstration team to fly in the air show since the Thunderbirds flew in 2014 before government sequestration pulled the teams from civilian air shows. Dash AeroSports - 2017 FIAS But the Thunderbirds are not the only jet engines to be roaring over Punta Gorda.  Scott Farnsworth will be tearing up the skies in the Dash AeroSports L-39 Albatross and Jerry McKart will be...

All lined up and ready to go. The premier demonstration team of the US Air Force, the Thunderbirds sit on the ramp at Homestead Air Reserve Base prior to their performance during the 2012 Wings Over Homestead.  The Thunderbirds perform in front of millions around the world.  (Photo: November 3, 2012)

The military air superiority of the US Navy has never been seen in a more dominating fashion than during a performance of the Blue Angels. The flight demonstration team of the US Navy, the Blue Angels perform before millions to demonstrate the strength and precision of US Navy fighter pilots. While their routine may feel like a show, it is actual a demonstration of the capability and maneuvers used by Navy pilots engaged in hostile missions. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Flying in formation is not quite as easy as it looks. Planes flying close together with tons of variables can take a smooth formation and make it dangerous in a split second. But the Phillips 66 Aerostars are just one of the many civilian demonstration teams that make it look so easy. Hours and hours of practice are needed to perform at peak level for air show enthusiasts across the globe. (photo: April 6, 2019)

Aerobatic superstar Kyle Franklin pushes his custom designed Demon One aircraft to the limits during Sun ‘n Fun. Part theatrical performance, part fancy flying, full excitement. Franklin’s high-flying performance is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat and waiting for the next breathtaking maneuver. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Julie Clark dazzles the crowd for the final time during her farewell tour in 2019. For over thirty years, Clark has pushed her T-34 to the extremes to entertain air show spectators throughout the country. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

The immortal Red Baron tears up the skies over Lakeland during Sun ‘n Fun. The most famous aviator of all time, the legend of the Red Baron shoots up the sky in a World War I style dog fight through the skies of Lakeland. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

US Navy aviators are known for its ability to take the fight to the enemy without needing a runway. That is because the Navy has improvised its attack to use aircraft carriers and specially modified aircraft to accommodate the mission. Launching off a shorter runway, the planes are sent airborne thanks to a catapult system that helps the planes achieve flight. Then when it comes time to return to the carrier, the plane deploys a tailhook that catches a catch wire and safely retrieves the aircraft. The Navy showcases this technology as part of their Navy Legacy Flight like the one performed here at Sun ‘n Fun featuring the T-2 Buckeye and the T-45 Goshawk. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Showcasing the history and power of the Class of 45, Jim Tobul and Scooter Yoak fly these amazing warbirds before airshow crowds across the country. The P-51 Mustang flown by Yoak is an iconic World War II fighter that was used to dogfight the Luwftwaffe over the European skies. And if this was a family, while the P-51 was dominating the skies of Europe, the little brother F4U Corsair was watching closely and saw its dominance in the jungles of Korea. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Mike Goulian hit the 2019 air show circuit sporting a new paint scheme on his Extra 330. Goulian spends his time tearing up the skies on the air show circuit and demonstrating his speed in the Red Bull Air Races. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

A Skyraider buzzes the enemy positions to provide cover while the rest of the forces help to retrieve an injured soldier. In an effort to showcase the work that goes into rescuing a missing or injured soldier, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum demonstrated a Vietnam era search and rescue for the crowds at Sun 'n Fun. Using a little fleet of air resources including a C-7 Caribou, O-2 Skymaster, UH-1 Iroqouis and two Skyraider variants, the showed the tasks at hand to ensure that everyone goes home. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Watch the colors transform before your very eyes as Bill Stein goes across the sky from left to right. Bill's Edge 540 is just as exciting as his aerial performance. The special paint scheme on the aircraft changes colors depending on the angle you are viewing the plane, making it feel like it is transforming right before your very eyes. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Gene McNeely may have retired from the Aeroshell Aerobatic team at the conclusion of the 2017 air show circuit, but that doesn't keep him from tearing up the skies on an air show weekend. A talented pilot like Gene just can't stay away from the action. While he no longer flies slot for the team, he can be seen performing solo acts in his T-6 Texan like the one he flew during Sun 'n Fun 2019. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

The SOCOM Para-Commandos deliver Old Glory to kick off the aerial demonstrations during Sun 'n Fun at Lakeland-Linder International Airport. The premier aerial parachute demonstration team of the US Special Forces, the team is comprised of members from throughout the joint forces including the Army Special Forces, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, Air Force Combat Controllers and Marine Raider. The team performs across at events across the globe, bringing awareness to the range of the US Special Forces. (Photo: April 6, 2019)

The big blue C-130 of the Blue Angels more famously known as Fat Albert sits on the ramp at Lakeland-Linder International Airport.  If the blues are in town, this flying shop isn't too far away.  Operated by the US Marine Corp, Fat Albert provides support to the Blue Angels during their demonstration schedule and even sometimes participates in the performance.  (Photo: April 6, 2019)

Englewood, Florida:  The roar of aircraft engines and the smell of breakfast took over the usually quiet Buchan Airport for the annual fly-in breakfast.  Pilots and aviation enthusiast flock to the little grass airport each year to talk about aviation and see some unique aircraft.  Each year the event gets bigger with more aircraft on display as well as a few aerial acts.  In addition to the social aspect of the fly-in, the event also raises money for local scholarships. Click on the photo above to view my 2019 Buchan AirportFly-in photo gallery .

Punta Gorda, Florida:  The skies over Punta Gorda roared to life for the 2018 Florida International Air Show at Punta Gorda Airport.  The annual event brings together some of the biggest names in aviation for a good cause benefiting local charities. For over thirty seven years, the show has brought aerial excitement to the Charlotte Harbor region. The evening show returned for the second year, kicking off the air show weekend with the Friday night nighttime spectacular.   The performers lit up the skies as the sun set over the airfield culminating in a fireworks show that closed the night.  The performers returned for the full show on Saturday and Sunday, giving spectators a thrilling show. This year's performers included the SOCOM Paratroopers, Don Stamp's Warbird Review, the Red Tail Squadron, Vampire Airshows, Dash Aerosports, Randy Ball and the MiG-17 and many more acts in the air and statics on the ground. The 2018 show was a success and continues ...

Jerry "Jive" Kirby waves to the crowd at MacDill Air Force Base after his performance at the 2018 Tampa Bay AirFest.  Flying Wild Blue, the little RV-8 that wants to be a fighter jet, Kirby puts on an aerial performance that rivals Wild Blue's role models.  (Photo: May 12, 2018)