The Wandering Disciple

The bright yellow canary of the United States Navy N2S-2 Kaydet gets its power from the iconic radial engine. Developed in 1934, the Continental R-670 is a seven cylinder radial aircraft engine that was the power plant of early aircraft like the Boeing biplanes. The engine produced 210-240 horsepower and was the primary aircraft engines in use during the 1930's and 1940's.  You can still see them in use as several of the PT-17's and N2S-2's are still airworthy and on the air show circuit.  (Photo: March 2, 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 .

The radial engines of a Boeing PT-17 was a familiar sound throughout the country as they were the primary training aircraft for the US Navy and US Army Air Forces during the 1930's and 40's.  Over ten thousand of these bi-wing aircraft were produced with many remaining in operation today.  (Photo: October 13, 2012)

Englewood, Florida: The quiet grass strip of Buchan Airport roared to life with the sound of piston engines for the eighth annual Buchan-Dearborn Aviation Day and Fly-in Breakfast. Pilots from throughout the area left their aircraft on display for the spectators while they enjoyed a hot breakfast.  The event had a wide range of aircraft spanning the World War II era with the PT-17 Kaydet through the modern era and the many variations of experimental aircraft. Mid-way through the event, the crowd was treated to a three plane fly-over as the formation buzzed the airfield with several tight formation passes. In addition to the aircraft on display, many vendors were also on hand to showcase local aviation services. The annual event helps to fund an aviation scholarship. Click on the photo above to view my 2014 Buchan-Dearborn Aviation Day photo gallery .

Englewood, Florida: Buchan Airport (X36) is a grass-strip public airfield located just outside downtown Olde Englewood. The air strip is the highlight of the Buchan Airport Community Park operated by Sarasota County Parks & Rec.  Buchan Airport features a lone runway. Runway 12/30 is a 2,040 grass runway marked my white tires. There are no lights nor tower operations at the airport. Buchan Airport is home to a few single engine and experimental aircraft. They also host an annual fly-in breakfast and is a popular spot for flying groups get-togethers. 2012 Buchan-Dearborn Aviation Day The fly-in breakfast is held annually in October. Pilots of various types of aircraft fly into Buchan Airport for a breakfast and conversation. While the pilots are eating and networking, their aircraft are available to view.  The only drawback to spotting at Buchan Airport is the lack of reliable air traffic. Chance of observing air traffic increases on weekends, even...

An experimental Savannah VG aircraft departs Buchan Airport. The Savannah VG is a kit aircraft produced in Italy and distributed in the United States by ICP. (Photo: October 13, 2012)

Englewood, Florida: A quiet Saturday morning gave way to the roar of piston engines as Englewood's Buchan Airport hosted the sixth annual fly-in breakfast. Over forty planes ranging from vintage World War II era through modern day experimental aircraft flew into the airport for a breakfast served by a team of volunteers.  The public had a chance to get a close up view of these magnificent aircraft. There were bi-planes from World War II era, experimental planes like the Vans RV-8, sport planes like the Piper Sport and leisure planes like the Cessna Skyhawk and Piper Cherokee. In addition to the planes on display, there were vendors from the Venice R/C Club, Civil Air Patrol and many more. Also in attendance was former Flying Boat pilot Bill Nash to share his aviation experiences. Hundreds of visitors attended Saturday's event. Click on the photo above to view photos from the 2012 Buchan-Dearborn Aviation Day .