The Wandering Disciple

Fireworks light up the sky to celebrate the nation's independence on the Fourth of July. Independence Day pays tribute to the nation gaining its freedom of British rule on July 4, 1776. Skies across the country light up with colorful fireworks displays to celebrate our freedom.  From our family to yours have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day!  Taken: October 13, 2017 at Punta Gorda Airport (Punta Gorda, FL)

Today we celebrate Veterans Day and give a giant thanks to the brave men and woman who served our nation's armed forces and protected us with a blanket of freedom. The federal holiday established to honor our the veterans, falls on November 11 and marks the Armistice Day that ended World War I. To honor our Vets, today's Photo of the Day features the US Air Force's Heritage Flight, the demo unit of the air force designated to honor our nation's armed forces and veterans. (Photo: October 17, 2021)

While the aerial demonstrations may highlight any air show, the static display on the ground has just as many cool things to see. Along the static line you will find a variety of aircraft ranging from home-built aircraft to massive military transport aircraft. Here is a radial engine from the PT-17 Stearman, a bi-plane trainer used by the military for pilot training in the 1930’s and 40’s. (Photo: October 17, 2021)

From the World War II P-51 Mustang to the modern day fighter F-16 Fighting Falcon, the US Air Force Heritage Flight are a living memorial to the brave airmen that served the US Air Force. Since 1997, the heritage flight has performed hundreds of flights at air shows, open houses and sporting event. Pairing warbirds like the A-1 Skyraider, P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, P-51 Mustang, F-86 Sabre along side the modern era fighters like the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II in a side by side demonstration of American air superiority. (Photo: October 17, 2021)

The F-16 of the Viper Demo Team streaks across the sky during the Florida International Air Show. The F-16 is a multi-role fighter capable of air to ground and air to air combat missions. For over 30 years, the aircraft has been an integral part of the US Air Force’s arsenal in missions across the globe. The F-16 Viper Demo is based out of Shaw Air Force Base and flies a single ship demonstration and also participates in the US Air Force’s Heritage Flight. (Photo: October 17, 2021)

Like most warbirds, the T-28 Trojan flown by Mick Thorstenson has a long history. Built for the US Air Force in 1951 as a pilot trainer, this aircraft also saw service with the French Air Force and Haitian Air Force. After retirement, it entered civilian status and began its life on the air show circuit following a extensive restoration. Today the aircraft features the paint scheme of the Argentine Naval Forces following a several year stint in South America. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

Slow but deadly, that is the motto of the SBD Dauntless built by Douglas Aircraft. A workhorse of World War II, the Dauntless is the only US combat aircraft to see service from the start until finish of the war. It was also one of the most destructive weapons in the Navy, sinking 300,000 tons of the Japanese fleet including 18 warships and five carriers. The SBD performing here during the Florida International Air Show is the Lady in Blue from the Commemorative Air Force. Taken: October 15, 2021 at Punta Gorda Airport (Punta Gorda, FL) Photo of the Day: October 24, 2021

Whether is setting speed records in Reno or performing high G aerobatics above the flightline, Scott Farnsworth is making things happen behind the stick of his L-39 Albatros. The L-39 is a Czechoslovakia built jet trainer capable of speeds close to 500 miles per hour. When Scott isn’t pushing his L-39 to the limits, he can be found as a captain onboard a JetBlue Airbus A321. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

Did you know that Goodyear makes more than tires? Goodyear had an aviation division and was responsible for helping the war effort by making warbirds like the legendary Corsair. The Goodyear Corsair’s are identified with an FG designation instead of the more widely known F4U. While this particular airframe never saw combat duty, today it is preserved by the Commemorative Air Force and travels the country to provide a flying history of military aviation. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

Yep, you are seeing it right. That is a Bonanza flying upside down. Welcome to the world of Jim Peitz and his acrobatic Bonanza. The Bonanza is known as the station wagon of the skies, a dependable aircraft to travel cross country with the family. But this Bonanza is an aerobatic Bonanza, one of just a handful made and Jim travels the country showing just how verstaitle this plane can be going upside down and much more in his high energy performance. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

After spending twenty years in the kitchen, Clemens Kuhlig decided to turn his passion of aviation into a aerobatic career. Inspired by the Red Devils performance when he was eight, Kuhlig has his glider license before his driver’s license. It took three years to build his Pitts S1S in his garage and in February 2013 it was airborne and the aerial acrobatic routine would later follow. Today Chef Pitts travels the air show circuit demonstrating his routine that was inspired by legends of the industry. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

When it comes to people lost at sea, time is of the essence. So the US Coast Guard relies on a vast collection of air assets to complete their lifesaving mission. One of these aerial assets, the MH-65 was on display at the Florida International Air Show at the Punta Gorda Airport. The Coast Guard operates 102 Dolphins spread throughout 17 bases across the country. This particular aircraft was from the Air Station Miami. Taken: October 17, 2021 at Punta Gorda Airport (Punta Gorda, FL) Photo of the Day: October 18, 2021

A C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Charleston performs a flight demonstration during the Florida International Air Show. Nicknamed the Moose due to a sound it makes while refueling, the C-17 is a heavy lifter for the United States Air Force. Assigned to Air Mobility Command, the C-17 provides airlift service across the globe in support of the nation’s armed service’s mission. Most recently, the C-17 was directly involved with the massive evacuation of refugees from Afghanistan. This aircraft is from the C-17 East Coast Demo Team, one of two demo teams that showcase the moose. (Photo: October 15, 2021))

In just a few short weeks, the sound of aircraft will fill the air over Southwest Florida as the Florida International Air Show returns to the Punta Gorda Airport.  To help kick off the FIAS season, the board of directors hosted a celebration for sponsors and media to give a look at what this year's show has to offer.   Celebrating it's 40th anniversary, the 2021 Florida International Air Show will feature a star studded lineup featuring headliners from the US Air Force as well as top civilian acts.   The main event of the show will be the F-16 Viper Demo team.  Based out of Shaw Air Force Base and piloted by Major Garret "Toro" Schmitz, the demo features the F-16 Fighting Falcon showcasing the speed and maneuverability of the Air Force's fighter.  Reaching speeds of Mach 2, the F-16 has been a major contributor to the air superiority since its introduction in 1979.  In addition to being part of the single ship demo team, the F-16 is also the airc...

2020 has been a challenging year.  COVID-19 pandemic, active tropical season, a Presidential election that won't end.  It has been one for history.  But despite all the negative in the world this past year, we managed to find some comfort through photography.  While the travel restrictions and closures caused by the pandemic limited what we could do, we still found a way to get out their and enjoy ourselves through photography while keeping socially distanced and safe. So while 2020 goes out with a midnight fireworks show, let's see what 2021 has in store. (Photo: October 13, 2017)

Classic airplanes and warbirds are meant to be enjoyed in the skies not just in a museum. That is one of the main missions of air shows around the globe to show the power and engineering marvel of these aircraft from classic warbirds through the high tech fighters of today. One of these performers, Randy Ball, flies the Soviet MiG for Fighterjets Inc. Ball has flown over 1,00 shows in North America and is rated in over forty aircraft. He has showcased his flying in air shows and on film and is the only MiG-17 pilot to fly an aggressor flight for the US Air Force's F-4 Phantoms. (Photo: October 9, 2018)

Greg Koontz demonstrates his flying skills as he lands on the smallest runway, an elevated platform on top of a pick-up truck, during his Alabama Boys comedy routine performed during the 2017 Florida International Air Show.  The routine features Koontz as Clem Cleaver, an Alabama boy, tries to redeem a flight instruction.  When the instructor refuses the lesson, Clem steals the airplane and takes it on a wild ride through the skies.  At one point Grandpa Cleaver tries to force Clem down with a shot gun, only to blow out the tire and force him to land on the back of a moving pick-up truck.  The Alabama Boys routine is just one of two routines that Koontz performs for airshows across the country.  (Photo: October 14, 2017)

Preserving history can be a painstaking task. But preserving history that continues to fly and perform week after week over 70 years after being built, that is a non-stop task. Here a pilot of a T-28 Trojan makes a few mechanical repairs before this Vietnam era fighter takes to the skies as part of the Warbird Review during the 2016 Florida International Air Show. (Photo: October 23, 2016)

The Twin Tigers perform their twilight routine during the night show of the 2016 Florida International Air Show at the Punta Gorda Airport. Pilots Mark Sorenson and Mark Nowosielsk take the Russian built Yak-55 across the country to fly a dazzling aerial aerobatic show in front of thousands each weekend. Their routine was awarded the coveted Bill Barber Award for Showmanship in 2019. (Photo: October 21, 2016)

“Thunderbirds, Let’s Run Them Up!” Those are the orders from the lead pilot of the diamond formation as the US Air Force Thunderbirds take to the skies during their performance. The six ship demonstration team is the third oldest demonstration team in the world. Based at Nellis Air Force Base, the Thunderbirds travel the country showcasing their precision flying before millions of spectators. This photos of the squadron comes from their performance at the 2019 Florida International Air Show in Punta Gorda, Florida. (Photo: November 3, 2019)