The Wandering Disciple

  The grand finale ignites the sky over Lakeland, Florida as the United States Air Force Thunderbirds streak across the horizon at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo. In a blur of speed, precision, and thunderous power, the team delivers a breathtaking display of tight formations and high-energy maneuvers that define the pinnacle of military aviation performance. As the main event, their show-stopping routine leaves the crowd in awe with an unforgettable crescendo to one of aviation’s premier gatherings.

  Tight formation and grassroots performance take center stage at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo as the Full Throttle Formation Team sweeps overhead in their Van’s RV series aircraft. Built in garages and flown with precision, these high-performance homebuilts showcase the spirit of experimental aviation, flying wingtip-to-wingtip in a display of coordination, trust, and pure flying passion. Each pass highlights the remarkable capability of the RV lineup.

  Defying expectations at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo, "Gentleman" Jim Peitz puts an unconventional twist on aerobatics in his Beechcraft Bonanza. Known primarily as a reliable cross-country traveler rather than a purpose-built aerobatic machine, the Bonanza takes on a whole new personality in Peitz’s hands. With smooth precision and carefully executed maneuvers, he showcases just how far skill and creativity can push the limits of an aircraft never designed for the aerobatic spotlight.

  High-speed chaos meets razor-sharp precision at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo as Skip Stewart unleashes an electrifying performance in the Pitts Special Prometheus. Known for pushing the edge of controlled flight, Stewart tears through the sky with aggressive snaps, knife-edge passes, and heart-stopping low-level maneuvers, all executed with split-second timing. The roar of the engine and the blur of motion create a relentless, high-energy spectacle filled with intensity, innovation, and fearless artistry that define his flying style.

  Raw power meets unmatched precision at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo as Nic “Laz” Le Tourneau pushes the limits of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor in a breathtaking demonstration. With explosive climbs, tight high-alpha maneuvers, and seemingly effortless control, the Raptor defies expectations at every turn. Each pass showcases the cutting edge of air dominance technology, while Laz’s precision flying transforms raw capability into a powerful, crowd-stopping performance.

Classic stick-and-rudder skill meets fresh-from-the-hangar performance at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo as Greg Koontz takes to the skies in his brand new American Champion Super Decathlon. Blending precision aerobatics with his signature showmanship, Koontz wrings every ounce of performance from the aircraft by turning simple maneuvers into a dynamic, crowd-pleasing display. It’s a perfect pairing of veteran experience and a pristine platform, showcasing the timeless art of aerobatic flight with a modern edge.

Heavy lifters and mission-ready power take center stage at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo as the C-17 Globemaster III, KC-46 Pegasus, and KC-135 Stratotanker showcase the backbone of global mobility and refueling operations. Representing Altus Air Force Base, these aircraft highlight the critical role the base plays as the primary training ground for pilots and crews who operate them. From strategic airlift to in-flight refueling, every mission begins with the training and precision honed at Altus—where the next generation of air mobility and tanker pilots is built.

  Power, precision, and nonstop motion—RJ Gritter commands the sky at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo with a performance that keeps every eye locked upward. Roaring through a sequence of tight turns, vertical climbs, and rapid-fire rolls, each maneuver flows seamlessly into the next, building intensity with every pass. Smoke trails carve bold lines across the Florida sky, marking moments of split-second timing and total control. From the first burst of speed to the final climb, every frame captures pure adrenaline and the unmistakable thrill of world-class aerobatics.

The SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo comes alive as the Patriot Parachute Team soars overhead at Lakeland International Airport. Composed of military veterans, the team delivers a powerful display of precision and patriotism, continuing its tradition as a crowd-favorite feature at major events across the country. Photo: April 19, 2026 at SUN 'N FUN Aerospace Expo at Lakeland International Airport (Lakeland, FL)

  Smoke on, throttle up—Nathan Hammond of GhostWriter Airshows ignites the sky with a high-energy performance at the SUN ‘N FUN Aerospace Expo. Roaring low and fast, his aircraft carves tight turns and vertical climbs, trailing ribbons of smoke that ripple across the Florida blue. Each maneuver builds the tempo, drawing cheers from the crowd below as precision flying meets pure adrenaline. It’s a heart-pounding display of control, speed, and showmanship that defines the spirit of airshow excitement.  Taken: April 19, 2026 at SUN 'N FUN Aerospace Expo at Lakeland International Airport (Lakeland, FL)