The Wandering Disciple

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)

Demonstrating how they would evade an enemy attack by creating chaos and confusions, the Geico Skytypers perform during Sun ‘n Fun. Maneuvering the World War II era aircraft through the sky, the pilots of the Geico Skytypers show how they deploy messages across the sky, a useful tool to spread propaganda during the war. (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 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)