Sun n’ Fun 2019 – It’s Showtime!

After a morning of clouds and rain it looked like the first day of the Sun ‘n Fun 2019 Expo would be a wash out.  But soon after midday the clouds began to break up and by late in the day the sun was in control.

Possibly the most exciting and certainly the loudest performance of any airshow is a military aircraft at low altitude.  The US Air Force Viper Team did its best to make sure that the crowds were not disappointed. Seen here afterburner engaged this F16 sliced through the air with a sound that could only be described as deafening.  I wonder how many “G’s” he was pulling?

Kevin Coleman, one of the youngest performers on the Air Show Circuit joined the Red Bull Air Race Circuit in 2016 in the Challenger Class.  His flying career began at the age of 10 with both flying and aerobatic lessons.  If this afternoon’s performance is any indication his name will become well known on the airshow circuit.

The Class of ’45 featured an F4U Corsair and the P51 Mustang.  Each of these aircraft represented the pinnacle of aviation design and performance for its class.  Though each served proudly in different branches of the military today they joined forces to put on one great performance.  With the fast and precision maneuverability of today’s military aircraft it is always fascinating to watch how the pilot’s of earlier aircraft used their unique performance characteristics to perform their intended missions.

Not every performance need be so loud and fast that your ears ring and your neck hurts from swiveling so quickly to watch.  Few better demonstrate this than veteran airshow performer Greg Koontz.  In his Super D he proves that the laws of aerodynamics apply to all aircraft regardless of power.  Want to combine a vacation with flying?  Greg runs a “Bed and Breakfast” where you’ll get the best of both country hospitality and aerobatic training.

Have a conversation with any aviation buff about the P51 Mustang and its a sure thing that the names Crazy Horse and Lee Lauderback will come up.  Lee and Crazy Horse have thrilled crowds on the show circuits around the country and his flight school, Stallion 51, is training the next generation of Mustang pilots.  By the way, I’m convinced that the Tower Controllers have the best seats in the house for viewing the airshow.

There were several other performers in todays weather shortened program.  I’ll be sure to highlight them over the upcoming days as time and space permit. Thanks for taking the time to enjoy this years opening day at Sun ‘n Fun with me.  Until tomorrow…

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