The 45th annual SUN ’n FUN International Fly-In & Expo certainly lived up to its name this year with blue skies and plenty of Florida sunshine to go around.
From all corners of the grounds, pilots and aviation enthusiasts enjoyed the aviation splendor that represented all facets of aviation well. From powered parachutes and Part 103 ultralights cruising along at treetop level above the long grass runway at Paradise City, to the Vintage area with antiques, classics, and contemporaries parked wingtip to wingtip. The Homebuilt area was pushed eastward, allowing attendees and spectators more access to view the handwork of truly talented craftsmen.
Seaplanes were also in abundance at SUN ’n FUN, albeit out of their element on grass.
Both modern and historic warbirds were well represented, including the much-anticipated visit of the XP-82 Twin Mustang.
Not to be outdone, Lee Lauderback of Stallion 51 fame reached a significant milestone by logging more than 10,000 hours at the controls of a P-51 Mustang.
From EAA’s own One Week Wonder Van’s RV-12 and the new three-seat Lockwood Aircam, to the fly market, vendor buildings, aircraft manufacturing display area, and FAA safety forums, SUN ’n FUN 2019 certainly made those of us in the northern climates forget about the long, cold, dreary winter.
To see more of SUN ’n FUN 2019, check out our photo gallery. Photos by Connor Madison and Chris Miller.
