After more than two decades of airshow flying, Gary Ward says he’s retiring at the age of 80. He’s going out on a high note, winning the top award in the airshow business, the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship.
Airshows & Fly-Ins
30 years and 2.3 million kids later…
The 30th anniversary of Young Eagles will be celebrated at the 2022 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, with the goal to fly at least 30 Young Eagles during the big show.
SUN ‘n FUN lives up to its name
Flying was almost continuous in Paradise City, with a nightly STOL demonstration that attracted big crowds.
Pilots gather to prepare 21W for summer
The Ranger Creek Work Party and Chili feed has become an annual tradition for pilots to gather and get the airstrip open for summer flying.
Passion and a plan: Zach Drum’s aviation journey
Zachary attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, with his friend Drew Wilson. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He earned his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 2012 and a Master of Science in Finance from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
Pictures of the Day: Ready for departure
Megan Vande Voort submitted these two photos of airplanes heading home after the close of the 2022 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo on Sunday, April 10. Above, a 1944 Consolidated Vultee PBY based out of Wilmington, Delaware, takes off, while below a Cessna 172 departs Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) in Florida.
Honoring a hometown hero
Sergeant Chad Mumbauer is the epitome of a 25-plus year public servant and Marine Corps veteran who leads by example. With the heart of a warrior, he has overcome brain cancer three times in the past 10 years and returned to full duty as a leader of the department’s Special Operations Unit in the City of Lakeland Police Department.”
Picture of the Day: Taking off in Paradise City
While the Thunderbirds claimed top billing at the 2022 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, some of the most interesting flying at the show takes place in Paradise City, home to a grass runway and light-sport aircraft, ultralights, and the STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) Demos. In this photo, Megan Vande Voort captures an Evolution Rev taking off — a photo she named “and she’s up.”
Pictures of the Day: The stars of the show
While ace photographer Megan Vande Voort captured some of her usual great photographs of the Thunderbirds at the 2022 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, she also caught some unexpected shots, as well, including one of the demo team’s biggest (and littlest) fans.