Issue 10 | Volume 151 | April 8, 2019
theavion.com | (386) 226-6049
A Campus B Industry & Technolgy U UX Corner
FUN IN THE SUN
Sarah Fairchild Chief Copy Editor
As the sun rose above the treetops this past Saturday, shining its radiance down on the inhabitants of Lakeland, Florida, one only need to glance up to see the sight of brightly colored hot air balloons taking to the skies. These slow-moving aviators signaled the start of a new day at the 45th annual Sun n’ Fun airshow- one that promised clear skies and fair winds for all of the aerial performances yet to come. Throughout the morning, attendees had a chance to tour the flight line; observing a plethora of vintage aircraft, military marvels, and homebuilt kit aircraft. Forums and workshops that covered a wide range of topics (from sheet metal fasteners, ForeFlight IFR pro tips, building with composites, to HAM radio and more!) were held throughout the event as well. Food and drink vendors were swamped with customers come noon, as everyone rushed to grab one last snack before the main event. The edge of the runway was packed with monochromatic folding chairs and wide-spread umbrellas, while others stood to watch as the airshow began. Freefalling from a height of 6,000 feet, the US Para commandos kicked off the event with the classic flying of the flag as spectators stood for the playing of the National Anthem. Following the patriotic opening was Bill Stein in his kaleidoscopic Edge 540. Thanks to a unique paint job, Steins Edge 540 airplane displays a variable color scheme based on lighting and audience perspective: a fact that was quickly proven right as Stein bobbed and weaved through the air, even managing to hover like a helicopter for a total of 13 seconds before pointing the plane's nose back towards the ground. Up next was the Cavanaugh flight crew-
The Greatest Celebration of Aviation in Florida
a skilled team that performs combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions on the daily.
Their reenactment of a typical CSAR job, while slightly underwhelming, was incredibly informative; providing the audience with a fantastic look into the teamwork behind finding and saving a stranded soldier in the field. From there, the airshow took an exciting turn as none other than Michael Goulian himself leaped to the skies. This Red Bull aerobatic pilot has earned all three of the airshow industry's awards, and it shows: the way Goulian maneuvered his Extra 330SC aircraft at such high speeds and altitudes was undeniably impressive. Not to be outdone, the Class of ’45 gave a stellar performance. With Scott “Scooter” Yoak behind the stick of his P51 Mustang “Quicksilver,” and Jim “Torc” Tobul in the cockpit of his F4U Corsair these long-time friends showed off their skills by performing a scissor move: in which the two pilots break, one in front of the other, before travelling in opposite directions. The GEICO Skytypers performed next; the team of T-6's showing off their precision aerobatics as they flew over the field in a line of rest formation; each plane stretched wingtip to wing-
tip. The maneuver then shifted, with the six pilots creating a tight delta triangle formation. Once the Skytypers had made two passes down the flight line in this arrangement, spectators were stunned speechless as the delta formation imploded! The audience watched in shock as the T-6’s turned into each other, each plane a hairsbreadth away from disaster as three of the pilots turned left, and the other three right in a dizzying display of evasive maneuvers. The six planes then crossed paths down the centerline as viewers cheered from their seats. The show was halfway over, but the fun was only beginning as Jim Peitz, and his F33 Bonanza flew into the spotlight. That's correct. A Beechcraft Bonanza performed jaw-dropping acrobatic maneuvers including the micro loop, the blender, the avalanche l o o p heart, the
doublehammerhead, and- a crowd favoritethe E-Brake. The E-Brake begins as a standard inverted loop, with Peitz rolling the F33 belly-up. However, instead of kicking the tail up to come out of the loop, he proceeded to do the opposite; the trail of white smoke from the back of the plane forming a clear, elongated S shape in the sky. Children and Parents alike were entertained by the next performance, dubbed "Down with the Immortal Red Baron" by Sun n' Fun commentators. A duet of aerial dogfighting
danced through the skies; both biplanes were attempting to gain the upper hand on the other as ‘gunfire' from the ground crew attempted to save the hero in the green biplane from the red baron. The kids had fun cheering for the hero and booing the villain, while the adults were witness to a fabulous view of aerial combat techniques. Julie Clark was one of the final flights of the show, this accomplished female aviator gracefully glided through the air, with red, white, and blue colored smoke trailing from the wingtips of her T-34 “Free Spirit” in a patriotic routine. This year is Clark's farewell tour, as the experienced pilot will be retiring from the show business with over 49 years of experience under her belt. Watching her perform aerial maneuvers with elegance in a plane whose capabilities have been described as rugged was a real honor to see. The Blue Angels took to the air in their notable F18's to close out the show, leaving fans and viewers only wanting more as these dexterous jet engines roared overhead. Long after the sun had set, the skies still shone. Because later that evening, the fans received precisely what they'd asked for, as Sun n' Fun hosted a spectacular night show. Lighted drones filled the air and fireworks rained down from above as another round of performances began. The Sun n’ Fun airshow is always a treat to any who have a fascination for aviation. This year
was no exception, as the festival went above and beyond expectations with the unique evening show. And though the display may be over for this season, the sun will surely shine on Lakeland again next year.