Warbirds at Sun n Fun Molly McMillin
Sun n Fun Warbird Country Warbirds Country at Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, is a well-traveled section of the sprawling show, which runs April 13-18. Credit: Molly McMillin Quick Silver The P-51 Mustang called Quick Silver was a labor of love for Scott Yoak and his father, Bill, who collected parts from 37 countries to restore the fighter back to life. Following a 15-year restoration project, the P-51 took to the skies again in 2007. The aircraft was built in 1945 and was part of the Home Guard. Credit: Molly McMillin
The American Dream The TP-40N Warhawk called the “American Dream” is a classic World War II fighter. It is piloted by Thom Richard, who showcases the fighter’s capabilities at air shows.
Between April 8th and 12th, one of the several formation clinics which the North American Trainer Association (NATA) holds annually took place at Gainesville Regional Airport in Gainesville, Florida. The event saw roughly 65 pilots take part, flying some 40 training sorties with the thirty or so T-6s and three T-28s on hand. The D-Day veteran C-47 Skytrain Placid Lassie also took part as well.
Your daily guide to Sun n Fun s 2021 Aerospace Expo
LAKELAND Thousands of aviation enthusiasts from across the country are arriving in Lakeland for the 47th annual Sun n Fun Aerospace Expo this week from Monday through Sunday. The event features dozens of industry-related workshops, presentations and at least one airshow daily.
Here s some of the highlights, starting with the airshow lineups as selected by The Ledger. A full daily schedule can be found online at flysnf.org.
Air show lineup, by day
All afternoon airshows start at 1 p.m., with the exception of Thursday when the U.S. Navy s Blue Angels are expected to arrive at noon. Sun n Fun hosts two nighttime airshows starting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
WWII Paratrooper Jim “Pee Wee” Martin’s 100th Birthday Jump Fest
WWII Paratrooper Jim “Pee Wee” Martin’s 100th Birthday Jump Fest
Pee Wee Martin about to touch down following his 2015 re-enactment of his jump on D-Day back in 1944.
Most readers will recall the name of Jim “Pee Wee” Martin, the pugnacious WWII 101st Airborne paratrooper veteran who came to prominence in recent years for parachuting – deep into his 90s – from vintage C-47 transports during D-Day anniversary celebrations. Well, Pee Wee will be turning 100 years old this month, so to pay tribute to this remarkable milestone for this remarkable man, W&R Vets will be hosting what will likely be the largest birthday tribute of 2021 in his honor. The event will take place at Skydive Greene County in Xenia, Ohio on Saturday, April 24, 2021, and will feature three historic, D-Day veteran transports performing a mass parachute drop over the airfield.