David Poirier submitted this photo and note: “The B-25 Panchito frames the sunrise at the 2026 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo.”
Sun 'n Fun
Flying Lower and Slower at 86
At 86, retired attorney Peter Hartmann has transitioned from a fast Turbo Cessna 210 to a lower, slower Lake Amphibian. He shares how a modern digital cockpit keeps him safely flying — and adjusting to the realities of aging in the sky.
One of One Again
Meet Chris Christiansen’s Gyrfalkn, a custom carbon fiber aircraft with forward-swept wings and exceptional visibility.
Flying a Piece of American History
Former corporate pilot Mark Peebles rediscovered the romance of aviation in a 1946 Fairchild 24W. With its radial engine, roll-down windows, and stately presence, this fabric-covered classic offers a nostalgic experience that turns heads wherever it flies.
High Water and High Performance: The Comanche’s Resilience
In 1972, Hurricane Agnes didn’t just flood Lock Haven — it ended the production of the iconic Piper Comanche. Decades later, pilot Pat Brown proves that while nature can stop a factory, it can’t dampen the spirit of an aviator dedicated to keeping this classic, high-performance machine in the sky.
Notes From SUN ‘n FUN 2026
Highlights from SUN ’n FUN 2026, featuring new aviation technology, MOSAIC updates, and people.
The Real Magic of SUN ’n FUN
The moment the SUN ’n FUN grounds come into view, something shifts. It doesn’t feel like arriving at an event, it feels like coming home. Across the field, familiar faces reappear, conversations pick up where they left off, and new connections are made just as quickly as old ones are renewed.
Picture of the Day: A Stearman at SUN ‘n FUN
Dan Sherburn submitted this photo and note: “A Stearman in the morning at the 2026 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo.”
Living Large: The Pilot Who Turned a Giant Antonov Into a Studio Apartment
Retired helicopter pilot Douglas Fulton brings his massive, Polish-built Antonov AN-2 to the 2026 SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo. Discover the unique history of this “flying apartment” and the adventurous spirit of the man who calls its cabin home.