For the first time in 44 years I won't be attending the Sun-N-Fun event in my back yard. There a lot of memories I carry of this event because I attended the very first grass roots efforts to get it going. 

Over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting many great aviators and a few that should have stayed home. 

I took my son on his first airplane ride in the oldest passenger aircraft still flying,,, a Ford Tri motor, the Tin Goose with the oldest senior pilot still flying. 

Over the years I have met enthusiasts from all corners of our small globe. Europe, Asia, Australia, South and North America, Africa, and Eurasia. I had the pleasure of meeting many from the UK and love the accent. 

As life goes on, so do we. My flying partner passed away a couple of years, ago and it's just not the same. We set our VHPA LZ up together every year so I can't bear to be there without his presence. 

So with great sadness I bid Adeau to a wonderful experience and so many great friends. 

If you ever get a chance to attend, you will never forget it. 

That's a very interesting post thanks.

Over here in the UK, I have been attending what was originally the PFA rally for over 40 years, now renamed the LAA Rally.

I've only ever missed one and that was due to cancellation due to Covid.

I've attended with my pal each time and really enjoyed every one although, I have began to wonder how many more.

Best....  Phil

That's too bad, our local one is Wings over Wairarapa, another magnificent event as well with a lot of vintage aircraft but cancelled over the past 2 years due to restrictions, the next one I will get my kids out too they have been missing out these sort of events, these traditions are important.

Of note the last one held before restrictions featured a B-52 Bomber that flew 19 hours from Guam just to fly over the event, they didn't land just a fly-over, and that took years of preparation for that to happen as another attempt the year before they had mechanical failures and turned back. This was the rarest moment in history to see a B-52 over New Zealand:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/124381690/wings-over-wairarapa-big-b52-finally-wings-its-way-over-new-zealand

The Thunderbirds came in yesterday. They will perform each day. They put on a heck of a show. 

On 4/5/2022 at 10:29 AM, 188AHC said:

The Thunderbirds came in yesterday. They will perform each day. They put on a heck of a show. 

I haven't missed this since I've been in Florida.  I remember the year before last a rocket taking off while we were there.  I was amazed you could see a launch all the way in Lakeland.  They played Rocket Man by Elton John during the launch.  Later that night the International Space Station flew overhead then the night show started.  So when you say unforgettable event that's an understatement.🙂

I'm surprised we don't have any FS2020 scenery for the event.🥴

Edited April 8, 20224 yr by Dillon