SUN ‘n FUN 2025

For the second consecutive year, the Skyvan photoship returned to Florida for an extended week of aerial photography, and the lessons learned in 2024 paid off immediately. Operating out of Bartow Airbase gave us maximum flexibility, outstanding local support, and—thankfully—the welcome return of the on-site restaurant. Over five days, Florida delivered exceptional flying weather, with only brief morning fog delaying operations before clear skies opened the door to one of the most ambitious schedules we have ever flown.

The week began at full intensity with historic and modern icons sharing the sky. The beautifully restored C-47 “Tico Belle”, carrying D-Day markings, set the tone, followed by long-planned join-ups with frontline jets. Although an F-16 mechanical issue delayed its arrival, the F-35 demo jet stepped in twice, including a striking Heritage Flight formation. The day continued with rare warbirds from the CAF Tampa Bay Wing, highlighted by a unique two-ship involving the PT-19 and the former presidential Commander, officially once known as “Air Force One.”

Tuesday escalated quickly, opening with a spectacular 12-ship T-34 Mentor formation with smoke—an opportunity found only in the United States. This was followed by the unmistakable MiG-17 in Cuban Air Force colours, flown by Tony Remudo, adding another air force to our growing photographic archive. Later, the arrival of the A-26 Invader, one of only two airworthy examples worldwide, provided a challenging but rewarding subject, especially in its bare-metal finish. Sunset brought unforgettable moments, including the P-51 “Gunfighter”, a rare rainbow backdrop, and an unlikely but perfectly matched two-ship pairing of a Piper 600 and S-211 in golden light.

As the week progressed, Florida continued to surprise. The arrival of the F-16 demo jet in its YF-16 heritage colours allowed a last-minute mission alongside the F-35, producing imagery worthy of an ICAS calendar. One of the greatest privileges of the project followed with the Jack Aces, flying three P-51 Mustangs in dramatic weather. Wednesday then delivered what became the most unexpected highlight of the entire trip: the appearance of a TF-104 Starfighter, buzzing the Skyvan repeatedly and reminding everyone why this aircraft still commands awe more than six decades after its first flight.

The latter half of the week unfolded at a relentless pace, mixing seaplanes, aerobatics, modern jets, and historic fighters over SUN ’n FUN itself. Highlights included the Grumman Mallard over Florida’s lakes, Bob Carlton’s jet-powered glider, a close-in USMC F-35C, multiple sunset missions over Lakeland, and a powerful legacy sequence featuring the Corsair and F-35C. The project concluded with private jets, L-39s, a surprise A-10 Thunderbolt II appearance, and a spectacular fireworks-timed finale involving a jetglider, Super Chipmunk, and EZ flying in perfect formation over the show. It was a week defined by scale, variety, and cooperation—made possible by exceptional pilots, the Bartow team, SUN ’n FUN, and the tireless efforts of everyone involved. If this was a preview of what lies ahead, SUN ’n FUN 2026 already has a formidable benchmark to meet.