Sun n Fun 2009

My good friend David LoPresti met me at the Main Gate and the FUN began at Sun n Fun 2009! After a visit to the LoPresti exhibit and reminiscing with some Grumman owners from Alabama (Bayou La Batre, Grand Bay, Dothan), David and I made it to the flight line.

The warbirds were as impressive as always. And, right there, next to the warbirds ... I found my next airplane! A pristine Grumman Widgeon! OMG! This was a totally restored Widgeon that was NOT for sale. Even if it were, I am not sure my friends would have donated enough funds to make this possible. I would promise FREE trips to the Bahamas for donations to the "Buy a Widgeon Fund". Maybe Jimmy Buffett would help with the first donation, he knows the passion of owning and flying a twin engine seaplane.

The night airshow was awesome. It was my first night show at Sun n Fun and quite a memorable one. The AeroShell team's show was the best! AeroShell team member Gene McNelly was equipped with a LoPresti Boom Beam and what a difference it made. See the photos for proof!

Airshows, beautiful airplanes and good friends. Maybe next year our wives will join us David.

Vero Beach Airport at Sunset

Beautiful morning to fly ... The morning started with a Turbo Arrow test flight and then a flight in my Cherokee 180C to Sebring Airport for the Light Sport Expo. Curt LoPresti came along for the flight, as he was a featured speaker in a Forum at 2 pm. Beats driving a rental car, right Curt?

Well, since Trudi was at a quilt show in Orlando my internal GPS and autopilot found its way back to the airport to wipe down the leading edges of the Cherokee. Timing is everything and as the sun started to set the clouds created quite an impressive image. Lucky for me, the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 was still in the front seat and out it came. This camera with its Leica lens is a real gem!

Enjoy the sunset and a few other photos from the day.