“Spring Break for Pilots” the caption read as I placed a new T-shirt in my shopping bag. I was thinking how appropriate for us pilots looking to get away from the cold winter.

This year’s Sun ‘n Fun held in Lakeland Florida proved to be an interesting trip since my last visit here three years ago. The weather was warm, and the winds were breezy yet there were many flight demos taking place in the ultralight and LSA category aircraft not to mention some airshow aerobatics. If you haven’t visited before, I would suggest planning a two-day visit as a minimum as there are plenty of aircraft to view and workshops one can attend. There is no shortage of vendors to appease your search for new and unique products to fulfill your piloting needs.

An example of a new variation of an already innovative product was the Mosquito XET ultralight helicopter originally developed locally here in Calgary. This helicopter came equipped with a Solar T62-2A1 turbine engine. What started as an open frame aircraft has now evolved into a powerful, reliable personal helicopter. The Mosquito XET boasts a 100+ mph max speed, a range of 160 miles and a meager 8.5 gph of Jet A fuel. Not bad when you‟re talking turbine! While in the Lakeland area, I had to stop by and visit the Fantasy of Flight Museum. Just a short drive away, located near Polk City, the museum boasts 40 rare and vintage aircraft with most of them in flying condition.

I have a thing for flying boats, so I immediately had to go and take a detailed look at the 1944 Short Sunderland M.V flying boat. It‟s equipped with four Pratt and Whitney R-1830 radial engines rated at 1200 HP each. By the way, that translated into an average of 98 gph per engine. It was an awesome machine to see up close.

The agony of it all! So many airplanes and not enough time, like so many other worthwhile pursuits. For those of you who haven’t yet or are thinking about it, I highly recommend a winter‟s blues break by visiting Sun n Fun. The good news…. we are getting into airshow season as well as warmer weather. I can hardly wait to remove the doors from airplane and enjoy the warm breeze! Blue skies!!!