01.29.26

📷 Aviation Photo Crew

BUY ONLINE AND SAVE $$ WITH EARLY BIRD PRICING!

📷 Carolyn Hinton

NATHAN HAMMOND RETURNS TO FLY AT SUN 'N FUN 2026

Nathan has been flying in our daytime and nighttime air shows for years, and we’re thrilled to have him back once again for SUN ’n FUN 2026! He’s not only a fan favorite but also one of our poster pilots, inspiring countless aviation enthusiasts with his skill, passion, and sky-high energy.

Nathan recently stopped by for a visit — check out the video below to catch up with him and see what he’s been up to!

👇 About Nathan:

Nathan hails from Rhinebeck, New York, where his fascination with aviation and career path in aerospace were ignited by the aircraft and airshows of Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. At just 16, he soloed his first plane, and by 17, he had obtained his pilot’s license. With over 8,000 flight hours under his belt, Nathan has piloted everything from 1917 Curtiss Jennys to Cessna Citations.

His journey with airshows began in 1998 when he started flying the DeHavilland Chipmunk—now known as the GhostWriter—swiftly mastering the art of skywriting and airshow performances. Today, Nathan commands the GhostWriter in both daytime and nighttime airshows across North America, continuing to leave his mark—literally—in the skies.

In addition to his Commercial Pilot rating, Nathan also holds an Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic certification.

Thank you Nathan - GHOSTWRITER AIRSHOWS for being amazing and your continued support at SUN 'n FUN!

📷 Carolyn Hinton

This year is better than ever at Paradise City, also known as the Light Plane area! From Ultralights to Light Planes, STOL aircraft, and drones that light up the night sky, there’s always something happening here. Spend the day exploring over 68 exhibitors, aircraft static displays, exhibits, demonstration flights, and other flying activities — all within view of the 8/26 grass strip, where aircraft operations take place almost all day on the south side of the event site.

VIEW MAP LARGER

PARADISE CITY EXHIBITORS

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN!

Join us Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings for the Sunset Aerial Circus, an unforgettable twilight experience featuring the SUN ’n FUN STOL Invitational sponsored by TL Sport, an awe-inspiring drone show, and ultralights lighting up the sky.

Each evening begins at 7:00 PM with the STOL Invitational sponsored by TL Sport, followed by a lineup of thrilling aerial performances you won’t want to miss!

Highlights Include:

• Red Bull Air Force & the Silver Bullet – Catch this jaw-dropping act on Thursday and Friday only, as Luke Aikins dives the Silver Bullet while wingsuiters equipped with pyro soar alongside at twilight.
• Airythmia Paramotor Team – Watch their graceful and illuminated flight dance across the dusk sky.
• Parachute Demonstrations –
• Tuesday: Chuters Parachute Team
• Thursday: (TBD)
• Friday: Patriot Parachute Team
• A spectacular drone light show that will leave your jaw dropping!

Don’t miss these dazzling aerial displays as the sky transforms into a canvas of light, color, and adrenaline!

📷 Jon Devore

📷 Joe Caccioppo

📷 Michael Brown

STOL Invitational sponsored by:

FORUMS

Attend a forum on a specific Light Plane topic — CLICK HERE for the full list of forums available. From Mosaic aviation, to building an experimental aircraft, to gyro flying, there’s a forum for every aviation enthusiast.

FOOD & AMENITIES

Feeling hungry? Head over to the Sandbar right in Paradise City, where you’ll find a variety of food vendors to refuel during your visit.

• Croyden Foods has a variety of grub options like: chicken tenders, tenderloin, burgers, fries, sausage, Philly cheesesteak, corn dogs, brats, soda, lemonade, bottled water, cherry limeade
• Kani and Mani serving Boba Tea and Smoothies
• Brick and Ember Pizza
• Beer and Wine Tent

In the hills of southern Kentucky, Freedom Flight Academy is transforming lives through the power of flight. Founded by disabled veteran Brennan Morgan, the nonprofit uses powered paragliding (PPG) to help veterans and civilians find healing, purpose, and community. After a motorcycle accident ended his military aviation career, Brennan rediscovered freedom in the skies and now shares that experience through immersive, veteran-led training programs near Rough River Lake. Each civilian student helps fund a veteran’s full scholarship, covering gear, lodging, and instruction. The academy also hosts the annual Fly-In at the Falls (August 2–9, 2026), a weeklong celebration of flight, friendship, and the stunning Kentucky landscape.

Learn more or support veteran scholarships at FreedomFlightAcademy.org, or visit them at SUN ‘n FUN 2026 – Paradise City Booth LP-33B.

DAYTIME

📸 Dan Faenza

TWILIGHT

📸 Tim Card

NIGHTTIME

📸 Mike Brown

Daily Air Show Sponsored by:

Twilight Night Air Show sponsored by:

Night Illumination Sponsored by:

Join us Saturday, February 21st, at Plant City Airport for the 14th Annual Planes, Trains & Automobiles, a family-friendly showcase of aviation and transportation! Explore classic aircraft, cars, and trains up close, meet pilots and industry pros, and enjoy interactive STEM experiences that inspire all ages. Proceeds support local flight training and aviation scholarships. Parking is free, with VIP parking available online only for the closest access and no waiting in line. Advance tickets just $7.50 ($12.50 at the gate) and kids 10 and under are free! Learn more and get your tickets at www.planestrainsautospc.org.

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