Sun ‘n Fun 2026 – MidwestFlyer.com

Sun n Fun is a milestone every year, a milestone that has many meanings to pilots among us. It is a renewal of our aviation relationships; hand shakes and hugs from people we may not have seen since a trip to Oshkosh. A reminder for snowbirds that it is time to head North. Whatever the personal significance we all gather together at the first major airshow of the year to celebrate our love of aviation.

I arrived at Sun n Fun in style this year, in the Wipaire AT802 Fire Boss. As many cameras were pointed at me and the wonderful aircraft I was privileged to fly in, I was consumed by the sight of the NASA Supper Guppy. This aircraft, instrumental in first sending people to the moon, sitting in front of me and still serving the space program as it has for decades.

Sun n Fun hosted amazing performers from skydivers, multiple fighter demonstrators to the Air Force Thunderbirds who remind all of us of the hard work and dedication it takes as we all journey to master our craft.

The nostalgic feeling brought on by the Super Guppy resonated throughout the week, of all the amazing aircraft on display I need to highlight three more.

From the cockpit of an amphibious Boss 182 I watched the AN-2 arrive. I could have possibly flown a circuit in the pattern in the time I wanted as it turned final and landed. What an amazing sight to see this large aircraft with amazing slow flight characteristics arrive at the show.

I could hear the theme song from The Right Stuff in my mind as I watched the F-104 arrive. Another reminder of technological advancements in the 1950s and the pilots who set speed and altitude records ultimately propelling us into space.

From the Golden Age of Aviation was another technological marvel, a Flying Lockheed Constellation. Lewis Air Legends’ Constellation graced the skies of Lakeland multiple days. This polished silver airliner, originally developed for TWA, was the first pressurized aircraft in widespread passenger service ushering in an age of travel that we enjoy today.

I left the Lakeland Sun n Fun grounds in an amphibious Cessna Caravan. My taxi out brought me past the F-35s, the Thunderbird’s F-16s and finally I passed the Super Guppy as I made my way toward runway 10. A week filled with amazing people and airplanes.

Steve Guetter

Board Member & Field Director Seaplane Pilots Association – Steve Guetter is a 3,000-hour Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor with single and multi-engine land ratings, as well as a single-engine seaplane rating. Passionate about seaplane flyid the Fire Boss AT802.ng, Steve has served on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association and the Seaplane Pilots Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science Degree in Business Administration. His career in aerospace began as an engineer which led him to multiple roles in operations and business leadership. Steve is currently in his dream role as the General Manager of Wipaire’s Advanced Flight Training and Leasing (AFT&L) Division. AFT&L specializes in training, focusing on the amphibious Cessna 208 and the Fire Boss AT802. Steve is a Lifetime Member of the Seaplane Pilots Association, which is dedicated to seaplane safety, and expanding the seaplane pilot population. He and his wife own a Beech J35 Bonanza which they fly throughout the country for personal travel.

Sun ’n Fun 2026 Through the Lens of Photographer Chris Bildilli

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