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An airplane (and pilot) spotter's paradise

Rare, beautiful aircraft; famous faces found at Sun 'n Fun

Lakeland, Florida, has long been the place to be for pilots celebrating spring, and more recently focused on building aviation's future. Some icons will shake your hand, while others dazzle the crowd with aerial artistry—or simply gleam in the sun, close enough to touch.

We turned AOPA Senior Photographer David Tulis loose to pursue the airplanes and aviation celebrities who caught his expert eye.

A yellow Cessna 152 is featured on the AOPA campus during the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo. Photo by David Tulis. A Cessna 195 is parked among the vintage aircraft. Photo by David Tulis. Volunteer Patrick McNamara of Plymouth Municipal Airport in Massachusetts walks the vintage aircraft flight line during the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo.  Photo by David Tulis. North American P-51 Mustangs and an Electra Junior draw attention in the warbird area. Photo by David Tulis. A Lockheed Model 12A Electra Junior reflects the warbird ramp surroundings. Photo by David Tulis. A couple walk through the static aircraft and exhibit area. Photo by David Tulis. Glasair owner Mel Reister of Alberta, Canada, views Garmin aircraft avionics near a sign announcing show specials during the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo. Photo by David Tulis. The High Flight Mustangs P-51 Demo Team start their engines.  Photo by David Tulis.
AOPA ePublishing staff
AOPA ePublishing Staff editors are experienced pilots, flight instructors, and aircraft owners who have a passion for bringing you the latest news and AOPA announcements.
Topics: Sun 'n Fun

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