The Sun and Fun Aerospace Expo while known for its static and aerobatics displays, has a rich culture and history of aviators who travel across the country with their vintage aircraft. They not only want to share the stories and backgrounds of their unique and well-preserved aircraft but also participate in the aviation community that is felt across the airfield. While most have a history of decades of participation, the newbies also have the same level of energy and welcomed into the community. They are all so very proud of their aircraft and truly demonstrated a passion for these best friends(aircraft) and a commitment to keep them flying for all of us to enjoy. Come along on our journey to meet some of these aviators, hear the passion in their voice about their aircraft and be inspired to engage in this aviation community!

Jim brings his flying journey into focus, starting with the Piper Cub and leveraging it up to War Birds of WW II and modern high-performance aircraft. Jim’s passion for all forms of aviation has been an exciting platform to bring those one-of-a-kind pictures to all of us. And wonder how did he got that perspective? While Jim talks of luck along the way, he clearly has a skillset that makes his luck happen naturally. We discuss his family and faith and how they play a strong foundation for his drive and success. Jim also shares how he is establishing his legacy through his close relationships with his grandchildren and feeding the machine for future generations. Our conversation has a sense of calm, comfort and credibility while Jim paints his story in the sky for all of us to visualize. 

With a humble but self-confident approach, Rear Admiral Ed Allen (ret), takes us on a life journey starting from a grass airfield where his efforts on the flight line would get him general aviation flight time to commanding a naval aircraft carrier group for the United States navy. With 31 years of military service followed by a civilian career, The Rear Admiral shares some of his military experiences in the most high-performance aircraft of the time, commanding teams in the most demanding of situations and how he leveraged his experiences to support the private sector following his military service. He provided leadership during the era of Top Gun and was recognized for his outstanding performance receiving both the “Tail Hooker of the year” and the “John Paul Jones” awards in the same year, an accomplishment few have accomplished. And you will learn a few of his life lessons to lead and live by that will resonate as the foundation for his success, and we will all come away with a greater understanding of his accomplishments. So come join us and hear why Oh Yeah? Watch This! Is a man worth hearing from!

 Visiting with Sherman Gardner owner and operator of “In The Pattern” Aviation, we learn of his journey from the parish to the flightline. We hear about his leap of faith in transitioning from leading a young parish to leading a high-flying flight school and educational facility in Denton Texas. We hear of the life lessons learned in the parish and how he applies them in his development of both the technical and character maturity of his students and team. His focus on team as his real catalyst for success and client services leading to his core mission of making the “flying experience” one to remember for both the student and trainers. Sherman details his process of leadership, chain of command, expectations and flexibility in his organization. As you travel with us through his journey you will come to understand why his team is best in class, why he has fun and how we can all learn from him!

Visiting with Nick Adcock will bring you to realize that we all have a purpose in life and when you can leverage part of it into aviation, that makes it all the better! You will hear a full circle journey of general aviation, training, military and commercial experience while acknowledging his family as the foundation for his success. His honest and humble reflection on his own challenges and how he rallied back with the help of his family to continue his journey with an emphasis on paying it forward in every way possible. Come join us in Nicks journey, I took away several things to help me in my day-to-day approach and I know you will as well. Thank you Nick for sharing your story! 

Seth Lake of the VSL aviation podcast provides us with insight to his background in aviation and how it energized the VSL podcast and beyond. He highlights how the journey started for him and how he has kept it close to home, giving back to those who needed training and inspiration, while a vocal advocate for safety in the skies. You will find his commitment to family, faith, country and his community has given him the platform to live his dream and beyond. Seth is a unique person who has earned his way into his personal and aviation communities respect, and he asks for nothing more than to give back, well done Seth!

Sam Riggs of Coastal Seaplanes meets with the Old Fly Guy to share his journey in general aviation. His story is one of aviation technical expertise and a passion for music that brings a true balance in his pursuit of aviation excellence.