Sun n’ Fun Lite

Les Abend

Monday, August 09, 2021 at 03:00 PM ET

Verified

The newer faces of the Blue Angels: Lt. Julius Bratton No. 7 and Lt. Katlin Forster No. 8. Courtesy Les Abend

Key Takeaways:

The National STOL Competition, a refreshing event focused on pilot skill in precision takeoffs and landings, was highlighted as an exciting and spectator-friendly alternative to traditional airshows.
Aviation leaders from AOPA, EAA, and Sun 'n Fun discussed the industry's resilience during the pandemic, noting increased general aviation activity and Sun 'n Fun's financial adaptations to secure its future.
Despite positive aspects, the author expressed significant concern over the event's inadequate adherence to advertised COVID-19 safety protocols, including a lack of social distancing and mask-wearing.

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As a longtime contributor to Flying, I have been blessed with the good fortune of attending many events, including airshows. Having spent a career mostly mastering the art of straight-and-level flight in the stratosphere, I have tremendous admiration for the aviators that perform physics-defying maneuvers at stepladder altitudes. I am awed by the skills involved.

That being said, it was refreshing to observe a new type of event that didn’t involve a smoke-infused outside loop or an eardrum-shattering fly-by. On Friday, December 4, 2020, at the Sun ‘n Fun Holiday Flying Festival and Car Show in Lakeland, Florida, I was introduced to the National STOL Competition. It is an event that only reaffirms what pilots already know: Takeoffs and landings are a spectator sport.