Making 3 Flights in 3 Days at Sun ’n Fun

A pilot shares their experiences with the Carbon Cub UL, Titan Aerobatic Team T-6, and S-211 Marchetti jet at the annual aerospace expo.

Cayla McLeod

Monday, April 07, 2025 at 03:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Cayla McLeod flies with the TITAN Aerobatic Team during Sun 'n Fun. [Courtesy: Cayla McLeod]

Key Takeaways:

The author experienced three distinct flights at Sun 'n Fun: the powerful and fuel-efficient CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL, a long-desired formation aerobatic ride in a T-6 Texan, and an unexpected high-G flight in an S-211 Marchetti jet.
The CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL, powered by a Rotax 916, impressed with its surprising vertical climb capability and exceptional fuel efficiency of 4-5 GPH at 105 mph.
A highlight was fulfilling a decade-long dream of flying formation aerobatics with the TITAN Aerobatic Team in a T-6 Texan, described as a "beautiful, smoky, G-filled dance."
The S-211 Marchetti jet flight with Victory Flight Training provided insights into jet warbird flying, noting its professional operation, responsive controls, and the unique challenge of sustained G-forces during maneuvers.

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If you’re familiar with the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, you’ll know that this isn’t a show where the manufacturers, exhibitors, and/or alphabet organizations tend to roll out their latest and greatest, so this article won’t be focusing on any newsworthy-specific items.

However, what it will be focusing on is three vastly different flight experiences that I had the pleasure of taking part in throughout the week. A story about FLYING, if you will.