Curious on the backstory behind the photos? This is the place. You'll find not only write ups on local outings, but also reviews of major events I’ve attended.
2025 Leeward Air Ranch Warbird Round-Up
The latest adventure takes us to Central Florida at the legendary Leeward Air Ranch!
A little over a month ago, I had the privilege of attending the second annual Warbird Round-Up at the Leeward Air Ranch in Central Florida. This invite-only event was particularly exciting for me, as Leeward Air Ranch is a private airport boasting a well-kept 6,247-foot grass runway. There’s just something special about watching warbirds take off and land on the very surfaces they were designed for back around the Second World War.
The excitement was amplified by the fact that, much like Texas, Florida is home to a wealth of warbirds. I was looking forward to seeing some rare aircraft in attendance, and I wasn’t disappointed. Among the rarities that graced the event were the tip-tanked Cavalier Mustang and the slow-flying Convair L-13. While the airplanes were certainly a highlight, what truly made the event memorable were the people. From the organizers to fellow attendees, it was wonderful to reconnect with old friends and make new ones, brought together by our shared passion for aviation.
As you’ll see in the accompanying photos, I was fortunate enough to partake in some air-to-air photoshoots involving some truly special aircraft. A huge thank you to those who put on this incredible event. Enjoy!
February 28 - March 2, 2025 - Leeward Air Ranch (Ocala, Florida)
Makos: Flare For The Dramatic
The Florida Makos of the 93rd Fighter Squadron put on a stunning demo at their home show and flares were not in short supply!
Nestled between Miami and the Florida Keys is the Homestead Air Reserve Base. The former Strategic Air Command base has multiple tenants including the Florida Makos of the 93rd Fighter Squadron. Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the 2023 Wings Over Homestead air show, the first since the COVID pandemic.
This year's headliner was the USAF Thunderbirds demonstration team, but the highlight for me was none other than the home team, as the Makos put on an absolutely incredible fast paced Close Air Support demonstration each day involving four of their F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighters, more affectionately known as the Viper. The demo included a rare sight of flares being dispensed throughout the demo from all four jets and plenty of afterburner!
I will post more from the air show in due time, but for now, enjoy the shots of the 93rd FS!
