Just two weeks ago, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, the sun was out in full force in Englewood. Buchan Airport Community Park practically sparkled, with chrome bumpers, polished wings, even the grass looked greener.
This wasn’t your typical Fly-In & Classic Car Show. This one had a buzz that set it apart, something folks will be talking about for a long time. If you weren’t there, you’ll want to circle the date next year.
From early morning, the park was alive. Sunlight danced across the runway as the first planes rolled in, engines humming both overhead and on the tarmac.
Picture this: rows of vintage tail draggers beside sleek, modern light-sport aircraft, all sparkling under that famous Gulf Coast sun. Down the taxiway, the Florida West Coast Car Club lined up a stunning parade of classic cars with chrome fenders shining. Families wandered everywhere; kids tugged at their parents, aiming for the snow cone stand, and folks snapped pictures like crazy.
All day long, helicopters lifted off and landed, treating people to breathtaking views of the coastline. “Tommy’s Tunes” blasted music across the park while the aroma of food trucks drifted through the crowd. Pilots swapped stories with curious visitors, kids stared wide-eyed at aerobatic planes, and neighbors caught up over burgers from Libee’s Sports Bar & Grill.
This was the first time the car show joined forces with the Fly-In, and you could feel the excitement. It was pure sunshine, pure fun, and pure Englewood spirit. If you missed it, you missed a good one.
Englewood REVIEW caught up with folks who’ve been to the Fly-In for years.
Jenny and Jim, originally from Massachusetts, were all smiles as they attended the Fly-In with their adorable pup, Poppy.
ER: Are you visiting for the season?
Jenny: We have a place in Englewood, so we come for three months. Love it, absolutely love it.
ER: Great! And is this your first time at the air show?
Jenny: No, we’ve been before. It’s a yearly thing.
ER: So you come every year?
Jenny: Oh yes! I hope to take a helicopter ride, but not sure my better half would.
ER: What do you think, Jim? Want a helicopter ride?
Jim: Sure, I’d do it.
Jenny: Not so sure about the pooch, though. She’s probably not up for it.
One of the standout attractions was the SWAT vehicle. Kids (and honestly, some adults) eagerly explored every corner. Shane Gilleland, a deputy with 19 years on the SWAT team, was there:
ER: What are you showing folks today?
Shane: We’re showing the newer APC, Armored Personnel Carrier, so everyone hears about it and gets to see what it actually does.
ER: The kids seem to love it.
Shane: Oh, absolutely; climbing in and out, sitting in the driver’s seat, checking out the turret. Really, the switches and buttons are the big draw.
But honestly, the moment everyone waited for was pilot Greg Woods. He’s legendary for his skywriting, and this day was no exception. Greg ran through his checklist, fired up the engine, eased onto the runway, and then he was up, trading the pavement for open sky in seconds. The crowd cheered.
Up he went, and from way above, the airport looked like a patchwork quilt of families, cars, food, and music, all coming together for this celebration.
Down on the ground, the scent of burgers from Libee’s drifted through the crowd, while kids pointed up in wonder. Greg finished his dazzling run, landed gracefully, and rejoined the party.
After his show, Englewood REVIEW caught up with Greg. (And yes, he’s every bit as cool in person as he is in the air.)
ER: So Greg, that was amazing up there.
Greg: Thanks Michele. Thank you..
ER: How does that feel when you’re up there?
Greg: For me, another day in the office, but really exhilarated, as it looks. It’s as fun as it looks.
ER: And how long did it take you to really perfect those skills?
Greg: I’ve been doing it almost 30 years.
ER: 30 years, that’s just absolutely phenomenal.
Greg: People ask, “how do you start flying,” and I tell them, “Get your checkbook and go to the airport. That’s a good start.”
ER: I noticed you have business cards so they could come to you and learn. You could pass on your wisdom to everyone.
Greg: I’ve been teaching for nearly 30 years. Flying for a total of over 40, teaching for 30.
ER: And why or how did flying start? I know that’s probably a long story, but…
Greg: I was one of those kids that just looked at airplanes and thought they were the coolest thing ever. That’s all. Simple as that.
ER: At what age did you begin?
Greg: Well, not when I was a little kid. I was mid 20s when I started.
ER: Tell me a little more about the air show.
Greg: The thing has grown, I guess the word is exponentially. I didn’t start it, the Rotary Club used to put it on. They did it for I believe 14 or 15 years. At some point, somebody got tired of doing it. And I can see why because now we, the gang, the Buchan gang, has taken over the organization of it with some of our sponsors, the biggest which is Libee’s Restaurant, and many more sponsors. We couldn’t do this without their support.
Michele: What’s the most rewarding thing about doing this work?
Greg: Absolutely the kids’ faces lighting up. No question. We do it for the community to come out here and have a big old flying party.
ER: It is such a party and everyone I’ve spoken to, they’ve come every year, and they love it so much.
Greg: We hope to keep putting it on.
ER: Is there anything you’d like to share with our readers?
Greg: I would say give me a call. I teach flying but I also give what’s called introductory or discovery rides. So if they’d like to see what it’s like to be upside down and back upright again, they can call me.
ER: Upside down? Wow!
Greg: It’s not for everybody, but I am capable of flying straight if needed.
ER: When you take people up in the air, do you read their signals if they’re getting a little…
Greg: Oh yes! The last thing you want is somebody feeling ill up there. So we just keep a conversation going and if I detect they’ve had enough messing around, we cool it and come down. I want to bring people down smiling.
ER: I love that. Well, congratulations on an amazing event and your thrilling flight demonstration.
Greg: I have the best view in town.
Every bit of that exhilarating afternoon captured what Englewood is all about: history, passion, and community. The skywriting faded, but the memories stuck around, along with the smiles.To contact Greg Woods, call 941.587.2277 or email bleauskie@yahoo.com
