Liam Hawkins, a local pilot, is turning heads with his 1967 Mooney M20F—dubbed the Mooney Anomaly—whose prismatic, mural‑covered design by artist Matt Kress has earned it cult‑like status. “It’s a piece of art that flies,” said Kress. The plane’s striking appearance has caught the attention of SUN ‘n FUN, the second‑largest aerospace expo in America, which has made the Mooney Anomaly its focal point for 2025. The expo runs from April 1–6 at 4075 James C. Ray Dr., Lakeland, FL. Tickets are available here.
“Almost 100 percent of interactions have been overwhelmingly positive,” said Hawkins. “When people see the plane, it makes them happy.” Air traffic controllers at Albert Whitted Airport affectionately refer to the Mooney Anomaly as “Skittles.” Fans even present Hawkins with miniature models of his plane. “It sounds so cheesy. I’ve never been the most charitable guy, but, man, this has melted my heart…because Matt [Kress] put paint on a plane,” he added. The hype is so contagious that Hawkins jokes he signs autographs because the plane can’t. “I’m just a jokey for this horse,” he quipped.
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While Hawkins claims not to be the most charitable guy, he’s leveraging the Mooney Anomaly’s hype at SUN ‘n FUN to support good causes. At his event station, raffle ticket sales will benefit the Women in Aviation International Lakeland Chapter, Lakeland Aero Club, and Friends of Albert Whitted Airport—organizations that support youth, women, and people of color in aviation by providing funds, access, and inspiration. “I’m a dude who can fund his own airplane,” said Hawkins. “Others can’t. I can help out by raising money and handing it over to these organizations.”. “Others can’t. I can help out by raising money and handing it over to these organizations.”
Breathtaking daily airshows at SUN ‘n FUN
SUN ‘n FUN 2025 will attract over 500 exhibitors and 250,000 attendees—it’s “spring break for pilots,” according to state event organizers. The expo’s aircraft areas include vintage, homebuilt, aerobatic, warbird, jet, and light sport categories. While a boon for aviation enthusiasts, SUN ‘n FUN also offers attractions for curious newcomers and families. Attendees can explore STEM and Career Fair activities, a Family Oasis, and world‑famous daily and night airshows featuring breathtaking displays from dozens of military and civilian performers.
According to the SUN ‘n FUN website, “SUN ‘n FUN Fly‑In, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit that markets and supports dozens of year‑round events, including the Aerospace Expo. Proceeds from these events are the primary source of funding for The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), a nationally recognized leader in STEM‑related and aerospace education through its various learning centers, outreach programs, scholarships, and summer camps aimed at engaging, educating, and accelerating the next generation of aerospace professionals.”
Check out SUN ‘n FUN on Instagram.
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