The Spruce Creek Fly-in Community is the world's most famous residential airpark (7fl6.com). It boasts exclusive real estate with access to taxiways, a 4,000ft lighted runway - (GPS Approach), a championship golf course, plenty of space, nature and virtually a one-of-a-kind private and gated community. It can accommodate anything from a Cub to a Gulfstream and more (Even the Goodyear Blimp paid a visit not long ago).

This was originally a Navy airfield during WWII. Today, it houses over 5,000 residents, well over 1300 homes and 700 plus hangars. One of the first things you'll see entering the grounds is a sign that says "Caution Adults at Play". Not open to the public, it's an "Invitation" only type of affair and monitored by around the clock security.

I have been an invited guest for many of the 25 plus years I've lived in the area and while not a resident at this time - do hang out with some of the coolest people on the planet here! The various "Gaggle" flights and trips around to other locations for breakfast happens pretty much every Saturday morning. IF you're an aviation enthusiast, this IS heaven on earth!

Cool too are the guys who refer to themselves as The Mavericks. They are a close knit, family type group of pilots who share their passion for flying. Not just ANY kind of flying but particularly aerobatics.

It involves a group of 4 guys, some ex-military, some retired Airline pilots and one dentist even who all have flown aerobatics for over 35 years. In their 80's now (Jim Calhoun is a kid at 75!), they venture out most Saturday mornings to fly formation in and around the immediate area, keeping their craft sharply honed and yet having the time of their lives.

And what a show it is! I was invited to fly along one day, shooting from the front seat of an Extra 330 LC (flown by a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot I might add - Jeff Rochelle) to capture as much of their aerobatics as possible.

A little background is in order too for these airmen. First, their aircraft's are three RV8's and the lead aircraft is an RV7. The pilots are Jim Weldon (right wing), Bob Gandt (RV7 - Lead), Ron Keilin (left wing) and Jim Calhoun (slot). Their experience is over 220 years of flying. Everything from helicopters (Jim Calhoun) to Air Force bombers (Jim Weldon), US Navy aircraft (Bob Gandt) to civilian aircraft of all sorts (Ron Keilin). Each and every one of them has a list of aircraft he has flown like a Wikipedia of various aircraft produced.

The Mavericks are not in the aerobatics business anymore as they used to attend and participate in airshows all over. Instead of flying at 200 ft. they now fly at 2,000. Retired, they just do it for the love of flying, the friendships, personal challenge and joy of flight. As Bob is quick to point out - "We don't fly like this because it's easy, we do it because it's hard". The passion is shared by all and it shows.

Like Bob said, it's not easy and at this time of their lives it takes extra confidence and physical strength for the maneuvers they perform. It's quite strenuous as I can attest, many G's are experienced, especially with the loops, something you'll get used to they said! It's definitely something for the experienced...and fit. It seems like sometimes wingtips are inches apart - it's demanding and yes, even hazardous flying but they are always striving to perfect their craft.

The fountain of youth is certainly one element we all strive to find at some point in life. These guys know no boundaries, just a passion, and a love of flying! Although time may have taken away their youthful looks, hearing aids and reading glasses are now the norm. What still remains is their zest for life, flying and fellow man. So it is then, that they are especially passionate about performing "missing man" flyovers for fallen comrades because they too know at some point in time we all return to the heavens. For these aging flyboy's, is THE Maverick lifestyle is only way to live!