Gallery: 2024 Aviation Week Photo Contest Early Entries
July 31, 2024![Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-AA_0004_YONATAN-ALHANATY.jpg?itok=lMLccR6n)
Air-to-Air: Farewell, Sea King
The German Navy is retiring its Sikorsky SH-3 Sea Kings after 50 years of service, and it painted one especially for the occasion. This photo was taken near Wilhelmshaven, Germany during a photo mission with the Aviation Photo Crew.
![Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-AA_0006_YONATAN-ALHANATY.jpg?itok=rME4NTbX)
Air-to-Air: Alpha Jet Gear Swing
A Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet of the international Top Aces organization performs a gear swing. This photo was taken near Wilhelmshaven, Germany during a photo mission with the Aviation Photo Crew.
![ITA Airways Airbus A220-100](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-CA-0003_STUART-KENNEDY.jpg?itok=xWUpKeSW)
Commercial Aviation: ITA Airways Airbus A220-100
An ITA Airways Airbus A220-100 arrives at London City Airport from Milan Linate.
![C-46 Commando](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-CA-0007_YONATAN-ALHANATY.jpg?itok=E12JVWjh)
Commercial Aviation: C-46 Commando
![Mi-24 Hind](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-DE-0004_THOMAS-BACKUS.jpg?itok=Lj2stwc2)
Defense: Ivan One One
A contractor-operated Mi-24 "Hind" helicopter lands at MCAS Yuma, AZ, during the bi-annual Weapons and Tactics Instructor course.
![F-35 Lightning II](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-DE-0011_MATTHEW-GELESKE.jpg?itok=6sAcy6On)
Defense: F-35 Silhouette at Sun 'n Fun
This F-35 at Lakeland, Florida's Sun 'n' Fun evening airshow was flown by Capt. Melanie "Mach" Kluesner.
![F-16 Falcon](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-DE-0013_promo_MATTHEW-GELESKE.jpg?itok=CKgkgaT_)
Defense: Thunderbird Through The Moon
A U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 performs at Florida's Sun 'n Fun Airshow. This Moon shot occurred at just the right moment when Thunderbird 5 split off from the delta formation.
![National Airlines Cargo 747-400](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-GA_0017_MICHAEL-GONZALES.jpg?itok=YGdSpMV-)
General Aviation: National Airlines Cargo 747-400
A National Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400F departs Los Angeles International Airport.
![American Champion Super Decathlon](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-GA-0006_CAROLYN-HINTON-HUTCHINS.jpg?itok=1D05IO-E)
General Aviation: Ribbon Cutting
Greg Koontz delights the crowd on the opening day of Sun 'n Fun 2024 by cutting a ribbon while flying his American Champion Super Decathlon upside down.
![De Havilland Chipmunk](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-GA-0007_CAROLYN-HINTON-HUTCHINS.jpg?itok=Xvr_-PjW)
General Aviation: Fireworks
Nathan Hammond of Ghostwriter Airshows flies his de Havilland-Canada Super Chipmunk and shoots off fireworks at Sun 'n Fun 2024 in Lakeland, Florida.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-GA-0008_CAROLYN-HINTON-HUTCHINS.jpg?itok=0-oV9vlF)
General Aviation: Inspiration at Sunset
Children sit above the crowd for a view of the sunset flights near Paradise City at Sun 'n Fun 2024.
![T-6 Texan](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-GA-0009_MICHAEL-FETTIG.jpg?itok=pkf7ZVbT)
General Aviation: Warbird Enjoying The Show
A 41-sec. exposure from Sun 'n Fun 2024. A warbird enjoys the nighttime airshow finale.
![Lockheed Constellation](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-GA-0015_MICHAEL-FETTIG.jpg?itok=QUKAMN5Y)
General Aviation: Connie
A Lockheed Constellation soars proudly past the crowd at Sun 'n Fun 2024.
![North American P-51 Mustang](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-PI-0002_CHUCK-EDWARDS.jpg?itok=vUG_P-gC)
Photo Illustration: P-51 Front and Center for 50th Anniversary
This North American P-51 was the star attraction of Sun 'n' Fun 2024's Night Airshow and fireworks display, which included a drone aerobatic show and laser lights. It was the show's golden anniversary.
![F-16 Falcon](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-PI-0003_CHUCK-EDWARDS.jpg?itok=UMO-4cun)
Photo Illustration: F-16 Displays Arms
An armed F-16 displays its hardware as it passes the tower at Sun 'n Fun 2024.
![X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle](/sites/default/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2024-07/PC-EARLYENTRIES-SP-0002_TRACE-TOMME.jpg?itok=uindLkAQ)
Space: X-37 Launch
The launch of the Boeing X-37 by a Falcon Heavy as seen from Parris Island, South Carolina. The second-stage ignition, as well as the first-stage boosters being relit, are visible.
Aviation Week's 2024 Photo Challenge is off to a sunny start.
The challenge is out to the world's photographers to submit their best aviation and aerospace work. Enter today.
Contestants can submit their work under any of six categories: Air-to-Air, Commercial Aviation, Defense, General Aviation, Photo Illustration and Space.