Meeting Rob Holland in Lakeland This Year

Story and Photos by Kevin Burke

I call myself an aviation fan; if it flies, it interests me. At 57 years old I have been going to air shows since I was a kid. I have been in awe of many military aircraft. The F-117, the F-22 are the ones I remember taking my breath away when I first saw them in person. That is not to say I have any less love for the F-15, F-16, or F-18. I have been to more than my fair share of air shows all over the east coast.

I have also taken note of some civilian performers, and how entertaining they are. I have been fortunate to photograph military aircraft from the back of a KC-135 more than a few times, including photographing the US Navy Blue Angels and the USAF Thunderbirds, unquestionably the two ‘Top Performers’ on the air show circuit.

However, what I consider more meaningful to me was the honor of photographing the great man in that little red biplane; Sean D. Tucker over Boston prior to a Rhode Island show during his last year.

It’s not easy to describe why I felt like a ten year old that was just handed a baseball from the winning pitcher of a World Series game. To me, he was that World Series pitcher and a Rock Star rolled into one. It could be because as great as those military demonstration pilots are, in a few years it will be different people in those crisp uniforms flying those sleek jets so perfectly. With civilian performers, year after year I’ve seen these great men and women take the time to answer questions and pose for photos with anyone and everyone from five years old to ninety-five years old.

Just a few short weeks ago I attended Sun N Fun in Florida, and although I did not see him fly the days I attended, I did have the honor of walking over to Rob Holland at his merchandise tent.

I told him I admire him, I think I said, “I Love what you do”. I mentioned I am from Massachusetts and we talked about an air show at Hampton Beach that never happened. We both agreed it would be a great spot for a show. I handed him my business card, (I have my contact info on front and various photos on the back of cards). The card I gave him was of Sean Tucker over Boston. I said I would love to do that with you someday.

We both shrugged when he mentioned he didn’t have a chase plane for opportunities like this.

I thanked him again, and walked away feeling a little choked up, although I felt like I had a baseball in my hand…

Sadly Rob perished on Thursday April 24 while attempting to land at Langley Air Force Base in Newport News Virginia, where he was scheduled to perform that weekend.