Who Else Can Hold A Fly-In In Their Own Back Yard?
The annual Lee Bottom Fly-In is just about a month away, and the
organizers say the event, appropriately called "Wood, Fabric, &
Tailwheels" and featuring such iconic aircraft as the
Staggerwing, Great Lakes, Stearman, Swallow, and Tiger Moth, is
sure to please every enthusiast. Based on our own experience, we
know that they're speaking the truth.
And it's the organizers which make the event unique. Rich and
Ginger Davidson own Lee Bottom Flying Field (64I), which is
certified for public use. They literally put on the event in their
own backyard ... which just happens to be an airport. "Ginger and I
fund the event with some help from sponsors, we run the event, and
we put it on for any and all pilots who want a good old fashioned
fly-in to visit," Rich Davidson told ANN in an e-mail.
"We like to say it's the most nothing you'll ever do. There's no
agenda, no schedules, and no paid performers. If you need flash to
keep you occupied you won't be happy here. At our event, it's all
about the planes and the people and so if you like to observe and
discuss old time aviation at its best, you'll love it here."
Aerial View Of Lee Bottom Airport During The
Fly-In
Rich says putting on and event like this presents some
interesting challenges. "The event has now grown to a size that we
have to charge admission and when something goes wrong, like the
freak week of rain last year, we stand to loose over thirty grand
of our own money," he said.
"Next there is the issue of help. We are in a remote area and
finding volunteers isn't always easy but the ones we get are great.
Today we have over 100 volunteers and they go out of their way,
literally, to be here to help. And finally, when you welcome
thousands of pilots into your back yard, taking care of them can be
a real task. Food, shelter, restroom facilities, parking, etc. for
all these folks keeps everyone busy."
Originally started as an excuse for a few friends to fly with an
attendance of 28 planes, today the annual Wood, Fabric, &
Tailwheels Fly-In routinely attracts over 400 aircraft during the
weekend of the last Saturday of September. But as to the agenda,
it's still pretty low key.
On Friday. people arrive in aircraft to camp and to eat BBQ ribs
and chicken smoked on site. Then they watch and old time movie on
the hangar. On Saturday, planes, planes, and more planes come and
go while people eat breakfast and lunch. Several stick around for
another night of food and movies. If they make it to Sunday
morning, Rich says people relax, eat breakfast and leave.
Lee Bottom Sectional
If that doesn't sound like a bad way to spend a weekend, the Lee
Bottom Fly-In is planned for Friday through Sunday, the 24th-26th
of September at Lee Bottom Flying Field just south of Hanover,
Indiana. Tickets are $15 per person (12 and under free with adult),
which is good for entire weekend, but limited to first 750
sold.
If you choose to fly in, admission is $10 per person (12 and
under free with adult), again good for entire weekend and currently
not limited on number sold. Dinners at the hangars are available
for an additional charge, and reservations are required. There is
information about nearby lodging and camping available on the
event's website.
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.16.24)
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