Who Is Tending the Farm Back Home?

By ANN Correspondent Rose Dorcey

I have never had more fun talking to any group of pilots than I did with the members of the International Flying Farmers at AOPA Expo 2004. Within moments of making our introductions, I felt like I had known Jack and Elsie all my life. That might be due to the sweet story they told me, about how Jack's mother had been bitten by a pig on her right thigh. Several years later, Jack met Elsie, and as they shared stories from down on the farm, Elsie mentioned that a pig had once bitten her. On her right thigh. It was a match made in heaven.

Jack and Elsie Fry (above), turkey farmers from Chow Chilla (CA) endeared themselves to me immediately, and also provided an opportunity to finally learn what the International Flying Farmers are all about. Turns out, they're an active group of pilots that, when they can find someone to tend to the farm duties back home, are doing a whole lot of good in the world of general aviation.

Jack and Elsie introduced me to Sheldon Kongable of Winfield (IA). Sheldon is a past president of the Flying Farmers, and as jovial and lovable as the Fry's. A retired farmer of oats, soybeans, cattle and hogs, Sheldon is also the proud owner of two airplanes, a Cessna 182 and a unique Aeronca. (That's another story). Again, within minutes of meeting, we were like long-lost friends, and it wasn't long and I had myself an invitation to stay at Sheldon's farm, if I promised to come to their International Flying Farmers Fly-In. The event takes place in Bettendorf, Iowa, one week after that other fly-in at Oshkosh.

Kongable (above, seated) explained who the Flying Farmers are. "We love to fly. Many of us are farmers who have strips right on our farms. The Flying Farmers are involved in many programs, such as flight safety, tours, conventions, and legislative representation. We have scholarships for our teen members. Students may receive as much as $2000."

A quick look at their website told me more. The International Flying Farmers were organized in 1945 in Oklahoma, as the National Flying Farmers. The organization grew, and soon chapters were set up in Canada. The group changed its name to International Flying Farmers in 1961. Their objectives are impressive: number one on its list is to "reduce unnecessary regulations for general aviation." Other objectives include the encouragement of close-in landing strips for towns and cities, encouraging conservation of soil and water, insisting that aviation gasoline taxes be used for the development of aviation, and developing public acceptance of light aircraft.

The group has something for everyone. While membership is comprised mainly of farmers, the organization is open to all. Members come from all backgrounds - doctors, secretaries, bank officers and construction managers, young and old alike. The common thread is the love of flying.

The IFF also has a teen program (IFFT) that "allows teens from one area of North America to learn about other areas while living with Flying Farmer families." The formal purpose of the IFFT program, according to the website, is to help construct a desirable program for the teens at the annual international convention; to aid teen members in forming lasting and constructive associations with the members of other regions; and to promote the interest and participation of young people in the areas of agriculture and aviation.

Awards are also available for adult members of the organization. Recurrent training and flight safety are promoted, and certificates are given when members upgrade their licenses. Non-flying members are encouraged to participate in Teledyne Continental Motor's "Landit" program, for people who land a plane for the first time without the assistance (but under the watchful eye) of a flight instructor. These awards, and the presentation of scholarships, are one of the highlights of the annual IFF convention.

The organization is also proud to have in its membership the oldest living pilot, Cole Kugel. Still flying at 102, Kugel, a Longmont, Colorado resident, is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest pilot in the world, a distinction gained back when he was a young lad of 98.

Back to the Flying Farmers booth at the AOPA Expo. Ideas were shared, laughter was heard and friendships were made. This group of pilots is the kind that draws you in with warm smiles and down-home hospitality. Their invitations are sincere; their goals are lofty. They are promoting and supporting the issues that are important to general aviation today. Sounds like the kind of group we should all be a part of.

FMI: www.flyingfarmers.org