Sat, Apr 05, 2003
The COPPERSTATE Regional EAA Fly-in will be held
on October 9-12 at the event's permanent campus on Phoenix Regional
Airport (A39), located 25 miles south of Phoenix, Ariz. Attendees
from throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries are expected
at COPPERSTATE, the largest EAA fly-in in the Southwest. Last
year's inaugural event at the PRA location had over 7900 attendees,
along with 650 aircraft.
"After our resounding success last year, we're gearing up to
make this year's event even bigger and better," said Bob Hasson,
COPPERSTATE Fly-In Chairman. "The Phoenix Regional Airport is
extending its paved runway to 5200 feet and putting in a new
5200-foot turf runway. The original 1350-foot grass runway will be
available for sport pilots. So, we'll be able to accommodate a lot
of aircraft. In addition, the airport is working with the county to
improve the access roads, and we are in the process of purchasing a
control tower for use at the event using donated funds."
COPPERSTATE features an air show on Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday, with exciting performances by national and regional
aerobatic stars. This year's performers include 2002 U.S. Aerobatic
Champion Kirby Chambliss, along with pilots Lon Arnold, Eric Beard,
Ken Fowler, Rob Harrison, Jon Melby, Jason Stephens, Rhett
Thompson, Tim Weber, and Sonny Weller. For this first time, the
event will feature the comedy act of veteran performer Kent
Pietsch. In addition, the Warbirds are returning to COPPERSTATE and
will perform a fly-by on Saturday and Sunday. Another first will be
Family Day on Sunday, featuring flights by radio-control aircraft
and a Replica Fighter re-enactment. The R-C modelers will also have
'buddy boxes" that enable children and enthusiasts of all ages to
experience flying a radio-control model.
Along with the air show, COPPERSTATE offers a meeting place
where enthusiasts from all aviation-related areas can enjoy a wide
variety of events.
-
For the youngest aviation enthusiasts, Bruce
Schoenberger's award-winning rib-building program allows kids of
ages 8-15 years to build a wooden airplane rib in 90 minutes or
less.
- Free flights in general aviation aircraft are offered for youth
as part of EAA's national Young Eagles program.
- Educational forums and workshops are another popular attraction
at COPPERSTATE. In previous years, forum topics ranged from FAA
certification procedures, NTSB safety reports, and border crossing
procedures to building RV aircraft and converting auto
engines.
- Aircraft builders can learn new building techniques and hone
their skills in fabric covering, woodworking, metalworking,
composites, welding, engine repair, avionics, and more at the many
hands-on workshops.
-
For the aircraft builder looking for aviation
memorabilia or out-of-production parts, vendor booths present a
variety of shopping choices, from books, clothing and collectibles
to tools and aircraft parts.
- The Fly Market offers tens of thousands of dollars worth of
aviation goods for sale on a consignment basis. Instruments,
airplane parts, tools, engines, cases, and even whole aircraft
projects are typically available for purchase.
- Show planes are judged in several categories. Awards for best
homebuilt (wood, composite or other), best ultralight, and people's
choice are among the awards presented at the Saturday night
banquet.
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