Over 320 Aircraft Fly In For Festivities
They came in from as far as New York, Florida and Ohio and many
people remarked on the wide mix of rare and unusual aircraft parked
along the two closed runways. Powered parachutes, ultralights,
prize-winning homebuilts, careful restorations among them a P-51,
two SNJs and a YAK were in the mix. Aircraft judging volunteers had
their hands full evaluating the dozens of aircraft in six
categories.
But that was just the surface of an event The Virginia Aviation
Council called the "most successful ever." This year the more
compact field layout worked really well. Paved roads allowed
vendors, forums, workshops, the pancake breakfast, RV camping and
the youth tents to logically flow together. Underground electric
service, as well as fresh water hydrants and a grey water tank were
welcome parts of the infrastructure. A record number of RV and
plane campers were pleased to be so close to all the activity. On a
rise adjacent to the main display area 60 Boy Scouts with 25
supervising adults held a weekend Camporee, many working on their
aviation merit badges as well as performing volunteer duty.
Scott Huff, Aircraft Registration Chairman, reports, “For
the first time we met the pilots as they tied down. The Aircraft
Registration volunteers used a golf cart and a cadre of volunteers
to welcome the arrivals. Pilots said they appreciated the 'on the
spot' service allowing them to register, get fuel and judging prop
cards, a “Goody Bag” and have their questions answered
immediately upon arrival.” The plan is to expand this service
next year.
Two tractor-drawn shuttles serviced five-stop route from the
ultralight headquarters to the terminal and Fighter Factory on the
far side of the airport. By riding the shuttle attendees could stop
at the terminal for an FAA National Capital Region Air Security
briefing or continue to tour of the Fighter Factory maintenance
hangar, a rare treat.
The RC modelers were pleased to be able to fly their electric RC
models all day. Nearby, kids packed the two Youth Tents. Janie
Fowler, the Youth Area Chairman said, “Stomp rocket
construction and wing rib building were particularly popular. We
had probably 150 kids who participated in our activities this year.
Next year we hope to expand and have use of the NASA flight
simulator.”. A new addition to the kids area were talks by
two NASA engineers explaining basics of flight.
The wide range of forum presentations drew many attendees. The
VFR Chart Seminar, with 40 attendees broke the all time attendance
record for any forum in the history of the fly-in. Afterward,
Richard Neher, of the National Aeronautical Charting Office,
announced, “Unfortunately, these two VFR and IFR chart
seminars will be the last. The FAA has canceled these long standing
educational presentations for pilots .” Dee Whittington,
Forum Chairman suggests that anyone who has taken one or both of
these seminars and are impressed with their value even in the age
of GPS should contact Tom.Accardi, Fred.Anderson and
Linda.Modestino all at FAA.gov and express their desire to see them
continued.
Next year's event is already planned for May 22-23, the weekend
before Memorial day at Virginia's Suffolk Executive Airport.