Annual Redlands Fly-In Brings Wonder of Aviation To Enthusiasts

Saturday was a day of Young Eagles flights, a free EAA-sponsored pancake breakfast, helicopter and airplane rides and demonstrations, remote-controlled aircraft, and miniature model airplanes that attracted hundreds to Redlands Municipal Airport's third annual Spring-Fly In.

It's an event, reported the Redlands Daily Facts, that brings people together to watch planes of all sizes take off and land and to appreciate the marvels of modern aviation.

Said Andreas Blaser, vice president of RC Model Airplane Club Chapter 13, "I have been interested in flying since I was 12 years old growing up in Switzerland. After a hiatus, I began flying again with my children. Three years ago, we were invited to participate in the Fly-In. It's nice to bring people together to fly. It's a great event to get people interested in aviation."

Young Joey Scarcella is an aviation enthusiast, even at the tender age of seven. His dad has been a pilot for about 20 years.

"I like getting to use all of the controls and talking into the headphones," Joey exclaimed.
EAA Chapter 845 member Pete Krok said of his group, "We basically just love airplanes. The EAA is a great avenue for people who love to fly."

They extend the joy of flight to the younger generation through the Young Eagles program, which was also an attraction at Saturday's event. 

"The Fly-In serves as a great way to get youngsters interested in aviation," Krok said.

FMI: www.ci.redlands.ca.us/utilities/airport.htm, www.youngeagles.org