America's Biggest One-Day Fly-In
The AOPA hosts its 15th Annual Fly-In and Open House Saturday,
inviting both members and the general public to attend what
has become the nation’s largest one-day fly-in event. The
AOPA Commander Countdown Sweepstakes grand prize, a Commander 112A,
will be among hundreds of aircraft on display.
“Since purchasing the Commander in January, it has been
through enormous changes,” said AOPA President Phil Boyer.
“A new glass cockpit, new paint, refurbished interior, a new
engine, and a three-bladed propeller are just a few of the
improvements that the new owner will enjoy.”
The aircraft’s all-glass instrument panel is equipped with
the latest in autopilot and communication equipment, including a
Chelton FlightLogic electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) with
its primary flight display (PFD) and multifunction display (MFD).
The Chelton system uses “highway in the sky” technology
to guide the pilot safely en route. A digital autopilot is included
to help reduce pilot workload. The panel even has a Sirius
satellite radio, a Ryan International 9900BX Traffic Advisory
System, and a JP Instruments EDM-800 engine monitor.
For weather information, Nexrad radar graphics are delivered to
the cockpit via satellite datalink. This system displays METARs and
TAFs for airports along the intended flight route. Cloud tops are
also noted, which helps you decide how high to climb to stay out of
those icy or turbulent clouds. It all provides a level of safety
that’s becoming the standard in advanced general aviation
airplanes.
Just in time for Fly-In, the
Commander will have some brand new touches added to the interior,
including laying color-coordinated fabric over a portion of the
headliner, adding some detail sewing in the door panels, upgrading
the existing carpet, and incorporating new door handles.
The aircraft will be parked on the AOPA ramp, with staff members
on hand to answer questions about the aircraft’s many
modifications and improvements.
Hours, directions, and aircraft arrival procedures
The 15th Annual AOPA Fly-In & Open House starts at 8:30 a.m.
and runs until 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. A wide
selection of beverages, light snacks, and meals will be available
throughout the day from vendors.
The Frederick Municipal Airport is located off of Exit 56 (East
Patrick Street) from Interstate 70. Traveling from Washington, DC,
take Interstate 270 North to I-70 East, then Exit 56. From
Baltimore, MD, take I-70 West to Exit 56. From Loudoun County, VA,
take Route 15 from Leesburg (joins Route 340 from Charles Town,
WV). Take Route 340 to I-70 just outside of Frederick. At the
I-70/I-270 split stay left to continue on I-70 and take Exit 56.
From Harrisburg/Gettysburg, PA, take Route 15 South to I-70 East
and take Exit 56. From Johnstown, PA, and points West, take I-70
East to Exit 56.
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