Copperstate Fly-In Scheduled For October 7-10

The Copperstate Air Show and EAA Fly-In has a 32-year legacy in Arizona. This year's event is being held in the rapidly expanding area between Maricopa and Casa Grande. Phoenix Regional Airport is about 7 miles southeast of Maricopa on the Maricopa/Casa Grande road and about 8 miles northwest of Casa Grande. The event features acres of free parking for automobiles and acres of green grass for aircraft parking and camping. The park-like atmosphere and many peripheral activities make this a wonderful family-oriented event. There are no grandstands. Blankets and lawn chairs are ideal accessories for an enjoyable afternoon of viewing the performances.

The Arizona Council of EAA Chapters is the sponsor of the event. This group is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that promotes general aviation and provides educational support for general aviation and the world of custom aircraft building. Proceeds help support scholarship programs for youth seeking careers in the aviation industry. EAA has long been known as the Experimental Aircraft Association, but because the area of custom aircraft building has become so sophisticated and technically advanced, it is now known simply as EAA.

Some of the top national airshow performers will be featured at the Copperstate Air Show. Returning to Copperstate are Tim Weber in the GEICO Extra 300, along with Lon Arnold in his Long EZ, Rob Harrison in his Czech-built Zlin 50, Jon Melby, Ed Hamill and Sonny Weller in their Pitts bi-planes and Jason Stephens in his MDM-1 Fox sailplane. Appearing for the first time at Copperstate are Phoenix Regional Airport are Randy Harris in a Skybolt 300 and Don Nelson in a Sukhoi 26. Along with the Air Show experience, the public is offered the opportunity to view over 500 aircraft. Privately owned manufactured aircraft are common in the viewing area. Restorations of military and antique aircraft offer the public the chance to view flying examples of aircraft which may have been built 40-70 years ago, while marveling at the workmanship and dedication required to bring these aircraft to the event. Custom built aircraft, which have been painstakingly created from kits or plans, predominate the show area.

In a totally separate area the public will be able to view ultralight and sport aircraft, including the very popular powered parachutes. Demonstrations and flying of these aircraft will be continual except during the air show. Vendors and volunteers in this area and throughout the event area are always willing to share information and answer questions. Show planes will be vying for trophies in many categories. Awards are presented at the Saturday night banquet to be held at the Holiday Inn in Casa Grande. A limited number of tickets will be on sale for the Awards Banquet at the event.

Bring the whole family to this marvelous event. There will be special activities for youth, including a hands-on, build a wing rib program. Food and drink are sold on the premises. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the air show area and none are sold on the premises. Because of the proximity to show aircraft, smoking is not allowed, bicycles or other wheeled vehicles are not allowed, and pets are not allowed within the gates. As a volunteer group EAA members take pride in maintaining an exceptionally clean show area. All attendees are expected to use trash receptacles provided. "Loose trash can cause a crash." Cameras and binoculars are welcome. Sunscreen is recommended.

FMI: www.copperstate.org