New Low-Altitude Air Tour Added To Events Schedule

The Bellanca-Champion Club tells ANN the group's ninth-annual West Coast Fly-In is fast approaching. The event is scheduled for June 6-8 in Columbia, CA.

The Fly-in Committee, chaired by John Sulley, is making arrangements for the extremely popular and successful event. The location is central to all states of the West, and offers an excellent airport, a fine campground, nearby hotel/motel facilities, and considerable historic interest.

During the three-day period, activities will be geared toward a mix of flying, eating, education, and lots of time for socializing. Representatives say the aim is maximize the fun and minimize the formalities.

Even non-Bellanca-flyers are welcome, the group adds. They hope to attract lots of interesting airplanes -- from Champs to Bellancas, to whatever guests fly in.
Non-members with an interest in Bellanca airplanes and the Club are also welcome.

Several brand new Citabrias, Decathlons and Scouts will be present, courtesy of Danny Smith Aviation LLC, the recently-named American Champion Aircraft dealer for the Southwest. Among these will be Bob Hannah's High Country Scouts with their huge wheels for back-country flying.

Spaghetti dinner on Friday and a steak dinner / meeting Saturday evening are planned, as well as spot landing and flour bombing contests. Several technical presentations and Owner Roundtables, including the popular Walk the Walk airplane review, are scheduled for Saturday. Advance Registration is strongly encouraged; forms, lodging and other information are on the group's website, at the FMI link below.

The Fly-In Committee also announced the second Gold Country Air Tour -- an exciting tour of towns and historical sites around Columbia. A lower-altitude tour has also been added by popular demand.

Briefings for the Air Tour will begin at 3 pm on Friday, June 6. Participants will receive maps and a guide to spotting local historical sites such as Columbia State Historical Park, Sonora, and Angels Camp from the air. The flight will last approximately one hour and will end with the opening Friday night Spaghetti feed at Columbia Airport.

The Bellanca-Champion Club, established in 1984, serves the owners and enthusiasts of the Bellanca Cruisair, Cruisemaster, Viking, Champion, Citabria, Decathlon, Scout, AviaBellanca Skyrocket and derivative lines of aircraft with information, publications, technical assistance.

FMI: www.bellanca-championclub.com