Organizers Say It Is A "Must Attend" Event For Pilots

The 31st annual Fly-In will take place August 28-29 at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) in Denver, CO, and the event organizers say that the jam-packed weekend of aviation activities makes the Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In (RMRFI) a must-attend summer event for pilots and aviation enthusiasts from across the country.

"The wide range of pilot-related activities at the 2010 event represents Colorado Sport Aviation's continuing dedication to the flying community." says Jim Cimiluca, president of CSA, which hosts the event.

Event volunteers will greet pilots flying in to the RMRFI with the Pilot Stimulus Package, including a FREE pancake breakfast for the first 100 pilots who fly in to the event and register their aircraft, beginning at 0700. While registering, pilots and aircraft owners may enter their aircraft for judging against the other aircraft on display, according to Experimental Aircraft Association standards in five different categories. Winners will receive awards and bragging rights. Aircraft owners interested in selling their aircraft or pilots considering buying will want to check out the new sales display area and take advantage of CSA website listings.

German Tornado

A German Tornado, an aircraft not even seen at the nation's largest air shows, and an MV-22 Osprey will be among the many aircraft on static display. Up to 100 exhibitors, including aviation vendors, aircraft manufacturers, all branches of the military and great food vendors will fill the spacious Metro Airport ramp.  On the main stage, CSA will present Stories from the Ramp throughout the weekend, featuring personal stories and insight from industry professionals.

"Our Flying with Adversity program exemplifies the mission of "Inspiring the Pilots of Tomorrow" better than any," says Cimiluca. "Nearly every pilot has a story of something he or she needed to overcome to achieve the dream of flight. Still there are untold thousands who live with additional hurdles to overcome - physical, financial or other reasons that may add on to the challenge. This year, by teaming up with Dan Buchanan, who has overcome his own challenges, CSA hopes to showcase these efforts with the simple message that a wheelchair and a pilot's seat are not mutually exclusive. The dream of flight is one to be shared." In addition to Dan Buchanan, this year's speakers include members of the Greatest Generation and Viet Nam Veterans, Dr. Joshua Wurman from the Discovery Channel's Storm Chasers, Astronaut Dale Gardner, Wing Walker Ashley Battles, Col. Fitzroy "Buck" Newsome of the Tuskegee Airmen, Andrew McKenna of TIGHAR, Brian Richardson of the Federal Aviation Administration, and Daril Cinquanta of the Rocky Mountain Aviation Center.

A number of authors will also be present to discuss their aviation-themed books and sign autographs, including Gen. Jim Hall, who wrote "Parachuting for Gold in Old Mexico;" Capt. Emily Howell Warner author of "Learning How to Fly an Airplane," and "Weaving the Winds;" Warren "Hutch" Hutchings and George Skytech collaborators on "Defenders of Freedom;" and Flint Whitlock and Terry Barnhart who co-authored "Capt. Jepp and the Little Black Book."

For those interested in learning a new skill, CSA will host informational Forums on topics including Light Sport Flying and Aviation Security, with an emphasis on the flying public and general aviation. CSA is also reintroducing aircraft building workshops into the event this year, as well as providing opportunities for new groups to present workshops. If your organization is interested in presenting a workshop, please contact CSA and get involved now.

Pitts Biplanes

In the air, the event features the Manufacturer's Showcase with new aircraft flight demos and the Colorado Sport International Air Show, with two performances daily and a stunning Twilight Air Show and fireworks display on Saturday night.  Air Show performers include the Viper West F-16, West Coast F-18C and Team Chaos, as well as aerobatic routines by Tim Decker flying a Pitts, Don Nelson flying a Russian Sukhoi, and Gary Rower flying smooth lines in the classic Stearman biplane, as well as a mass formation by the Red Stars, flying Chinese Nanchangs and Soviet Yaks. CSA is also proud to showcase the United States Air Force Academy Glider Team and Dan Buchanan flying a hang glider. Keeping with air show tradition, the festivities will kick off with a unique performance of the national anthem.

To support its mission to inspire future pilots and honor its longtime event announcers Herb Berkman and Terry Langen, CSA is expanding its Berkman/Langen Memorial Fund flight training grants to four in 2010. Anyone eligible for these grants is encouraged to apply immediately. 

• Civil Air Patrol Cadet Flight Training Grant - One $5000 grant.
• RMMA Advanced Rating Grant - One $3000 grant.
• U.S. Military Advanced Rating Grant - One $3000 grant.
• Private Pilot Certification Grant for Aviation Academic Majors - One $3000 grant.

FMI: www.COSportAviation.org