Who Is Tending the Farm Back Home?
By ANN Correspondent Rose Dorcey
I have never had more fun talking to any group of pilots than I
did with the members of the International Flying Farmers at AOPA
Expo 2004. Within moments of making our introductions, I felt like
I had known Jack and Elsie all my life. That might be due to the
sweet story they told me, about how Jack's mother had been bitten
by a pig on her right thigh. Several years later, Jack met Elsie,
and as they shared stories from down on the farm, Elsie mentioned
that a pig had once bitten her. On her right thigh. It was a match
made in heaven.
Jack and Elsie Fry (above), turkey farmers from Chow Chilla (CA)
endeared themselves to me immediately, and also provided an
opportunity to finally learn what the International Flying Farmers
are all about. Turns out, they're an active group of pilots that,
when they can find someone to tend to the farm duties back home,
are doing a whole lot of good in the world of general aviation.
Jack and Elsie introduced me to Sheldon Kongable of Winfield
(IA). Sheldon is a past president of the Flying Farmers, and as
jovial and lovable as the Fry's. A retired farmer of oats,
soybeans, cattle and hogs, Sheldon is also the proud owner of two
airplanes, a Cessna 182 and a unique Aeronca. (That's another
story). Again, within minutes of meeting, we were like long-lost
friends, and it wasn't long and I had myself an invitation to stay
at Sheldon's farm, if I promised to come to their International
Flying Farmers Fly-In. The event takes place in Bettendorf, Iowa,
one week after that other fly-in at Oshkosh.
Kongable (above, seated) explained who the Flying Farmers are.
"We love to fly. Many of us are farmers who have strips right on
our farms. The Flying Farmers are involved in many programs, such
as flight safety, tours, conventions, and legislative
representation. We have scholarships for our teen members. Students
may receive as much as $2000."
A quick look at their website told me more. The International
Flying Farmers were organized in 1945 in Oklahoma, as the National
Flying Farmers. The organization grew, and soon chapters were set
up in Canada. The group changed its name to International Flying
Farmers in 1961. Their objectives are impressive: number one on its
list is to "reduce unnecessary regulations for general aviation."
Other objectives include the encouragement of close-in landing
strips for towns and cities, encouraging conservation of soil and
water, insisting that aviation gasoline taxes be used for the
development of aviation, and developing public acceptance of light
aircraft.
The group has something for everyone. While membership is
comprised mainly of farmers, the organization is open to all.
Members come from all backgrounds - doctors, secretaries, bank
officers and construction managers, young and old alike. The common
thread is the love of flying.
The IFF also has a teen program (IFFT) that "allows teens from
one area of North America to learn about other areas while living
with Flying Farmer families." The formal purpose of the IFFT
program, according to the website, is to help construct a desirable
program for the teens at the annual international convention; to
aid teen members in forming lasting and constructive associations
with the members of other regions; and to promote the interest and
participation of young people in the areas of agriculture and
aviation.
Awards are also available for adult members of the organization.
Recurrent training and flight safety are promoted, and certificates
are given when members upgrade their licenses. Non-flying members
are encouraged to participate in Teledyne Continental Motor's
"Landit" program, for people who land a plane for the first time
without the assistance (but under the watchful eye) of a flight
instructor. These awards, and the presentation of scholarships, are
one of the highlights of the annual IFF convention.
The organization is also proud to have in its membership the
oldest living pilot, Cole Kugel. Still flying at 102, Kugel, a
Longmont, Colorado resident, is listed in the Guinness Book of
World Records as the oldest pilot in the world, a distinction
gained back when he was a young lad of 98.
Back to the Flying Farmers booth at the AOPA Expo. Ideas were
shared, laughter was heard and friendships were made. This group of
pilots is the kind that draws you in with warm smiles and down-home
hospitality. Their invitations are sincere; their goals are lofty.
They are promoting and supporting the issues that are important to
general aviation today. Sounds like the kind of group we should all
be a part of.