The COPPERSTATE Regional EAA Fly-in will be held on October 9-12 at the event's permanent campus on Phoenix Regional Airport (A39), located 25 miles south of Phoenix, Ariz. Attendees from throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries are expected at COPPERSTATE, the largest EAA fly-in in the Southwest. Last year's inaugural event at the PRA location had over 7900 attendees, along with 650 aircraft.

"After our resounding success last year, we're gearing up to make this year's event even bigger and better," said Bob Hasson, COPPERSTATE Fly-In Chairman. "The Phoenix Regional Airport is extending its paved runway to 5200 feet and putting in a new 5200-foot turf runway. The original 1350-foot grass runway will be available for sport pilots. So, we'll be able to accommodate a lot of aircraft. In addition, the airport is working with the county to improve the access roads, and we are in the process of purchasing a control tower for use at the event using donated funds."

COPPERSTATE features an air show on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with exciting performances by national and regional aerobatic stars. This year's performers include 2002 U.S. Aerobatic Champion Kirby Chambliss, along with pilots Lon Arnold, Eric Beard, Ken Fowler, Rob Harrison, Jon Melby, Jason Stephens, Rhett Thompson, Tim Weber, and Sonny Weller. For this first time, the event will feature the comedy act of veteran performer Kent Pietsch. In addition, the Warbirds are returning to COPPERSTATE and will perform a fly-by on Saturday and Sunday. Another first will be Family Day on Sunday, featuring flights by radio-control aircraft and a Replica Fighter re-enactment. The R-C modelers will also have 'buddy boxes" that enable children and enthusiasts of all ages to experience flying a radio-control model.

Along with the air show, COPPERSTATE offers a meeting place where enthusiasts from all aviation-related areas can enjoy a wide variety of events.

• For the youngest aviation enthusiasts, Bruce Schoenberger's award-winning rib-building program allows kids of ages 8-15 years to build a wooden airplane rib in 90 minutes or less.
• Free flights in general aviation aircraft are offered for youth as part of EAA's national Young Eagles program.
• Educational forums and workshops are another popular attraction at COPPERSTATE. In previous years, forum topics ranged from FAA certification procedures, NTSB safety reports, and border crossing procedures to building RV aircraft and converting auto engines.
• Aircraft builders can learn new building techniques and hone their skills in fabric covering, woodworking, metalworking, composites, welding, engine repair, avionics, and more at the many hands-on workshops.
• For the aircraft builder looking for aviation memorabilia or out-of-production parts, vendor booths present a variety of shopping choices, from books, clothing and collectibles to tools and aircraft parts.
• The Fly Market offers tens of thousands of dollars worth of aviation goods for sale on a consignment basis. Instruments, airplane parts, tools, engines, cases, and even whole aircraft projects are typically available for purchase.
• Show planes are judged in several categories. Awards for best homebuilt (wood, composite or other), best ultralight, and people's choice are among the awards presented at the Saturday night banquet.

FMI: www.copperstate.org, www.phoenixregionalairport.com