Ready For Takeoff

The Northwest Regional Northwest Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-In starts Wednesday with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for the public. The FAA's very own DC-3 is scheduled to be on display, and volunteers, food, parking and everything else is ready to go.

The Arlington EAA Fly-in is the premier sport aviation event of the west. More than 1,600 aircraft and 60,000 guests participate in the week long festival of aerial demonstrations, hands-on workshops, educational forums, aircraft judging and many other aviation-oriented activities.

The 2005 NOTAM is posted, and campers can pre-register on the www.nweaa.org website. Those arriving by air can camp under their wings for free, although there is a fee for using the campground. Also this year, tickets to the 37th annual event can be purchased online.

ANN had already reported that the Flying Heritage Collection, featuring rare World War I and World War II planes acquired by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen and restored to flying condition, will display a portion of its aircraft at the Arlington (WA) 2005 EAA Fly-In on July 6th -10th.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, aviation enthusiasts will gain unprecedented access to the entire collection. Normally, only small groups are allowed to visit by appointment, and with a $20 fee. At the fly-in, for no additional cost, tour buses will be leaving every half hour from 1100 to 1430 to carry aviation enthusiasts to the museum.

"This is the first time that this collection has ever been on display like this," said Barbara Tolbert, Northwest EAA Executive Director.

A few showers in the forecast won't dampen the enthusiasm of the volunteers or attendees either. It's Washington!

And yes... ANN will be there to report on the NW EAA Fly-In as it happens. Don't miss it!

FMI: www.nweaa.org, www.flyingheritage.com