Bellanca-Champion Club West Coast Fly-In: June 8-10

The Fly-In Committee of the Bellanca-Champion Club has announced their first 'Gold Country Air Tour' as part of their annual West Coast Fly-In.

Program chair Ozzie Levi has compiled 'an exciting tour of towns and historical sites' around Columbia, CA, site of the Fly-In, June 8 through 10. Briefings for the Air Tour will begin at 3 pm on Friday, June 8. 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.

Another addition to this event is the arrival of two Back-Country Scouts from Bob Hannah of Northwest Back Country Aircraft (shown below in a Tom Gideon photo). These airplanes are optimized for unimproved field operations and feature 31” tundra wheels.

The Fly-in Committee, chaired by Jim Spee, is making arrangements for the eighth running of this extremely popular and successful event. The location is central to all states of the West, and one that has an excellent airport, a fine campground, nearby hotel/motel facilities, and considerable historic interest. The Club notes that, "During the three-day period, our activities will be geared toward a mix of flying, eating, education, and lots of time for socializing. Our aim is maximize the fun and minimize the formalities. We hope to attract lots of interesting airplanes - from Champs to Bellancas to whatever our guests fly in." 

Non-members with an interest in these airplanes and the Club are welcome.

A spaghetti dinner on Friday and a steak dinner/meeting (Saturday evening) are planned, as well as spot landing and flour bombing contests, several presentations and Owner Roundtables during the day Saturday. Advance Registration is strongly encouraged; forms, lodging and other information are on their website.

The Bellanca-Champion Club 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 and their newsletter 'B-C Contact.'

FMI: www.bellancachampionclub.com