Engine Manufacturers Debut, Thousands Thrill To Chambliss

Think back to the last time you attended Oshkosh. Great show. Lotsa people. Did you ever find it hard to get a word in edgewise with your vendor of choice or find a place to watch the daily airshows? Well, that wasn't a problem at all in Casa Grande (AZ) over the weekend.

Don't misunderstand: the Copperstate EAA Fly-In was a great comeback from just one year ago. More than twice the number of planes flew in. The exhibit area, where warbirds and experimentals sat side-by-side, was tripled in size compared to last year. More than 130 vendors packed the exhibition tent.

But you could perch almost on the flightline to see Kirby Chambliss, the Air Force Reserve's aerobatic aircraft and warbirds flying up and down the "box." The vendors were always available to talk, yet unintrusive. The static displays were as open to visitors as the Arizona desert.

Not far from the runway, ultralights of all types buzzed through the clear desert sky. People dozed in the only shade they could find outside a tent -- under the wings of their aircraft. Tents were set up between wingtips. It was, as billed, the friendliest fly-in we've ever seen.

About 20,000 people were expected over the four-day event, which ended Sunday. A B-17G owned by the Arizona Wing of the CAF (based at Falcon Field in Mesa) offered rides to anyone who wanted to cough up the $395 per person fee.

There were no takers, but the Flying Fortress looked magnificent, its polished metal finish sparkling in the brilliant sunshine. Feet away, the P-51 Ho Hun! also glinted in the sunshine. Alone, not far away, sat a C-47 "Gooney Bird," configured for Puff The Magic Dragon missions over Vietnam. The aircraft were in meticulous condition and crew members were more than willing to field questions.

And the people were friendly. Not desperately, I-wanna-sell-you-something friendly, but amiable enough to make you feel at home. Fly-In Director Bob Hasson and his wife were gracious and easy to approach. Everyone involved took a moment to say hello. Static display operators were chatty and informative.

It wasn't the world's biggest air show by any means. It was just right. We're looking forward to next year as well.

FMI: www.copperstate.org