Over 320 Aircraft Fly In For Festivities

They came in from as far as New York, Florida and Ohio and many people remarked on the wide mix of rare and unusual aircraft parked along the two closed runways. Powered parachutes, ultralights, prize-winning homebuilts, careful restorations among them a P-51, two SNJs and a YAK were in the mix. Aircraft judging volunteers had their hands full evaluating the dozens of aircraft in six categories.

But that was just the surface of an event The Virginia Aviation Council called the "most successful ever." This year the more compact field layout worked really well. Paved roads allowed vendors, forums, workshops, the pancake breakfast, RV camping and the youth tents to logically flow together. Underground electric service, as well as fresh water hydrants and a grey water tank were welcome parts of the infrastructure. A record number of RV and plane campers were pleased to be so close to all the activity. On a rise adjacent to the main display area 60 Boy Scouts with 25 supervising adults held a weekend Camporee, many working on their aviation merit badges as well as performing volunteer duty.

Scott Huff, Aircraft Registration Chairman, reports, “For the first time we met the pilots as they tied down. The Aircraft Registration volunteers used a golf cart and a cadre of volunteers to welcome the arrivals. Pilots said they appreciated the 'on the spot' service allowing them to register, get fuel and judging prop cards, a “Goody Bag” and have their questions answered immediately upon arrival.” The plan is to expand this service next year.

Two tractor-drawn shuttles serviced five-stop route from the ultralight headquarters to the terminal and Fighter Factory on the far side of the airport. By riding the shuttle attendees could stop at the terminal for an FAA National Capital Region Air Security briefing or continue to tour of the Fighter Factory maintenance hangar, a rare treat.

The RC modelers were pleased to be able to fly their electric RC models all day. Nearby, kids packed the two Youth Tents. Janie Fowler, the Youth Area Chairman said, “Stomp rocket construction and wing rib building were particularly popular. We had probably 150 kids who participated in our activities this year. Next year we hope to expand and have use of the NASA flight simulator.”. A new addition to the kids area were talks by two NASA engineers explaining basics of flight.

The wide range of forum presentations drew many attendees. The VFR Chart Seminar, with 40 attendees broke the all time attendance record for any forum in the history of the fly-in. Afterward, Richard Neher, of the National Aeronautical Charting Office, announced, “Unfortunately, these two VFR and IFR chart seminars will be the last. The FAA has canceled these long standing educational presentations for pilots .” Dee Whittington, Forum Chairman suggests that anyone who has taken one or both of these seminars and are impressed with their value even in the age of GPS should contact Tom.Accardi, Fred.Anderson and Linda.Modestino all at FAA.gov and express their desire to see them continued.

Next year's event is already planned for May 22-23, the weekend before Memorial day at Virginia's Suffolk Executive Airport.

FMI: http://www.doav.virginia.gov/