Event Opened Thursday At Casa Grande Municipal Airport In AZ

The 42nd annual Copperstate Fly-In & Aviation Expo is under way, running through Saturday, October 25, at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport in Casa Grande, Arizona. Hundreds of aircraft, including homebuilts, warbirds, antique and vintage, ultralight/light sport aircraft, and production aircraft are expected to attend, according to RaeAnn Slaybaugh, director of news media.

This year’s theme, “Keeping the Dream Alive,” is reflected in efforts to attract youths to the event. Admission is free for those 18 years and under. General admission is $15 on Friday and Saturday. Gates are open daily from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.
 
Education takes center stage this year, as representatives from several flight schools will conduct forums and provide information for young people interested in learning how to become pilots or airplane mechanics. Also scheduled is the United States Air Force’s Rapid Strike interactive motion simulator offering visitors a virtual experience of various Air Force missions.
 
A first for this year is a classic car show with some of the featured vehicles paired with aircraft of the same model year on display.
 
Organizers are hoping for a repeat of last year’s 500-plus aircraft and 6,100 attendees from 12 countries and 37 U.S. states. The weekend weather forecast appears favorable with sunshine, high temperatures in the low 90s with light winds.

(Image provided by Copperstate Fly-In. A line of Yaks set to takeoff at Copperstate 2013)

FMI: www.copperstate.org/csj/