Additions for 2003 Include Extended Grass Runway, Powered Parachute Area

COPPERSTATE Regional EAA Fly-in officials and Phoenix Regional Airport (PRA) developers are hard at work preparing the dedicated ultralight area for the second event to be held at the field, located 25 miles south of Phoenix. Held October 9-12, the fly-in will provide an extended 1600-foot grass runway for ultralights on the northwest side of the field as well as a new 300-foot by 300-foot grass area for powered parachute operations. In addition, a grassed area will be provided for ultralight parking as well as for vendors in the ultralight area, and the popular hot dog roast will again take place on Friday night.

“We’ve always welcomed ultralights at COPPERSTATE, and we’re pleased to offer even better accommodations for those aircraft and pilots this year,” said Bob Hasson, COPPERSTATE Fly-In Chairman.

“I’m very excited about the changes to ultralight area for this year’s COPPERSTATE event,” said Jennifer Tougas, ultralight operations chair. “Last year, we had 40 ultralights in the area, and we hope to increase that number significantly this year.”

Ultralight Arrival Procedure

Ultralights flying to the event should approach PRA from the west on the north side of the railroad tracks. Just before Anderson Road, they should turn north and enter the ultralight pattern at the northwest corner of the grass area, west of the paved runway. For trikes and fixed-wing ultralights, the pattern altitude is 400 feet AGL. For powered parachutes, it is 200 feet AGL. Ultralight pilots should avoid flying during the air show, scheduled for Friday at 1-3pm, Saturday at 1-4pm, and Sunday at 12-3pm. In addition, pilots should monitor the COPPERSTATE Web site for updated arrival information.

The COPPERSTATE Regional EAA Fly-in is sponsored by the Arizona Council of EAA Chapters, a non-profit organization dedicated to aviation education. The event features an airshow, hands-on workshops and educational forums, kid’s activities, and acres of aircraft on display. Gates are open daily from 8am to 5 pm. Daily admission is $10 per person, $7 for EAA members, and children under 12 Free. Four-day event passes are $25 (a heckuva deal!).

FMI: www.copperstate.org