The Copperstate Fly-In Continues To Grow In A New Location

The Copperstate Fly-in is one of the great aviation events in the Southwest, and EAA has furnished an update on how things went at their new location. Overall, it’s fair to say that the event has settled-in well at Falcon Field.

The 44th annual Copperstate Fly-In Aviation and Education Expo, dubbed the “Southwest’s Premier Aviation event,” was held for the first time at historic Falcon Field, in Mesa, AZ, on October 28 and 29, and it took place at an airport that has a fascinating history.

Before the United States entered World War II, Falcon Field held the distinction of being one of the three Thunderbird Fields (Thunderbird III) that trained American and foreign pilots from over 25 Allied nations. One in particular, the British, requested a name change for their training base to be titled after one of their birds of prey. Changed to Falcon Field in the summer of 1941, British pilots began flying PT-17 Stearmans and North American AT-6 advanced trainers from the single runway carved out of the Arizona desert.

“The City of Mesa has done an outstanding job welcoming and promoting our event,” said Stephen Bass, Copperstate Fly-In president. “With expanded grounds that afford aircraft and RV camping along with spectator parking we have a lot more room to showcase vendors, forums, and seminars along with showplane parking.”

During the two-day event, which saw clear blue skies and record high temperatures (more than 100 degrees), aircraft of all shapes and horsepower descended on Falcon Field. An estimated 200 participating aircraft were put on display. For those wanting to escape the warm afternoon sun, a large exhibit hangar housed dozens of vendors, manufactures, and three EAA Chapters; EAA Chapters 228, 538, and 1217 shared booth space while welcoming old friends and signing up new members.

Outside the exhibit hangar, fly-in guests had the opportunity to step back in time and fly in a New Standard biplane, a C-47 operated by the Arizona Commemorative Air Force (CAF), or a Bell AH1 Cobra attack helicopter.

Hands-on workshops teaching both composites and sheet metal were also offered to those interested in learning new skills and getting a small dose of what it takes to be a Copperstate award winner.

Numerous awards were given to attendees at the Fly-in, and you can find a list of the winners at the link provided below.

(Image from file)

FMI: https://www.copperstate.org/