The Short Wing Piper Club Also Has An Information Booth In The Type Club Tent

By Ernest Lee

In the early years of Sun-n-Fun, camping with your plane was in a small area on the east side of the field. Adair Henderson, who was chairman, and Iris Morris flew Piper Tri-Pacers and were in the newly formed Tri-Pacer Owners Club (later known as Short Wing Piper Club).

As the show grew, the campground moved west. It was the "raw dirt", or the Papa taxiway extension project. Adair and Iris acquired an old mobile home so the crew would have a place to get out of the weather. About this time Adair handed off chairmanship to George Klitsch.

The west end of the runway was used as a dump for construction debris, trash, and other unwanted items. The Short Wing Piper crew cleaned it up, determined to give General Aviation Camping (GAC) guests the best service possible.

Somewhere along the way, Sun-n-Fun started calling the trailer the Short Wing Piper Building, and made signs for it. While many of our volunteers are members of the Florida chapter, volunteers come from around the country and Canada to Volunteer. Safety and the well-being of guests is the first priority of these volunteers. Sun-n-Fun also provides shuttle service for General Aviation campers.

After 37 years of serving as chairman, Iris and George have passed the torch to others. Jim Morris, Iris' son, is now GAC chairman, with co-chairman duties being handled by Jean and Lee Houseknect, Mark Winter, Bob, Belgau and David Adams. 

The Short Wing Piper Club also has an information booth in the Type Club Tent, a place where you can post information about buying, selling, and learning about the Florida Chapter, or the International Short Wing Piper Club. Florence "Tyke" Klisch is in charge of the tent, and all members at the information booth assist with GAC.

After 37 years of serving as chairman, Iris and George have passed the torch to others.  Jim Morris is now GAC chairman, with co-chairman duties being handled by Jean and Lee Houseknecht, Mark Winter, Bob Belgau and David Adams.

If you have never been to GAC, or are interested in the facilities. take the BROWN II shuttle to the west end of Juliet Road for a visit. You will be welcomed to the Short Wing Piper building as a guest of Sun-n-Fun, a nice place to visit and relax.

FMI: www.shortwingpiperclub.org