Jeffco Airport Fly-In: 100 Years of Powered Flight

The Jefferson County (CO) Airport is hosting the 2003 Open House and JAA Fly-In on Saturday, September 6, from 9 to 4. The theme, 'Celebrating 100 Years of Powered Flight,' marks the centennial of the first powered flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903. The Colorado Aviation Historical Society and Wings Over the Rockies Museum are co-hosting this year's event. This is the Airport's third open house in approximately six years.

The event will include various static aircraft displays, fly-in aircraft, a 'Patriots and Heroes' Pavilion, aviation and community exhibits, search and rescue aircraft, helicopter rides (for a fee), airport emergency response and snow removal vehicles, and food and beverage stands.

There will be activities and displays for the whole family. Admission and parking are free. (Donations will be accepted at the gate to benefit the Colorado Aviation Historical Society and Wings Over the Rockies Museum.)

Appearances:

Back by popular demand is Sentimental Journey, a WWII B-17G, co-sponsored by Hilltop Inn and Stevens Aviation. There will also be current military aircraft, corporate jets, warbirds, classics, antiques and homebuilts on display.

New to this year's open house is the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) C-130Q Hercules. Originally designed as a military transport plane, it has been modified to serve as a research aircraft. It can be customized and equipped with the latest instrumentation to accommodate various weather, climate and chemistry experiments within the realm of geosciences research. The aircraft can make worldwide airborne measurements, not only in the atmospheric sciences, but also in disciplines such as oceanography and other earth sciences.

"We are hosting this open house for several important reasons," said Jefferson County Airport Manager Troy W. Stover. "Our goal is to showcase the Jeffco Airport, promote aviation benefits to the community and to support the U.S. military. This year we have the additional honor of celebrating 100 years of flight."

The Jefferson County Airport was established in 1960 and has been self-supporting for over 30 years. The Airport currently boasts over 188,000 operations per year, making it the fourth-busiest airport in Colorado. The airport is located near the city of Broomfield, on the northwest side of metropolitan Denver.

FMI: Open House site