DC-3/C-47s And Some Of The Veterans Who Flew Them Coming To Rock Falls, IL

An historic event, billed as “The Last Time”, has been organized to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the DC-3 type aircraft. Designed as an airliner in 1935, the DC-3 was pressed into military service in WWII as the C-47 and served in every theater of the war. The largest gathering of them in any one place was at the English air fields in preparation for the D-day invasion of Normandy. Some of these same crew members will once again fly in these magnificent birds gathering at Whiteside Airport (KSQI) in Rock Falls, IL.

Some of these aircraft will be carrying a precious cargo of WWII veterans (pilots, paratroopers) and other important history-making people; some who helped to change our world and our country, others who are in a position to change our country now.

The airplanes are expected to arrive at the airport some time on July 23rd, or 24th. Their departure will be near midday on Monday, July 26th forming a fleet of aircraft over the Whiteside County Airport. Airport officials have set the following rules for those attending the event:

• There is NO SMOKING ALLOWED anywhere inside the perimeter fence. Please dispose of all extinguished smoking materials in the refuse containers.
• Please refrain from entering the main terminal building unless you have specific business with M & M Aviation. Unless you have business to conduct with M & M Aviation Services, the main terminal will be off-limits to everyone except volunteer workers and DC-3/C-47 guests. Please understand this due to the anticipated crowd.
• All other airport buildings are off limits to the general public.
• Port-o-Potties are located on the north side of the main parking lot. Hand washing stations will be provided near the Port-o-Potties. Please use them and do not attempt to use bathroom facilities in any airport building. The bathrooms in the buildings will not be able to keep up with demand, so be advised they will all be closed.
• Aircraft parking ramps will open to the general public from 0800 until 1800 on Saturday and Sunday. This means that all general public will be asked to leave the ramp at or before 1800. Only pilots and/or crew who have aircraft on the ramp or transient traffic will be allowed on the ramp after 1800. All transient traffic is encouraged to leave the airport as soon as practicable no later than1800 on Saturday and Sunday if not staying the night. This is to provide for greater security for the guest aircraft.
• All ramps will be closed on Monday to everyone except transient air traffic and DC-3/C-47 crews.
• Please obey all our volunteers. Volunteers have been trained to provide for greater security and efficiency of movement on ramps and in parking lots. Volunteers will be on the main ramp to provide for safety by marshalling the general public while there is aircraft movement on the ramp.
• Volunteers will also marshal transient aircraft to parking areas on Runway 18-36. Volunteers may be identified by either yellow or orange wristbands, orange or bright green T-shirts, or uniformed Civil Air Patrol or Boy Scouts (BSA and CAP will be mostly helping with auto parking).

During the weekend, there are times when aircraft will be moving on the ramps. Because the pilots cannot see immediately in front of the airplane, spectators are advised to stay out of the way of any moving aircraft. Of course, no spectators will be allowed on or near any active runway. Anyone found on or near an active runway will be asked to leave the airport premises.

For those planning to fly in to the airport for the event, parking will be available on Runway 18-36 which will be closed for that purpose. Parking will be allowed north of Taxiway A. Please listen to AWOS (119.175) and make standard non-towered radio calls on CTAF (123.00). All arrivals will be asked to contribute a $5.00 free will parking fee to offset our expenses. No admission will be charged.

No aircraft will be allowed to taxi west of the intersection of Runway 18-36. Taxiways C and D will be closed to transient traffic. 100LL Fuel will be available via a truck. Please call M & M Aviation on 123.00 for fuel service. Aircraft needing jet fuel, if possible, are asked to please call in advance.

The ramp will close at 1800. Please be sure to leave the airport as soon as practicable after 1800. Transient aircraft wishing to remain longer must report in to M & M Aviation in the Main Terminal and will be asked to provide tail number, contact phone, and overnight accommodation site. Normal overnight parking fees will be in effect.

The airport will be closed to all inbound traffic and outbound traffic except DC-3/C-47s on Monday, July 26th from 1000 until 1500 CDT (1500Z to 2000Z), but those times are subject to change.

FMI: www.thelasttime.org