Fly-in to Mark Aviation Group's 50th Anniversary

Oct. 3, 2013
The Experimental Aircraft Association's local Chapter 88 is celebrating 50 years with a fly-in

Oct. 02--The Experimental Aircraft Association's local Chapter 88 is celebrating 50 years with a fly-in Saturday at the Newton City/County Airport that includes flights on a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor and a variety of activities.

The day will feature a candy drop and airplane rides for children; a display of a variety of home-built, classic and vintage airplanes; a rocket display; a spot-landing contest; and other activities, said EAA Chapter 88 president Doug Range.

"We will have a little bit of everything on display," Range said.

The EAA's 1929 Ford Tri-Motor, the "Tin Goose," will offer flights Saturday and Sunday at the Newton Airport following flights at Jabara Airport on Thursday and Friday.

The Tri-Motor was the world's first mass-produced airliner.

The historic plane was built by the Ford Motor Co. and holds up to 10 passengers. It underwent a 12-year restoration after it sustained damage during a thunderstorm in 1973.

Saturday's fly-in features former Cessna CEO and EAA chairman Jack Pelton as the keynote speaker at a banquet that begins at 6 p.m. The cost for the banquet is $15.

The fly-in will offer breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m., and lunch will be served.

Young Eagle rides will be offered to children from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pilots flying ultralight airplanes will parachute candy to children at 9 and 11 a.m., Range said.

Cost of attending the fly-in is $5 for adults and is free for those 17 or younger. There is no cost to pilots and their passengers who fly in for the event.

Flights on the Ford Tri-Motor will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at Jabara Airport and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Newton Airport.

The cost to fly in the Ford Tri-Motor is $70 for advance tickets, $75 for walk-ups and $50 for those 17 or younger.

To pre-book a flight, call 800-843-3612.

Reach Molly McMillin at 316-269-6708 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @mmcmillin.

Copyright 2013 - The Wichita Eagle