Heroes Take Flight Fly-in 5th Annual Fly-in
Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport AL
The Auburn-Opelika fly-in has grown in its short five-year history. If you were in attendance last year you know the temperature was in the 70s, the atmosphere was festive and the sky was clear. A number of aircraft came to enjoy the day; the crowd was large and they enjoyed the statics, flying demonstrations and food from some of the best establishments in town…Well, that was last year. This year there were snow flurries in the early morning, temperatures in the low 30s with the wind blowing 25 to 35 mph. By the time the fly-in started the skies cleared and the temperature went to a “sweltering” 44 degrees, but the wind kept howling. Despite the wind and cold the people came, young, old and all ages in between. The shuttles and golf carts ran, moving people from one place to another and I thought to myself, this is going to be a good day.
Included in the line-up of aircraft and attractions were: DC-3 sponsored by Herpa Miniature Models flown by Dan Gryder; Jim Cook’s Yak-9; Huey; Cobra; P-51 Mustang “Ain’t Misbehaven”; T-6 Texan; T-28C; T-34; T-45; H-46; RV-8s; RV-4s; many restored military vehicles, tanks, hovercraft, and a Rock Climbing Wall for the young at heart. Because of the weather and especially the wind most of the aircraft scheduled couldn’t make it. The DC-3 did give rides and made some really good low and fast fly-bys. Jim and his YAK-9 took off and gave a good performance, showing the awesome performance of his aircraft. One of the highlights of the fly-in was the DC-3 and two RV8s formation flying.
This year the Opelika-Auburn News ran ads for Veterans to pre-register for VIP airshow passes, approximately 225 Veterans registered. The Veterans who pre-registered received a special fly-in packet that included free parking, free admission, a name badge, and admission to the Veterans’ Hospitality tent where they were served complimentary snacks and beverages.
In attendance also were local police, fire, military, Red Cross, EMAs, Auburn University’s ROTC members, and a large number of sponsors who supported the air show. It is a good feeling to live in a township with such strong community support. Without all of these individuals and sponsors this fly-in could not survive. I would like to thank and commend each and every one who participated in this event. Even though the weather did not cooperate with the fly-in plans and schedules this year it will not hinder the planning of next year’s Heroes Take Flight fly-in.
By Carl Wilcox