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Whether people are seeking something exotic like the peaceful silence of a glider ride or simply wanting to ask questions about various forms of flight, the Kendallville Airport Fun Day Saturday, June 20, will provide new experiences and education for all ages.
John Earlywine, one of the organizers, encourages people to arrive early because activities will be in full swing during the morning hours. The South Milford Fire Department will serve breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and lunch, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will include bison burgers from Cooks Bison Ranch.
Admission and parking are free, however, there will be a charge for food and rides. There will be drawings for free door prizes.
Goshen Helicopter, Inc. will give rides, beginning at $35, in an Enstrom F 28-F piston helicopter. New Horizons Aviation will provide airplane rides in a Bellanca and the new Jabiru Light Sport Aircraft for $15 per person.
Kendallville Flying Service, Inc. will provide glider rides ($50), fuel sales, aviation supplies and information on learning to fly and flying lessons. Two Gyrocopters based at the airport will be on display and flying, and people will be able to sign up for balloon rides at a later date.
At 11 a.m. Sky Tractors, Inc. will perform an aerial application demonstration.
Roger and Sherrie Thon will have a flight simulator and model aircraft for kids plus face painting and other activities.
“We plan to display the Sprandel airplane (see sidebar), and also board member Mike Jansen’s 1946 MG TC automobile,” Earlywine notes.
Earlywine says the day will provide an opportunity for area residents and pilots “to have some fun and to see some of the interesting things happening in aviation.” Meals and some displays will be in the big hangar rain or shine. However, inclement weather would prevent some of the participants not in the hangar from attending.
Some of the people and exhibits will be:
• Civil Air Patrol cadets with an airplane
• Displays by Hayden Honda and area enthusiasts of classic and custom cars and motorcycles
• 99’s, an international female pilots organization
• Hoosier Air Museum representatives with information and aircraft
• JDT Mini-MAX, LLC manufacturer of kits for the MiniMax experimental airplane
• Hummel Aviation manufacturer of kits for the Hummel Bird and other experimental aircraft
• Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) members and their aircraft
• Soaring Society of America (SSA) represented by local glider pilots, Kendallville Flying Service, and Bryan Soaring Club. Kendallville is one of only three SSA soaring sites in Indiana.
• Fort Wayne Flying Circuits RC Model Club static and flying displays of model airplanes and helicopters.
• Back 40 Flying Club airplane
• Bryan Soaring Club gliders
• Noble Aviators, a Kendallville flying club with a Cessna 182 airplane
• New Horizions Aviation is bringing a new Light Sport Aircraft and will be available to discuss the new Light Sport License requirements and training
Life of the Party Professional DJ/Emcee Service will provide music and conduct interviews, and WAWK will broadcast live from the airport.
Kendallville Airport Fast Facts:
ORIGIN: On May 15, 1945, the Kendallville Board of Works recommended to the City Council that the city purchase land to build an airport.
LEADERSHIP: Kendallville Airport Board consists of Kathy Molargik, president; Michael Jansen, vice president; Ron Hite, secretary; Paul Sprandel, commissioner, and Jim Renkenberger, airport manager
AIRCRAFT: 45 aircraft based at the airport including eight gliders and two gyrocopters
SERVICES: Kendallville Flying Service Inc. provides fuel, maintenance, flight training, airplane and glider rental, glider towing, and manages the hangers and overnight storage of transient aircraft for the city of Kendallville. Sky Tractors Inc. provides aerial application for area farmers and municipalities. Maule of Indiana Inc., one of the nation’s largest Maule aircraft dealers, sells new aircraft to customers in the Midwest and Northeast. Williams Airmotive Inc., a highly-rated FAA/EASA approved Certified Repair Station near the airport, frequently has customers flying into the airport to deliver or pick up parts and repairs.
CONTACT: Kendallville Flying Service Inc., 347-9260
LOCATION: north of Kendallville off S.R. 3
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