Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
EAA Chapter 237 Adopt an Airport policy draws area residents out for a delightful day
Long time EAA Chapter 237 member Rick Ashbach, and very willing passenger Hunter Crotty (8) ready to board the 1995 American Champion Scout for one of the 146 rides given to youngsters at the Forest Lake Fly-In.
The Forest Lake based 1942 Meyers-OTW is the perfect backdrop for a family photo. Greg Janitschke of Forest Lake stands with daughter Tamara Wicks of Blaine, wife Sharie, and grandkids Isaac Wicks (7), Alex Wicks (6), Ella Janitschke (4) and Beverly Janitschke (2).
One attention gathering aircraft at the Forest Lake Fly-In is this experimental aircraft, the Kolb Cobra, built by Mark German of Forest Lake, now owned and flown by Ralph Burlingame, also of Forest Lake. According to kolbaircraft.com, this light weight, kit bulit aircraft features folding wings and tail, which allows for easy storage. The tail folds up. The wings fold back along the fuselage in about 15 minutes by one person.
Forest Lake resident Greg Scherman looks on as Pilot Kevin Szalapski explains specifics of his Weight Shift Trike, a light sport aircraft to Joe and Kathy DiMeglio of Forest Lake.
Petty Officer 3rd class Brendan Dunaway, from Forest Lake, Seaman Mason Krueger, from Deer Park, Wisconsin, and Able Cadet Steven Holmquist from Shafer, under Commanding Officer Kevin Dunaway (not pictured) meet the needs of the day.
Matthias Ramirez (6) of Vadnais Heights enjoyed a day with mom Natalie and Grandma Lonnie, particularly when they brought him to the kiddie rides provided by EAA Chapter 237 as a special treat for youngsters.
Cloud cover was welcome on the hot, sultry morning of August 15 at the Forest Lake Fly-In. Breakfast was followed by skydiving demonstration by Sky Dive Twin Cities, Forest Lake who also furnished the hanger space for meals. EAA Chapter 237 served over 200 breakfasts to attendees, in addition to the 56 breakfasts they gave pilots, sponsors, and crew members.
Chapter 237 president, Bob Heavirland attributes the success of the day to team work under the "adopt an airport" policy promoted by chapter member and president of the Minnesota Pilots Association, Randy Corfman.
"We reach out to people in different communities this way," said Heavirland. "Some communities don't have enough pilots to have their own chapter but by partnering with them, it works out."
Based at Anoka Airport, EAA Chapter 237 has "adopted" Cambridge, Forest Lake, and Princeton airports.
Kiddie pedal planes in a roped off area accented by an antique telephone booth and gas pump display were busy the entire day.
Heavirland said lunch was arranged by the Forest Lake Lion's Club which helped extend the time of the event into the afternoon.
The Young Eagles program gave approximately 150 rides to youth between 8-17 years of age during the event. Those pilots donate their time, maintenance on their airplanes, and gas. EAA member Rick Ashbach gave a fair number of those rides.
"To me, it's reliving the day I had my first flight when I was 13 years old," said Ashbach. "I remember that day so clearly. I want to share that experience by giving others a ride. It's a whole new world when you lift off the ground."
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