Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Annual family-friendly Fly-In strengthens community
Addison (2) enjoys some imaginary flying in a well constructed kiddie plane built by Ed Newberg and his three sons out of a Huffy Bicycle and oil barrels. Dad Bobby Anderson keeps an eye on his daughter so she doesn't take off and end up in their home town of Dassel without him. How would he explain that one to mom? The days activities included a great breakfast, a multitude of aircraft to see in the air and on the ground, child friendly activities like the annual ping pong ball drop, toy airplanes to toss, and prizes for all the boys and girls to take home.
Not only was this 1962 UH1 Huey available for close up examination, it also provided many attendees a rare take off, hovering, flying, landing experience courtesy of crew members Bob Drallmeier, Robert Smith, Dennis Hoffman, and Jerry Chapman. The aircraft is owned by Barry Hammarbackof River Falls, Wisconsin and Dave Schmitz of Spooner, Wisconsin.
Huey crew members Robert Smith and Dennis Hoffman assist Max (8), Ellie (5), and Jack (3) as they explore the Huey Helicopter while Grandpa Dave Pulkrabek stands close by (not pictured).Huey owners Barry Hammarback and Dave Schmitz provide the aircraft to allow the new generation an opportunity to share experiences of their fathers and grandfathers. In all probability, these three children shared their experience with parents Josh and Erin Knudtson upon arriving home from their outing with grandpa.
A&P Mechanic Jay Anderson of Aero Services and dog Gator buzzed about the airfield in a 1955 M38 A1 Korean War Jeep, assisting aircraft owners.
Airman Glen Smith flew from his private air strip in Amiret, Minnesota to Hector Municipal Airport in his CJ-6 Warbird with custom artwork, Yankee Go Home on the nose and attack posed cobra on the tail.
There's no straining to see one's surroundings in this ACFT Highlander kit plane from Just Aircraft LLC. With oversized tires and large cargo hold, it looks like a candidate for underwing camping adventures.
Though the day of the Hector Airport Fly-In Breakfast was brisk and windy, the draw to the event was like nectar to bees with activity close to hive proportions. Townsfolk joined pilots and their guests for a morning that brought smiles to all.
A 1973 Bellanca, model 7GCBC, fixed wing, reciprocating engine takes to the skies after a visit at the Hector Fly-In.
This year's Featured Aircraft at the Hector Fly-In was Fagen Fighters WWII Museum 1945 FM-2 Grumman Wildcat, piloted by Evan Fagen. Fagen wowed attendees with a fly-by after take off. The Wildcat has a maximum speed of 332 mph with a cruising speed of 164 mph.
This year's 75 Annual Fly-In Breakfast and Ping Pong Ball Drop at Hector Municipal Airport offered a close up view of some pretty impressive aircraft.
Event organizer Ed Newberg issued an invitation to Afton, Wisconsin residents Barry Hammarback and Dave Schmitz to bring their 1962 UH1 "Huey" helicopter. The Huey has attended veteran's and other aviation related events to allow new generations to become more aware of the experiences of their father's and grandfather's.
"We thought the Huey is probably the biggest symbol there is of the Viet Nam war," said Hammarback. "Ed Newberg asked us if we'd bring it down and we said we sure would."
Flying a Huey had been on Newberg's Bucket List since he was 15 years old. Though a medical deferment due to spine issues kept Newberg from Warrant Officer Candidate School, he went on to get his private pilot license and a list of rating, established Newberg Sky Spray, and has been flying for over 40 years. September 17, Newberg put a check mark next to the Fly a Huey item on the list...done!
"It was awesome!" said Newberg. "I flew a Cobra about two years ago, which is pretty similar as far as how they fly, but what I always wanted to do since I was a kid is fly a Huey."
The Hector Fly-in is a particular favorite of children as Ed and Connie Newberg provide a Ping Pong Ball Drop in which retrieved ping pong balls may be exchanged for prizes.
The official count by airport safety advisor Glen Weible came in at 175 aircraft for the day. The Hector Lions Club served 1,462 meals, raising $11,800. Of that, $10,000 was donated to a young resident of neighboring town Bird Island, as she fights a battle with Leukemia.
Well done Hector Airport. Well done.
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