The Churchbridge airport was a busy spot on the August long weekend as local pilots used a fun “fly-in” for other pilots to hopefully interest a new generation in flying their own aircraft.
Approximately 70 area residents came out to the airport located northeast of the town. There they had a chance to check out a variety of small planes, and take a free ride in one or two (even taking the controls for awhile).
There were activities for the kids including a bouncy castle, a barbecue, ice cream treats and Saturday wrapped up with an evening movie for everyone highlighting the enjoyment of flying.
The goal of the first time event, said organizer Bob Reetz, was to “promote aviation and the family.” Both he said can go hand in hand as flying can be very much a family activity, offering opportunities to travel extensively together.
“We really want to get the younger generation interested in flying.” The draw of owning and flying your own aircraft has been slowly dwindling, he said, as new generations lean more towards the ease and convenience of flying on commercial aircraft.
“But flying on your own, wherever you want to go whenever you want to go, can be a tremendous amount of fun.”
An added aspect which was clearly evident on the weekend were the friendly connections among the small aircraft pilots. Some 12 aircraft landed during the fly-in with several staying overnight. They came from Saskatoon, Estevan, Oxbow, Russell / Shellmouth, Yorkton and Wroxton.
They even had some friendly competitions Saturday afternoon flour bombing and spot landing, which proved to be popular events for the ground-bound spectators.
Reetz was pleased with the weekend and is hoping it will be repeated next year.