Fly-In Returns July 26

Family Friendly Fly-In Returns to Friday Harbor Airport, July 26

P-51D Mustang at the 2012 Show in Friday Harbor – Click to enlarge – Tim Dustrude photo

If airport events conjure up big crowds on acres of concrete, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that one of America’s favorite quaint little islands is about to host its 5th Annual Fly-In and Community Open House on Saturday, July 26.

Friday Harbor Airport, on San Juan Island hosts a free day-long family friendly event, starting with a pancake breakfast from 8:00 -10:00 am, a show kickoff at 10:00, and nonstop action until 3:00 pm. While aviation events are a part of the fabric of summer all over the country, few serve a community where flying is so important to its residents.

It’s also fortunate to have an especially large contingent of vintage aircraft participating. With two significant flying museums nearby, and some serious private aircraft collectors, attendees at Friday Harbor will be treated to low-level passes of such rarities as WWII fighters, ancient pre-war aircraft, biplanes, home-built airplanes, flying replicas, helicopters and meticulously groomed classics. Many of those will land and be on display for up-close inspection, including the famous Blackjack Squadron, who will repeat their popular formation arrival and landing. With Friday Harbor’s popularity as a tourist destination, pilots from all over the Northwest plan to fly in.

People show up for all kinds of reasons. To pilots and airplane fans, everything that flies is a piece of art, and the chance to walk among them is not to be missed. Kids like assembling and flying balsa wood gliders or getting their faces painted. Some just come see friends and walk around the airport. Everyone likes the food, starting with the Pancake Breakfast, from 8-10am, then lunch from a variety of vendors. You can buy a biplane ride, or register to win a free plane or helicopter ride.

Every emergency medical facility serving San Juan Island will be on hand, with information. Surrounded by water on all sides, San Juan Islanders depend on aircraft to get to the mainland quickly and conveniently. And, when “quickly” is critical flying is the only choice. Under the assumption that the time to learn about emergency medical service is not during an emergency, Islanders will be able to learn what’s available and how to use it.

The Port of Friday Harbor’s airport manager, Dave Ryan, says admission is free to everyone. Parking is free, too, with a shuttle running every 15 minutes from downtown to parking lots and to the airport. Free parking locations are at the former Mark N Pak lot at the South end of Airport Circle Drive, the Airport Terminal lot, and limited parking in the Peace Health lot.

For more info, visit http://fridayharborflyin.blogspot.com

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