Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, May 25, 1990 TAG: 9005240047
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV15 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MADELYN ROSENBERG NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
The event will be the first of its kind at the New River Valley Airport, said Kathryn Moody, one of the organizers.
The reasons for the fly-in are simple, Moody said. "Part of it is to have fun. We also want to encourage anyone with an interest in a career in aviation to get into it."
Awareness also plays a big role.
"Small regional airports with different governing bodies don't have a tendency to survive very well," Moody said. "A lot of them are turned into shopping centers because they're on flat land. This airport is a huge asset to the area and is often overlooked. We want to make sure it sticks around."
The public will be able to view a variety of small airplanes at the event, Moody said. They'll also meet the people who fly them.
"I think there's a lot of mystique - always has been - about airplanes," said Moody, who is a student pilot. "If you fly your own airplane, you're supposed to be rich. . . . There are a lot of myths to overcome."
Pilots will get a chance to show off by competing in contests during the event, Moody said. Among them: balloon-busting, flour-bombing and spot-landing competitions.
A few pilots will be offering rids to the public and balloon rides will be available Sunday.
Other highlights:
\ Friday: A single aircraft will fly across the New River Valley with a banner advertising the fly-in.
"I think that's the best way to advertise an aerial event," Moody said.
\ Saturday: Pilots gather at the field early, and aviation vendors will ready their displays.
At 11 a.m., the fly-in officially opens to the public. Pre-selected pilots will sell rides. The first of the contests will be held at 1 p.m., followed by demonstration flights by the Montgomery County Model Airplane Club. Awards and prizes will be given out at 4:45 p.m.
\ Sunday: The day starts for the pilots at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast. A balloon will be set up for rides and aircraft again will offer rides. At 1 p.m., the Model Airplane Club will fly again, followed by another pilot contest. Awards and prizes will be given out at 4:45 p.m.
by CNB