The Fourth of July skies may be full of some unusual sites as the Jayhawk Chapter 88 of the Experimental Aircraft Association brings its annual fly-in event to the Newton City County/Airport.
The chapter, based in Wichita, had its first fly-ins at the Newton airport. Fly-in chairman Doug Moler of Valley Center said 10 or 15 years ago, the group moved the festivities to El Dorado. But now, Newton will again host the annual event.
“Moving it to Newton is going to be quite an advantage for Newton and for the EAA,” he said. He said Newton is a convenient location for members, many of whom are from the Wichita area.
T.W. Anderson, manager of the Newton City/County Airport, said they “welcome the opportunity” to have the association return to Newton after more than a decade.
“We want to remind the citizens of Harvey County this event is open to the public,” Anderson said, and he said people of all ages are invited and encouraged to attend.
The fly-in will be at the airport, 810 N. Oliver, two miles east on First Street. Gates open at 7 a.m. Moler said activities will wind down around 3 or 3:30 p.m.
Moler said they expect about 70 aircraft — possibly as many as a hundred. Experimental aircraft include those that are sold in kit form, or planes built from plans sold by airplane manufacturers, Moler said, but they also may be designed and built by individuals.
Moler said there are some “brilliant people” within the association who are able to design and modify airplane systems, and with experimental aircrafts, the builder is open to do what he or she wants with the plane.
The event also will feature antique and classic airplanes.
One feature of the event will be Young Eagles airplane rides. Moler said the Young Eagles is an important part of the association mission, and the goal is to get young people interested in aviation.
“The future of aviation is in our young children,” he said.
Members of the group will donate the use of aircraft and fuel to provide free airplane rides for children ages 8 to 17 — which often is their first airplane ride, Moler said. Those will be offered from 9 to 1 p.m., and parents/guardians must be present to sign a release.
There also will be aircraft contests, such as spot landing, and aircrafts will be judged in different categories. Moler said attendees will be given the opportunity to vote on some categories. The Air Capital Corvette Club of Wichita will be on site from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
