Airport Appreciation Days returns to airport Sept. 7, 8

After a complete washout in 2018, organizers are hopeful for clearer skies Saturday and Sunday for 2019’s Airport Appreciation Days at the Putnam County Regional Airport. That was the case in 2017, when Corbin Edwards took a ride with pilot Larry Gruber, who had flown his 1978 Varga Kachina from Delphi to take part in the EAA Young Eagle Rally. Children ages 8-17 will again have the chance to take free rides with pilots as part of the program.

Banner Graphic/Jared Jernagan

Plans are flying high for 2019 Putnam County Airport Appreciation Days to be held on Sept. 7 and 8 at the Putnam County Regional Airport, 1595 Ballard Ln., Greencastle.

The family-friendly event with something fun for aviators and non-aviators of all ages is hosted by the Putnam County Airport Authority and PDM Aviation, LLC.

The event will run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Among the activities available at 2019’s Airport Appreciation Days will be the chance to take a ride with pilot Cliff Robinson in his Stearman bi-plane. Airport Appreciation days is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 7 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 8.

Photo by BOB BURNS

Festivities begin on Saturday with the raising of the flag by Boy Scout Troop # 73 and “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed by Covered Bridge Harmony.

Many community partners will be participating in the event. EAA Chapter 1374 will be conducting the annual Young Eagle Rally. Children 8-17 will be able to get a free airplane ride during the rally. They will receive a certificate and logbook to document the flight. A parent or guardian must be present.

For the adults and children under the age of eight, there will be paid rides available by PDM Aviation in a Cessna 172, with Cliff Robinson in his Stearman bi-plane or by helicopter with Freedom Helicopters.

For all kids of all ages, Big Bounce House Fun Rental will be bringing some fun inflatables, face painting and other surprises.

The Putnam County Hospital and the Greencastle Rotary Club will have games and gifts to hand out to the attendees as well as have reading sessions for the children.

Booths and displays will be availabe from the Greencastle Fire Department, Greencastle City Police, Putnam County Operation Life, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Community Emergency Response Team, Aircraft Pilots Owners Association (AOPA), Stat Flight, the Popular Rotorcraft Association Chapter 34, Vincennes Technology Center-Vincennes University, LIFT Academy, Lions Club, Bon Appetit and many more.

Andy Miller, AOPA’s You Can Fly Ambassador for the Great Lakes Region, will be in attendance for some aviation education. He is a nationally-recognized aviation educator, a lead representative in the FAA Safety Program, an IMC Club leader and a member of both the National Association of Flight Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators. He is also an aircraft owner and regularly flies Young Eagle and Angel Flight missions.

Miller will be holding two informative sessions on Saturday in the hangar at the Business Center.

At 10 a.m., Miller will give a general aviation update, including a discussion of current national and regional issues in general aviation. This will be followed by a Q&A session. There have been a lot of mostly good changes in general aviation recently, but there is still much to do to keep everyone’s freedom to fly.

At 2 p.m., Miller wil present “You Can be a Pilot.” Every journey to flight is different and will vary based on the time, money and commitment someone is willing spend to make their dreams come true. This multimedia presentation gives an overview of different types of flying and the paths to get to them, including flying for fun and aviation as a career.

D.J. Figgy Hardwick of Figgy’s Follies will be entertaining the attendees throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.

The public is invited to take part in two days of fun and enjoying the world of aviation. Check out the event on Facebook for updates on Putnam County Airport Appreciation Days or contact Doug Miller at 721-1289 or J.R. Scott at 721-7260.