For the fourth year, the Copper Props Fly-In will be hosting a gathering of several general aviation, experimental and owner-built airplanes, according to Henry Nordsiek.
Nordsiek, organizer of the event to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Houghton County Memorial Airport, said the event is focused on children 8 to 18 years old, who are called Young Eagles. It isn’t necessary for the children to have flown in small aircraft in the past.
“They become Young Eagles when they do this,” he said. “Parents can go along as seats are available.”
Union-era fighter jet during the Copper Props Fly-In at the Houghton County Memorial Airport in August 2015.
Nordsiek said a parent or adult guardian must sign a waiver for children taking the flights.
Nordsiek said the event is put on by the Keweenaw Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1270 and is sanctioned by the International EAA based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
There will be four to six aircraft flying and another four on the ground. There is a tentative plan for the owner of a Czech-built C-39 Albatross military jet to attend.
The local EAA chapter has been giving airplane rides to children for years, Nordsiek said. In 2011, chapter officials decided to get more organized and try to make a regular event, although one year was missed because of construction at the airport.
Besides the airplanes, Nordsiek said the event will feature firefighting and rescue equipment, the Keweenaw Civil Air Patrol and a Red Baron flight simulator.
The fly-in is also intended to promote the airport, Nordsiek said.
Nordsiek said there is no entry fee for the event, but donations will be accepted Saturday.
“It costs approximately $50 an hour to operate a small plane,” he said.
The rain date for the event is Sunday, but weather Saturday is supposed to be good, Nordsiek said, but of course that could change.
“No promises,” he said.