The Morristown Regional Airport will host its annual fly-in this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We have been hosting this event, uninterrupted for more than 10 years and it keeps getting a little bigger and better each year,” said Karen Hughes-Collins of EAA Chapter 1494.
An amphibious aircraft booth was added to the fly-in for the first time last year, which turned out to be a big hit.
“Last year we added an amphibious aircraft booth. That will return this year, with several seaplanes on display. The seaplane pilots will be at their aircraft to talk about the thrill of flying these planes and landing on water,” Hughes-Collins said.
More aviation-related activities and information booths are available for this year’s event.
The National Weather Service’s “Tornado in a Box” feature will be on display, as will air traffic controllers from McGee-Tyson Airport in Knoxville. There will also be several new children and youth-related activities.
More activities include fire trucks, helicopters and a variety of airplanes, including a Waco bi-plane, according to Hughes-Collins.
For those who get hungry, a food truck will be also on hand.
A special added feature includes the balloon meister for the upcoming balloon festival in White Pine will be there to educate people about the components of balloons and how they fly.
Airplane rides are available for $25 a person. Sevier County Choppers will also be on hand for helicopter rides.
Admission and parking are free.
“We look forward all year to this chance to invite the community to come inside the airport fence on Saturday to experience their local airport from a pilot’s point of view,” Hughes-Collins said. “It will be a day immersed in all things aviation.”
Local sponsors for this year’s Fly-in include Good Ole Days Restaurant, Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union, Michael Baker International, Morristown Flying Service, Morristown Air Service and the City of Morristown.
“We are pretty frugal with our funds, but as we keep finding more fun activities to add to the fly-in each year, we have a few more expenses and these sponsor help add these activities,” Hughes-Collins said. “Any funds we receive beyond our direct expenses go to our EAA Chapter Flight Scholarship fund. We currently are supporting five student pilots who are in flight training with Morristown Flying Service. We love seeing folks learn to fly and enjoy aviation,” she added.