Father's Day Fly/Drive-In at Gen Air Park
(with a side-trip to Erie!)
Article by
Gordy Gillen
and
Pictures by Kevin Bertorelli and Mick Pahnke
For the seventh consecutive year, we had the opportunity to participate in the
Father's Day Fly/Drive-In at Gen Air Park in Geneseo, Illinois. We have had
just beautiful weather each time. This Father's Day was exceptional. Fox
Valley West planned for a 7 A.M. lift off, which actually took place at about
7:50 A.M. Fox Valley East planned for a 7:30 A.M. lift off which must have gone
as expected or slightly early because they were nearing Cushing Field as we
Westies took to the air. Everything worked out well as East followed closely
behind West as we landed at Gen Air Park.
Kent Johnson and the folks at Gen Air Park really put on another great Fly-In
which included a great pancake breakfast, beautiful antique cars, and gracious
hospitality. The whole town was there to support it. It's especially wonderful to see the kids really take an interest in our planes.
Our old friend Larry Johnson (hog man) was there, having flown to Gen Air Park
in his Quick Fix. He is looking forward to flying with us to Oshkosh this
year.
Our day continued as we took off for Erie, about thirteen miles North. The
Erie Air Park is owned and operated by Jim and Sue Robinson. They were unable
to be there in person this year, but they prepared for our arrival. They filled
the gas tanks before they left, and arranged for Hildred to be our host, and a
gracious host he was. Our twelve planes quickly drained the Erie tanks and more
gas was needed. One of the pilots from Erie took John O'Neill and me into town
to get more gas, a greatly appreciated gesture! Around 2:30 P.M. the group took
off again, minus myself, this time to see a 1/3 scale B-17. I stayed back at
Erie, enjoying the hospitality of a well stocked club house and pleasant
breezes, to catch up on some missed sleep before my scheduled 6:30 P.M. flight
to Cushing. I really enjoyed a great, calm flight home, with no ill effects,
arriving at 8:10 P.M. The scenery was spectacular. I pray that the rest
of our group enjoyed as wonderful and picturesque and safe flight!
On behalf of Kent Johnson, Airport Manager, and
all the fine folks who worked so hard to put on a great Fly/Drive-In at Gen Air
Park, Geneseo, I want to thank the Fox Valley Flying Club for a great effort.
How hard we worked was especially noted in a phone conversation with Kent
Johnson.
We had thirteen planes make the flight, and Bruce and Cathy Riemenschneider
arrived by car. Others I know wanted to make the flight, but were unable to
this time.
You are a great group of guys to fly with. I wish physical and time
limitations would permit me to fly with you more.
Again, my sincere appreciation for an outstanding effort in helping to make the
Fly-In at Gen Air Park, Geneseo a wonderful success!
Where To Now?
200 Miles for No Reason in Particular
De Kalb, Illinois: Land of RVs
Father's Day Fly-In to Gen Air Park and Erie
The T2 at the Illinois Aviation Museum at Bolingbrook