LOOP Features

50th Anniversary Fly-In at Lincoln Aero Club

THE two-day summer fly-in at Sturgate Airfield was blessed with perfect weather, according to Alan D Wood from the Lincoln Aero Club.

"The month of May saw more than its fair share of wet weekends and we looked forward to some drier weather hoping that it would arrive for the Lincoln Aero Club two-day summer fly in on 3 and 4 June."
Blue skies on the Saturday morning signaled a good start to the 1950s themed event. At 1100, the radio burst into life and the first of the visiting aircraft arrived. An Auster J1 kicked off the proceedings followed five minutes later by another inbound visitor.

Duty controller, Mick Ward had his hands full as the circuit became increasingly busy and parking spaces were filling up fast on the ground.

"We were thankful for the hard work put into cutting and levelling the grass on the airfield - not an easy task after the weeks of rain." Alan said.

"By midday the club car parking space was full and adjacent grass verges came into play. Aircraft enthusiasts arrived from all over the country. The opportunity to see many different types of light aircraft must have been anticipated and they weren't disappointed."

In total, 106 aircraft visited on the Saturday, a record for the flying club and the most aircraft seen at the airfield in a single day.

Sunday was just as much of a hit and visitors who had camped or stayed locally awoke to another bright sky.

A Jodel 112 was first in on the Sunday and marked another busy day for the tower.
"It looked like there was going to be repeat of the Saturday air movements, but with some scattered rain showers in the area by midday the arrival numbers were less intense," Alan explained.

The 57 visiting aircraft and respective passengers were treated to entertainment from a local band playing music from the Fifties. The theme was enhanced with vintage vehicles on the ground.
"The magical atmosphere reached a climax with the arrival of the BBMF Dakota and for ten minutes everyone stood in awe as the Dakota made some low flypasts over the airfield.

"What a splendid sight against the colourful array of light aircraft, cars, people and a bunting-covered WW2 control tower!"

A total of 163 aircraft flew in to Sturgate over the weekend to celebrate LAC's 50th anniversary, with more than 300 movements recorded. Every pilot received a 50th anniversary sticker as a gesture of thanks. The autumn fly-in is planned for 3 September.

W: www.lincolnaeroclub.co.uk

Words: Kirsten Corrigan

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LOOP Features

50th Anniversary Fly-In at Lincoln Aero Club