Celebrating 40 years at Antique Airfield

The annual invitational Antique Airplane Association (AAA) fly-in every Labor Day weekend is a closely-held tradition for hundreds of aviators. Through the years, it has evolved into an exciting-yet-relaxing “old home week” — providing a respite from the frenetic pace of the world. It’s a terrific place to see antique, vintage (including homebuilts), and classic airplanes, and have the opportunity to visit with their respective caretakers.

AAA was founded in 1953 by Bob Taylor, and the annual fly-ins were held at Ottumwa and Oskaloosa, Iowa, through the 1960s. In 1971, the fly-ins moved to Blakesburg, where Taylor owned a grass strip.

This year, at least 340 airplanes flew into the field to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the fly-in’s first year at Antique Airfield. As a special highlight, Monocoupes were showcased, with a dozen displayed on the flight line, plus a Mullicoupe (pictured below). Monocoupe models on the flight line included the Monoprep, 113, 110, 110 Special, 90AW, and 90AL.

The Library of Flight offers an air-conditioned respite from the heat and a quiet place to peruse a nice collection of aviation books, while the Air Power Museum provides a variety of historical artifacts to enjoy, including a World War II Link trainer, recently restored by AAA members Tom and Elaine Huf. Airplane parts are always for sale, and AAA authors have their books available and welcome the opportunity to meet fellow aviators.

Flying is encouraged if not expected (after attending a safety briefing), and pilots must obey the flagmen on the runway for permission to take off and land — no radio communication! Fly-bys happen spontaneously throughout the day, creating a great opportunity for spectators and photographers to behold antique and vintage airplanes in their element.

The Pilot’s Pub opens in the evenings and offers adult beverages, and aviation films are shown each night. And, of course, Grand Champion aircraft awards are selected during each fly-in, by a majority vote of registered fly-in participants.

The AAA Blakesburg fly-in, in a word, is special — just ask those who return each year! To see more photos and videos of the fly-in, as well as a list of the award winners, go to AntiqueAirfield.com