Young Aviators return to Triple Tree

After a two-year pandemic pause, the Triple Tree Aerodrome Young Aviators Fly-In returned in 2022.

On June 10-12, aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts descended on the pastoral grounds near Woodruff, South Carolina, to enjoy some legendary Southern hospitality. With 400 acres featuring a 7,000-foot grass runway, manicured campsites, support facilities, and a learning center, Triple Tree is the ideal venue.

The goal was to bring young people together for a weekend of networking, learning, and discovery. Participants ranged from youngsters making their first flight as an EAA Young Eagle, to college students working toward an aviation degree.

Friday began with registration and a meet-and-greet lunch, followed by an aircraft preflight competition. Contestants inspected a Mooney Super 21, with 15 non-airworthy “Easter eggs” planted in and outside the aircraft. The goal was to find as many discrepancies as possible.

One participant, Liam Pearson, drove from Lenoir, North Carolina, to meet like-minded aviators and enjoy the magic of this general aviation mecca. When not engaged in his family’s hang gliding business, Liam studies Aviation Science at Elizabeth City State University.

Brian Williams, another young aviator who was recently awarded a Triple Tree flight scholarship, has passed his solo milestone. Like Liam, he was an eager contestant in the preflight competition.

As Friday wound down, everyone enjoyed a pizza dinner, followed by camaraderie at the pilots’ pavilion. Their hangar talk lasted well into the tranquil night.

Saturday morning, campers were roused by the dawn patrol growl of Triple Tree’s Stearman biplane. Soon, pilots began arriving to offer EAA Young Eagle flights.

Andrea Bell brought her 16-year-old son Charlie for his first flight in a GA aircraft. After landing, Charlie was all smiles, and said the most exciting moment was taking the stick and controlling the aircraft. When asked about his future plans, his Mom was pleased when he replied, “I want to be a pilot!”

Ryan Bandfield, 14, said the open-cockpit AirCam was “Amazing….You could definitely feel when a thermal hits you ‘cause the whole wing tilts to the side and you have to correct it.”

Saturday afternoon featured four aviation professionals, speaking on aircraft maintenance careers, charter pilot opportunities, flight training scholarships from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and job interview tips.

An aircraft identification contest topped off the day. Contestants had 15 seconds to identify an airplane after viewing a photo.

While focusing on youth, the event welcomed all, and many older pilots came to enjoy Triple Tree’s famous hospitality. Coming to camp or just visit for a day, they delighted in the matchless down-home setting.