Blue skies for the Cactus Fly-In

This pair of Boeing PT-17s had people seeing double. (Photo by Frederick Schiele)

The 2025 Cactus Fly-In, held March 8 at Casa Grande Municipal Airport (KCGZ) in Arizona, attracted more than 100 aircraft and a crowd that topped 1,000.

According to organizers, at least 40 antique and classic aircraft appeared on the ramp for a glorious Arizona Saturday during the 67th annual fly-in, which was blessed with calm winds, temperatures in the low 70s°, and a clear blue sky.

A Piper Cub arrives at the fly-in. (Photo by Frederick Schiele)

Joining the airplanes on the ramp were a diverse collection of 25 rare cars.

Aircraft marshaling was a team effort this year with the Christian Motorcycle Association, the Phoenix 99s, and EAA Chapter 1445 from Chandler joining forces.

The Casa Grande Municipal Airport staff provided service from their fuel truck at reduced rates. Camping and RV parking options were reintroduced for “fly-in/drive-in” patrons — a feature that is planned for future Cactus Fly-Ins, according to organizers.

The fly-in was officially launched on Friday, March 7, with the annual Cactus Cocktail Hour hosted by the Classic Airplane Association of Arizona.

“Saturday morning saw a hornet’s nest of inbound traffic,” organizers continued. “A fleet of various aircraft, including an SNJ, Stearmans, a PT-22, a Fairchild 24R, a CJ-6, and more descended on the field with many of these ships in ‘flat-pitch.’”

Keith Kossuth of Chino, California, flying his 1929 Travel Air biplane, added the thrill of an “open-cockpit” flight opportunity, organizers said, noting “expectant riders were lined up all day, giving Keith and his beautiful aircraft a serious workout. Smiles and cheering were abundant on the ramp.”

Keith Kossuth gave rides in his 1929 Travel Air all weekend. (Photo by Frederick Schiele)

The event included a picnic lunch, a Saturday night banquet, presentations, and awards with gift certificates provided by Aircraft Spruce.

A Zodiac 601 HDS arrives at the fly-in. (Photo by Frederick Schiele)

The winner of the Pilot’s Choice award was the Fairchild F24R flown by Michael and Michele Luzar from Belen, New Mexico, while the People’s Choice was given to Mike Evans for his Citabria.

Michael and Michelle Luzar’s Fairchild 24R won the Pilot’s Choice Award. (Photo by Brent Taylor)

People’s Choice Award Mike Evans’ Citabria was a perfect spot for some hangar flying. (Photo by Glenn Brasch of AirportCourtesyCars.com)

The Longest Distance Traveled Award was presented to Jim and Anne Rezich for their rare Culver Cadet having been brought (for the winter) from Rockford, Illinois. The Youngest Pilot award was presented to Megan Haywood, a fly-in volunteer.