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| By Carmelo Turdo |
The
Greenville Airstravaganza, a favorite Midwest Aviation fall fly-in, was held
October 6 at Greenville Municipal Airport in central Illinois. The event is
more than a fly-in - it is a family-friendly, community gathering with fun
activities, good food and, of course, aviation!
Organized by the Greenville Pilots Association and the Greenville
Airport Authority, the annual Airstravaganza provides the opportunity for local
residents to experience aviation first-hand by visiting with pilots, touring
classic cars and display aircraft, and flying in a Cessna 172, Robinson R44
helicopter or World War II-era aircraft. Regular arrivals of general aviation
aircraft, RC aerobatic aircraft shows, skydiving demonstrations by Gateway
Skydiving Center and overflights by Kevin Kegin’s American Warbird AT-6D Texan
kept everyone’s eyes to the skies. As is evident in the photos, the skies were sunny in the morning but a storm front moved in during the mid-afternoon after much of the aerial activity was winding down.
In Part 2 of this series, we take a look around the airport, including the car show, hangar exhibitors and the static display aircraft:
Greenville, IL Municipal Airport
Inside the main hangar, visitors could get their lunch, learn about RC aircraft flying and check out several aircraft and helicopters.
First Responders from the Greenville and Shoal Creek Fire Protection Districts were on site to react within seconds of any incident during the event. Thankfully, they stayed parked near the large aircraft shelter all day long.
A variety of aircraft were on static display on the apron, including warbirds, aerobatic planes and homebuilts. The ground crews kept everyone safe as aircraft arrived and departed, and Sherry Schaefer gave the crowd an update on the day's activities.
The two major medical aviation services in the region were represented: Air Methods Bell 407 and Air Evac LifeTeam Bell 206 Long Ranger. The crews pointed out the aircraft features and discussed their mission with visitors. They were excellent representatives of the first responder community, and we appreciate their service!
The Illinois Army National Guard brought in a Blackhawk helicopter from Decatur, IL.
Citabria and Super Decathlon aerobatic aircraft were also on the apron.
Homebuilt (experimental) aircraft included an RV-7A and Kitfox IV on floats.
Warbirds on display included a Boeing Stearman trainer, Nanchang CJ-6A and the star of the day, Brad Deckert's beautiful Grumman (General Motors) TBM-3E Avenger. Also included here is a Varga 2150A civil trainer that wears military-type markings!
A number of aircraft were part of the "fly-in" portion of the program, lending more variety to the flying activity.
Check back again soon for much more coverage of the Greenville Airstravaganza!
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