Chili on the Menu at Flying Dutchmen Airport Fall Fly-In

By Carmelo Turdo

By Mark Nankivil

The friendly folks at the Flying Dutchmen Airport in Belleville, IL held their annual fall chili Cook-Off Fly-In Sunday.  This great tradition amongst area aviators and enthusiasts continues to keep its local charm and attract a unique assortment of aircraft.  The Aero Experience was there to partake of the chili (and burgers) and check out the planes on the grass near the resident hangars.  The fall wind was blowing briskly down the grass runway that day, convincing some regular attendees like Mark Harter to drive to the airport in his restored 1949 Ford pickup truck instead.  One who did fly in, Bob Hamilton with his Fly Baby, made it look easy as he flew a short pattern onto the grass below. It was encouraging to hear about aircraft restorations underway, and see a new Fly Baby project under construction at the airport.  Here are some highlights from the day: