Published: June 16, 2008 12:22 pm         

Airplanes fill the sky

About 100 pilots registered their planes this weekend for the 47th annual Texas Antique Airplane Association Fly-in.

The two-day event drew crowds many of whom wandered the airfield talking with pilots and taking photos of planes.

“These are airplanes that you could see in a museum, and they are actually flying,” said Gainesville Municipal Airport Director Dave Vinton.

The event is not an exhibition. It is, as its name implies, a get-together for pilots.

“This is not an airshow,” Terry Wallace of the Texas Chapter of the AAA said in a telephone before the fly-in. “This is an event that is open to the public. It’s a chance to walk around and actually see the airplanes.”

The fly-in included a hamburger cookout on Friday and prizes for the best planes in certain categories. Wallace said visitors could also cast their votes for their favorite airplane in a People’s Choice contest.

The Gainesville Kiwanis held its popular Kiwanis Club pancake breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday.

About 60 couples registered for the association’s banquet which included recognition for winners of the competitions, Wallace noted.

Categories included antique, classic, experimental and military aircraft.

The fly-in is held each year in Gainesville and is sponsored by the Texas Chapter of the Antique Airplane Association.

Association members often sit in the shade under the wings of their plane and catch up with friends.

Antique Airplane Association member Penny Richards of Krum said the fly-ins are a way for members to connect with friends and see different types of aircraft in various venues across the country.

“They (Antique Aircraft Association) conventions are set up so you could start at one end of the country and see a little different variety of planes at every port,” Richards said.

Standing outside the airport hanger Saturday, Wallace looked over the airfield, the planes and the people.

“This is a good day and a good turnout,” he said. “The weather is great and we’re pleased that everybody showed up.”