Fly-In celebrates 10th anniversary
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ST. IGNATIUS – Sisters Ann Deister and Jinnie Streamer checked flying in a small airplane over the Mission Mountains off their list of things to do this summer during the annual Fly-In. The sisters, both in their seventies, are getting in as much fun as they can.
“We went white water rafting on Friday,” Streamer said. “And we plan to go horseback riding on Monday. We did the Polson Cherry Festival, the Arlee Powwow, and now, we’ve ridden in an airplane.
“My sister wants to make sure I have the full Montana experience while I’m visiting from Maryland.”
The plane ride received a high rating from the sisters.
“It was fantastic,” Deister said. “We went right over my home. We went up into the canyons and saw the falls.”
“It took my breath away,” Steamer said.
The Young Eagles flight program brought pilots and their airplanes to the fly-in so kids like Arleta Long, 9, could check flying off their summer to-do list as well.
“It was awesome,” Arleta said. “We went up and around. He opened the window so it got windy. I saw the houses, cows, a lake, the mountains, water towers, trees and cars.
“The landing was fun because we got to fly past the houses.”
Airport board member Rick Newman helps organize the event.
“We want the community to be involved with the airport. This airport is small but it’s a good stop between Kalispell and Missoula. It’s also used by firefighters and Medevac.”
Newman’s passion for flying developed when he was on a Marine aircrew.
“Flying is just such a rush. It’s freedom being up in the clouds looking down instead of up at the mountains.”
Riding on an airplane wasn’t the only reason to go to the fly-in.
“We want to increase general aviation awareness, allow people to appreciate the airport and this is the only fly-in where people can get huckleberry pancakes,” said fly-in coordinator Steve Allard.
Allard estimated that as many as 650 people participated this year. A donation box is set up at the event.
“Donations always exceed the cost of the event. We give the rest of the money to the Experimental Aircraft Association, which sponsors the Young Eagle’s flights. We appreciate everyone for their donations.”
