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1,000 aircraft expected at Arlington’s Fly-In

Published 11:13 pm Tuesday, July 7, 2009

By Gale Fiege, Herald Writer

ARLINGTON — Walk on the moon, drive a race car or fly in a bomber.

These simulated and hands-on experiences are just some of the activities at the 2009 Arlington Fly-In and Sport Aviation Convention, which starts today at the Arlington Municipal Airport.

The annual air show, the third-largest of its kind in the country, kicks off with special events for kids.

Children are admitted free today when accompanied by an adult. The air show is a great way to vacation in your home county, Fly-In director Barbara Tolbert said.

A little rain won’t stop the air show, but low clouds might keep the planes on the runway, Tolbert said. Still, plenty of stuff on the ground will be available to take a look at. Lots of activities under tents.

“We’ve canceled so very few air shows,” she said. “No matter what, there’s lots to see and much of it is under tents.”

More than 1,000 aircraft and 60,000 guests are expected to participate in the festival of aviation, she said.

“So many things are new this year,” Tolbert said. “We’re very excited.”

It takes hundreds of volunteers to put on the Fly-In, and many work all year to prepare for the show, she said.

Among the highlights of this year’s Fly-In:

  • Addison Pemberton of Spokane plans to fly his rare Boeing Model 40C plane to the air show on Friday. The Boeing 40C was part of the line of Model 40 aircraft built between 1925 and 1931. The Model 40 was originally designed as an airmail carrier and was later converted to passenger use.

  • A NASCAR simulator made from a Monte Carlo driven by Matt Kennseth at more than 190 mph will be displayed. It has a computer monitor on the dash, with working steering, brake and gas pedal.

  • A B-25 Pacific Prowler, a restored bomber, is scheduled to be on display during the Fly-In, with ground tours and rides available.

  • NASA’s Exploration Experience, a free interactive traveling exhibit that includes a simulated journey into space, is scheduled for the show. NASA astronaut Anna Fisher plans to make presentations Friday at the exhibit. Fisher was a mission specialist on the second flight of the orbiter Discovery.

  • A military encampment has been raised adjacent to a military aircraft display at the show. More than 100 vehicles from the World War II, Korea and Vietnam eras will be on display. Military veterans and active service members are encouraged to share their experiences using the displayed equipment. During the Veterans Appreciation Parade on Sunday, veterans are admitted free and are invited to ride in the vehicles. In addition, radio-controlled model tank demonstrations are scheduled throughout the weekend.

  • The Cascade Warbirds return to Fly-In, with a squadron flying demonstration on Sunday.

  • Helicopter and biplane rides are available throughout the air show. And radio-controlled model aircraft demonstrations are planned.

  • Arty Trost, billed as the country’s only female long-distance ultralight pilot, plans to talk about her latest 3,500-mile trip at the Runway Theater on Friday evening.

  • The Federal Aviation Administration and Everett Community College plan to host a job fair on Friday.

    Meanwhile, the Downtown Arlington Business Association plans its annual street fair. Free transportation between the Fly-In and the street fair is planned.

    The street fair draws local and regional vendors and offers music, dancing and food, organizers said.

    A dog parade begins at 6 p.m. Friday along Olympic Avenue, and last year’s Arlington Idol, Kathy Brainard, plans to host the local singing contest at 7 p.m. Friday at the gazebo in Legion Park along Olympic Avenue.

    Entertainment on Saturday includes bluesman Nick Vigarino at 7:30 p.m. and the Skablins playing “grunge ska” at 9 p.m.

    If you go

    Arlington Fly-In: Today through Sunday at the Arlington airport; www.arlingtonflyin.org or 360-435-5857

    Arlington Street Fair: Friday through Sunday on Olympic Avenue; www.arlingtonwa.org or 360-435-9863

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