MASSEY — As many as 800 visitors attended the Massey Air Museum’s annual Chili Fiesta Fly-In on Saturday, May 10.
About 40 airplanes flew in, which was less than expected.
Museum volunteer Bill Dougherty attributed the low turnout to strong winds, specifically a direct crosswind.
For spectators, the weather was ideal — sunny and temperatures in the 70s at mid-afternoon.
Among the attractions on Saturday were the Er coupe “Spirit of Massey” that gave young aviation enthusiasts the experience of sitting in a cockpit. Pictured here are brothers Eli, 7, and Kai Conlon, 3, of Chester.
Also pictured are museum volunteers pushing a Pietenpol homebuilt airplane [built from a 1929 design] back into the hangar.
Construction of this aircraft started in 2000 but was delayed due to the death of its original owner.
“We’re going to finish it,” Dougherty said of the plane that has been donated to the museum after being in storage for 20 years.
According to its website, the Massey Air Museum is a living airport-museum reminiscent of rural airports of a bygone era. Activities include antique aircraft restoration, annual fly-ins, EAA Young Eagles events and aviation camaraderie.
“Experience the sights, sounds and smells of aviation as it was in its earlier days,” the website states.
For more information, see www.masseyaero.org.
— Photos by Trish McGee
