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As part of the Sept. 25 “Fly-In & Community Day” at the El Reno Regional Airport, Steve Afeman shows off his World War II SNJ. Photo / Carol Mowdy Bond
As part of the Sept. 25 “Fly-In & Community Day” at the El Reno Regional Airport, Steve Afeman shows off his World War II SNJ. Photo / Carol Mowdy Bond
There was a lot of oohing and aahing, as a huge crowd mingled among vintage airplanes.
The aircraft and people gathered for the second annual “Fly-In & Community Day” at the El Reno Regional Airport. With food, vendors, aircraft rides and live music, the event has evolved into a big deal.
“We went last year and had a blast. So, we’re here again today,” Christine Adams, of Yukon, said.
At 2 p.m., all eyes were on the sky. Historic aircraft, ranging from the Vietnam War era to World War II, including airplanes made with wood parts, flew over the crowd. Steve Afeman entertained by performing aerobatics while flying his World War II SNJ.
Afeman’s airplane was a trainer plane stationed at the Navy Pensacola Air Station in Florida in 1944. His circles and loops in the sky thrilled the crowd.
“The planes here are owned by groups, and they are also privately owned planes,” Adama Allmond, of the Federal Aviation Administration, said.
Last year’s inaugural event reeled in almost 2,000 people, as well as 85 aircrafts and 45 classic cars.
“The event is designed to bring the public to the airport in hopes they learn about the aviation industry. It is Oklahoma’s second largest industry,” airport manager Adam Fox said. “We want people to experience the joy and thrill that goes along with it. The airport is an economic engine, helping connect the area coast to coast.”
The U.S. built the airport in 1943 as an Army Air Force World War II pilot training airfield. The hangars are maintained.
The airport has since added more hangars, and there are plans for upgrading even more. Thousands of men and women, from around the world, came to the location to train. Several of the aircraft, that flew in the 1940s at the airport, are still housed there, and still fly.
Fox said the aircraft on Sept. 25 ranged from general aviation aircraft to historic war birds, like the B-25 Bomber and several of the original aircraft that flew at the facility in 1943. The airport is a regional business airport within the Oklahoma Airport System Plan.
It is located at 6600 S Mustang Field Road in El Reno.
“Oklahoma is home to more than 1,100 aviation and aerospace companies. A rapidly growing industry in Oklahoma, we hope aviation events like this bring awareness, and help build an adequate and competent workforce, so down the road Oklahoma will be an Aviation Top 10 State,” Fox said.