Fly-in events and pilot get-togethers are one of the best parts of the aviation world. Where else can you spend time immersed in the activity you love with other like-minded individuals?
This summer, get ready to join other aviation enthusiasts and pilots alike at any number of these events. Here are the best fly-ins and aviation events in the Midwest for summer 2019.
Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering
Buffalo, MN
Event date: April 27-28, 2019
Find out more information: http://www.mnpilots.org/gmag/index.php
The first event on our list is the Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering. This aviation event features educational sessions and a variety of vendors of aviation-related products. Learn about a broad range of topics, including owner-assisted maintenance, seaplane operations, ski plane operations, survival medicine, single pilot IFR, Minnesota aviation history, winter operations, engine management, how to promote your local airport and much more.
Junction City Aviation Expo
Kansas City, KS
Event date: May 31, 2019 – Jun 1, 2019
Find out more information: https://www.jcaviationexpo.com/
Known as “the most pilot-friendly fly-in in the known Universe”, Junction City Aviation Expo is a weekend full of aviation fun. With free pilot hospitality tent on the flight line with free drinks and snacks. Pilots can camp and enjoy a Friday fly-in feast and pizza feed at Prairie Cottage Airport. Saturday pancake feed with food vendors on the field as well as an ice cream social for pilots and crew.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI
Event date: July 22-28, 2019
Find out more information: https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure
One of the biggest fly-in conventions in the United States is EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Visitors are in for plenty of aviation-related activities, including legendary American military aircraft in history on display, from iconic World War II airplanes to today’s most sophisticated flying machines, will be on display at AirVenture 2019. Additionally, Apollo 11 command module pilot Michael Collins will be the featured guest as AirVenture 2019 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, which in July 1969 marked the first time men landed on the moon and returned safely.
Granite City Days Fly-In
St. Cloud, MN
Event date: June 30, 2019
Find out more information: https://stcloudairport.com/93/Events
Set your coordinates to St. Cloud, where the Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol welcomes all for a pancake and sausage breakfast fly-in at the St. Cloud Regional Airport. Breakfast is free for the pilot, $7.50 for other adults and $4.50 for children 5-12. During this time, the public is welcome to walk around on the airport tarmac and see a variety of aircraft and airport equipment on display. The St. Cloud Antique Auto Club, aka “Pantowners”, also hosts a classic collector car show on site as well.
19th Annual Cessna 150-152 Fly-In
Clinton, IA
Event date: July 24-26, 2019
Find out more information: https://www.cessna150152flyin.org/
If you own or fly a Cessna 150 or 152, head to Clinton Iowa for the Confab in the Corn. At this fly-in, you don’t simply land and park your plane, you get out and actually fly your airplane. Participate in the Nerf Drop and Spot Landing Contest, Poker Run and Aerial Scavenger Hunt. Arrive early to fly on dawn patrol before breakfast or dusk patrol after dinner, or fly with your friends in an impromptu caravan. There are many outstanding seminars where visitors earn FAA Wings credit. Camp under the wing, or stay in one of the many hotels nearby.
Janesville Warbird Weekend 2019
Janesville, WI
Event date: July 19-21
Find out more information: https://jvl19.splashthat.com/
Janesville Warbird Weekend was started to honor the men and women who built these warbirds and honor the veterans who fought to defend and secure our freedom, as well as to educate current and future generations of the importance of our aviation heritage. Guests are able to take rides in a number of World War II-era aircraft. Also, Jeff Skiles, US Airways Flight 1549 “Miracle on the Hudson” First Officer will be on-site for autograph and photograph opportunities.
Fly Iowa 2019
Boone, IA
Event date: August 3, 2019
Find out more information: http://flyiowa.org/about-iapg/about-fly-iowa/
Fly Iowa is Iowa Aviation Promotion Group’s signature event and is known as “Iowa’s Air Fair” to show the best in Iowa Aviation and showcase local airports. Fly Iowa was first promoted by the Iowa Department of Transportation in 1991 with the Iowa City Municipal Airport chosen as the site of the first event. The event moves each year to a different host airport, with this year’s host being Boone Municipal Airport. It’s a free-admission event and includes an aerobatic air show, as well as educational displays, a flight breakfast, safety seminars and youth aviation activities.
Fly/In Cruise/In
Marion, IN
Event date: August 31, 2019
Find out more information: http://flyincruisein.com/
The 29th Annual Fly/In Cruise/In will be held Saturday, August 31st, 2019 at the Marion, Indiana Municipal Airport (MZZ). The action starts early at 7:00 am and runs through the afternoon. This annual event features antique, classic, homebuilt, ultralight, rotorcraft and warbird aircraft as well as vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, fire trucks, autocycles, military vehicles and tractors. An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is served. All proceeds from the Fly/In Cruise/In benefit the Grant County Rescue Mission in Marion, Indiana.
Are You Ready to Explore These Great Summer Fly-In Events?
Get in touch with Inflight Pilot Training today and gain the freedom to fly to these fun summer events for pilots. Whether you want to go through the entire private pilot training process, refresh a certification or go after a new rating, our team of certified instructors will help you accomplish your goals.
Get in touch with our team today to find out more: Send us a message or call (952) 698-3000.