COLDWATER, MI — Dozens of planes and a helicopter filled the skies over Branch County Memorial Airport, arriving for the 78th Fly In Breakfast Sunday, June 7.
Pilots from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan flew into Coldwater, joining hundreds of local residents for a morning of aviation and pancakes.
For the host, the Branch County Flying Club, the Fly In serves an important purpose.
Proceeds from pancake sales and 50-50 drawings fund scholarships for students pursuing aviation careers, supporting the next generation of pilots.
Quincy graduate Lily Grey received her first scholarship as she begins her studies this fall at the University of Dubuque to become a pilot. She also volunteered by making pancakes.
Morgan Dancer earned her third scholarship as she completes her aviation degree at Western Michigan University.
Visitors enjoyed an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast inside the Elite Air Service hangar, while aircraft lined the aprons, and the space between taxiways and hangars for up-close viewing.
The event also featured classic cars, a biker poker ride, and rides around the airport grounds.
Highlights included two Grumman Widgeons—twin-engine flying boats and two of only 32 still flying worldwide.
Brian Vanwagnen of Jackson arrived in his 1942 Grumman G-44 Widgeon, built the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Commercial pilot Mike Pratt of Louisville, Kentucky, flew in his 1947 Super Widgeon.
Chris Nelson of Lansing, Illinois, flew 116 nautical miles in a 1960 5086 ex-military helicopter, which he operates experimentally.
Nelson is familiar with the airport, having served as the pilot for MyFlight Tours’ fall-color helicopter tours around the lakes.
The tradition dates back to the 1930s, when local pilots began flying to neighboring airports for breakfast gatherings. These meetings eventually grew into the organized event held today.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Pilots, community enjoy pancakes and planes at the 78th airport Fly In
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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By Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter | USA TODAY Network
