Better each time

Another successful AOPA Fly-In at Arizona’s Buckeye Air Fair

May 1, 2025 By Sylvia Schneider Horne

What began as a small airport open house in the early 2000s has developed into one of the most vibrant aviation events in the western United States. This year marked the third time that AOPA has partnered with the city of Buckeye, Arizona, to support the city’s Air Fair with an exhibit hall, static display, and educational and industry seminars, and it was the best one yet.

Photography by Jake Teague

When the gates opened on Saturday, February 15, aircraft began arriving at a rate of 60 per hour as a steady stream of visitors eagerly explored the attractions. Close to the gates, the AOPA Sweepstakes Cessna 182 took pride of place and drew a crowd. Niki Britton, one of the sweeps project managers, said, “I had a great time showing attendees just how far the aircraft has come over the last year, answering their questions, and sharing what’s next!”

Around noon, the daytime airshow featured the Aerial Extreme Skydiving Team. Its skydivers elegantly circled to the ground, making way for aerobatic acts such as the team from Red Thunder Airshows and Go EZ Aerobatics, and a flyby by the World War II-era North American PBJ Mitchell.

A big clamshell hangar housed this year’s 53 exhibitors and buzzed with people checking out the latest technology, gear, and everything else around flying. Visitors attended AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance’s Pilot Town Hall meeting and seminars covering airspace, aircraft purchases, maintenance, and flight training.

AOPA members received VIP treatment that allowed them access to the AOPA Flightline Chalet, which offered an unobstructed view of the airshows. Once darkness fell, fireworks exploded and Nathan Hammond’s de Havilland Super Chipmunk GhostWriter, carrying 200 pounds of pyrotechnics, flew a breathtaking aerobatic routine, followed by Kyle Fowler’s Long EZ shooting sparklers and fire balls. But the biggest “oohs” and “aahs” were reserved for 250 drones glittering in every color of the rainbow, assembling and dispersing and reassembling themselves into shapes like the state of Arizona, the American flag, and AOPA’s wings.

Attendance was up from last year, with about 36,000 visitors. While strong, gusty winds on Friday slowed the pace of arrivals, more than 350 aircraft flew in to take part in the three-day Air Fair. About 100 volunteers worked 250 shifts during the event.