AOPA Fly-Ins: Carbondale cool

Southern Illinois is a tranquil region with plenty of natural beauty to draw in out-of-town visitors. Two hundred eighty thousand acres of glades, barrens, prairies, streams, lakes, ponds, and waterfalls make up the Shawnee National Forest—a perfect destination for hiking, canoeing, or fishing. For hikers up to the challenge, the three-mile Little Grand Canyon Trail winds along the base of 300-foot bluffs before leading out of the canyon through a rocky creek bed—it is said to provide spectacular views of autumn leaves. The 111-foot-tall Bald Knob Cross is situated in the Shawnee National Forest and, when illuminated at night, can be seen over an area of 7,500 square miles.

We’ve packed a lot of fun into two days. Presented by Southern Illinois University Aviation, the AOPA Fly-In kicks off on Friday with a series of all-day workshops focusing on topics ranging from weather tactics to taking your VFR and IFR skills to the next level (preregistration and tuition fee apply). Ease into the weekend by checking out the exhibit hall and happy hour on Friday, then enjoy live music at the Barnstormers Party.

On Saturday, start your day with a pancake breakfast prepared by AOPA staff and volunteers, then experience free seminars, the aircraft static display, and a Pilot Town Hall meeting and ice cream social with AOPA President Mark Baker.

Fly-out opportunities include an optional tour of Scott Air Force Base or a visit to Frasca Field (C16) to see the Frasca Air Museum and the Frasca International Factory, which manufactures flight simulators. Both events take place October 5.

When the fly-in concludes on October 6, the fun isn’t over. Fly to Indianapolis Executive Airport, just 195 nautical miles from MDH. Catch the Red Bull Air Race action on Sunday, October 7, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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