Young Aviators Fly-In 'will have it all'

An ambitious but fun weekend of activities includes aircraft camping, career and scholastic presentations, bonfires, music, scavenger hunt, movie, and two opportunities to roast marshmallows for s’mores.

McLeod pointed out that camping is free, and attendees are responsible for only one meal throughout the weekend to keep costs reasonable for budget-minded students. Other organizations and businesses picking up the tabs for additional meals include the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Chick-fil-A, Textron Aviation, and UPS.

She added that a suggested parking donation of $5 and other donations would help fund Triple Tree's aviation-centered education program and other initiatives.

The excitement shared by aviation-minded youth and their mentors during the inaugural event in 2018 tickled patriarch Pat Hartness so much that he opened the door for them to return for what McLeod and co-founder Ryan Hunt hoped would become a “young person’s Oshkosh.”

McLeod said months of planning would be worthwhile when organizers see fellow youth enjoy the property and learn what aviation has to offer. “From scholarship opportunities and educational seminars, to Young Eagle rides and mind-blowing RC airshows, I’m certain that most everyone will find something that piques their interest,” she predicted. “Whether they are a full-scale pilot, an RC pilot, or a student looking for ways to become involved in aviation, we will have it all for them this year!”

If you are flying in, a car isn’t needed because repurposed school buses carry attendees from one end of the 7,000-foot-long turf runway, ramp, and socializing area to a hilltop where Hartness hangars dozens of RC aircraft among several immaculate full-size vintage airplanes, provides workshop space, and stores the ever-important grills.

The attractive and well-maintained grounds include shady spots under tall pines that are perfectly positioned for tents. A wooden gazebo is an unofficial gathering area to judge other pilots’ landing technique or to swap hangar stories. A spacious pine-paneled restroom and shower facility helps keep attendees fresh, and an air-conditioned meeting room will double as a film screening theater. For anglers, a fishing pond allows quiet casting from a grassy bank. RV hookups are available for a modest fee, and there are motels in nearby Greenville or Spartanburg if attendees prefer more plush surroundings.

The University of West Georgia senior said “around 200 people” have already registered for the fly-in. The 2018 event drew 500 youth and seasoned aviators alike from North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and elsewhere.

McLeod reminded career-oriented college students that representatives from Textron Aviation, UPS, Piedmont Airlines, Cirrus Aircraft, Greenville Aviation, and Horizon Hobby would be available to promote their internship programs and scholarship opportunities. A complete schedule is posted online and aviators were encouraged to contact her through email if they can help volunteer for Young Eagle flights or other duties.

During the first fly-in coordinated for—and run by—youth, Hartness said it was “beautiful” to see them soak up aviation; he challenged young people to make it a regular event.

McLeod, who began her aviation journey at a grass strip in Georgia at age 15, concurred. “If we can walk away from this event and just touch the life of one individual whether that be in the form of a first flight, an internship interview, or a radio control lesson, we will be happy campers!”