Fabled fly-in delights

One of the most frequently asked questions about the 16-year-old annual event, held this year from September 18 through 24 at the Triple Tree Aerodrome in Woodruff, South Carolina, is, “Can I land my airplane on the grass runway?” The answer is almost invariably, “yes!”

The 7,000-by-400-foot runway—believed to be the longest grass runway in the United States—is so smooth and perfectly mowed that aircraft of all varieties flew in this year ranging from Piper Cubs to Cessna 172s, Cirrus SR22s, Pilatus PC–12s, a North American P–51 Mustang, a Douglas DC–3, and many more interesting and unique airplanes.

Triple Tree is an altogether different kind of fly-in, where flying, socializing, camping, and eating rule. Attendees gather in pockets across the sprawling 400-acre facility to watch endless takeoffs, landings, and flybys. Each night homemade meals are served at the Main Hangar, and afterward attendees drift off to campsites and RVs to share hangar stories late into the night.

“Another banner year, over 600 airplanes with over 1500 operations,” said Robb Williams, Triple Tree Aerodrome executive director. “During that week we were not only one of the busiest airports in South Carolina, but we were equivalent to Cleveland International Airport. We had guests come from 34 states and 9 foreign countries.”

Mark your calendars for next year’s event: September 23 through 29. AOPA plans to return with the Oasis hospitality tent so we can swap tall tales and root for our favorite college football teams next to one of our favorite grass strips.