Spring Fly-In Not Stymied by Storm

80D - Clare County Airport, Harrison Michigan

4557 N Clare Ave
Harrison, MI 48625

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – After months of gaining community support and of planning the many details of a fly-in, good old Mother Nature chose to be a tad bit uncooperative last weekend. After a great Friday, she decided to rain down a fierce thunderstorm Friday night, and then continue a bit more rain through early Saturday morning.

It is well understood that pilots are limited in their ability to wisely fly in rain, so it was no surprise the iffy weather led to a limited number of pilots opting to take to the skies for the May 17 Spring Fly-In and Dawn Patrol held at Clare County Airport 80D. Understandably, such weather also would limit the requested helicopter/crew participation of the National Guard.

Yet, local and visiting pilots, along with the hosting volunteers saw the event as being truly successful. How so? Well, after many years of no such gathering, the event did happen, and those in attendance enjoyed a convivial exchange of airplane, military and flying experiences. A head count of community visitors, pilots, event volunteers, representatives of law enforcement, fire and ambulance service, yielded an attendance of more than 70. Not a bad turnout for following a raging storm system.

Attendees took some time to check out the two resident planes [including a bi-plane] on display, as well as the two visiting planes and one helicopter. One child, especially, while unable to verbalize how much it meant was able to express the thrill she derived from sitting in both an airplane and the helicopter.

Young and older were accommodated with coffee, doughnuts, gift certificates and wooden model airplanes bearing the “Clare County Airport 80D” identifier [which were a big hit with everyone]. Those attendees who parked their vehicles at a distance enjoyed the option of being chauffeured to the gathering area north of the airport terminal building. The fact that most of the attendees stayed for the full three hours of the event is illustrative of their enjoyment of the event.

The mood at this event was thoroughly upbeat and forward-thinking, which is a good thing, because it won’t be all that long before it’s time for the Fall Fly-In and Dawn Patrol tentatively scheduled for Oct. 4.