Aviation Day 2011 at Vero Beach Airport
On Saturday, February 12, 2011, over 4,000 citizens from local and neighboring communities took advantage of the sunny weather and came out to enjoy over 50 participating display aircraft, take a tour through several of the larger aircraft, chat with the pilots, embark on an airplane or helicopter ride, or just gaze at the exhibits on the airfield or in the air.
Piper Aircraft had the mock-up of their new Altaire jet aircraft on hand, along with two new production aircraft. The Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) industry was represented by Remos and US Sport Aircraft. Classic and rare aircraft such as a 1930 Consolidated YPT-6A biplane and a DeHavilland Tiger Moth shared space with Experimental Amateur-Built aircraft, often referred to as homebuilt aircraft, owned by EAA 99 members, which included an RV-8, an RV-9A, a Rans S-7 and a Murphy Elite on amphibious floats. Missionary Flights International of Fort Pierce brought their flagship 1944 DC-3, re-engined with PT-6 turboprops replacing the piston radial engines. A group of civilian T-34 trainers arrived overhead the airport in a formation flyover prior to landing, and departed later in the day, again in formation.
The military aircraft attending Aviation Day 2011 included two Navy FA-18C Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadron Eighty-Six based at MCAS Beaufort, SC, a Navy T-6 Texan II from Training Air Wing Six flown in from NAS Pensacola, and the Coast Guards newest aircraft, the HC-144A Ocean Sentry, which flew in from Coast Guard Air Station Miami.
History Flight was on hand with their WWII-era B-25H Mitchell bomber, North American T-6 Advanced Trainer, and Stearman primary trainer, all of which were available for rides and flying constantly. The Bell JetRanger helicopter was also busy all day flying patrons around the city for an aerial view. Inside the terminal lobby, visitors checked out EAA99s flight simulators, the FAA Safety Team, Piper Aircraft Pilot shop, and Legacy Flight Trainings brand-new Piper Mirage and Meridian flight simulators, along with several other vendors and exhibitors.
Having welcomed so many people at the airport, provided so much Plane Enjoyment, and done so safely, Aviation Day organizers and volunteers considered Aviation Day 2011 a resounding success!
Read what the local press reported about Aviation Day 2011:
Thousands flock to Aviation Day - TCPalm, Feb. 12, 2011
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