Annual fly-in is plane fun

SANDPOINT — Airplane enthusiasts should clear their schedules Saturday for the fourth annual Sandpoint Fly-In, which offers a smorgasbord of all things aviation.

The event begins at 8 a.m. at the Sandpoint Airport and is free and open to the public.

Sponsored by Silver Wing in Sandpoint, Silver Wing Flight Services and the Sandpoint chapter of EAA, the fly-in will feature hourly air shows from Renny Price of Hammerhead Aerobatics, live music, tours of Quest Manufacturing and an up-close look at a host of new, modified, home-built and restored airplanes.

Justin Landis of Silver Wing Flight Services said the fly-in is meant to introduce people to all aspects of aviation and show that anyone who wants to become a pilot can do so.

“What we’re hoping to do is remind people that the airport is here and let them know that aviation really is a great hobby for anyone and is definitely accessible to the average person.”

As a novice pilot himself, Landis speaks from experience about the accessibility of aviation.

“I started here in November and I’d always thought flying would be fun, but I thought it was a pipe dream,” he said “Now I’m in the process of getting my pilot’s license and realizing it’s not just for rich people or people whose parents or grandparents fly. Anybody can get into aviation.”

The event features an 8 a.m. breakfast, which costs $7 for adults and $3 for children 14 and under. The EAA will also be signing up children ages 8 to 17 for free Young Eagles airplane rides to be given on another weekend.

For more information about the fly-in, call 263-9102.