SAAC Presents:
A Shoreliner's First-Time Experience of the 22nd Simsbury Fly-In, Sunday, September 23rd, 2007, Simsbury Airport, Simsbury, CT  (This page created 2/15/2008)

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"Maximum Wings And Wheels!"

Although, we, as New Englanders, often complain about the cold and snow that confronts us during the winter months (for instance, as I am doing today as I write this, in chilly mid-February!), there are times of the year that the weather just doesn't get any nicer--such as the month of September, for example!

It happened this past September that my son Matt and I had a free Sunday coming up, and so we set about scanning the upcoming old car event notices for ideas of where we might like to go. Not finding anything in the immediate Shoreline area, we started to look at other general Connecticut type listings, and came upon the "Simsbury Fly-In" that was going to be happening at the Simsbury Airport on Sunday, the 23rd of September. We had never talked with anyone who had been to this event, but it did look very interesting, given the published descriptions talking about a gathering of vintage cars AND vintage aircraft. Little did we know actually how great of a time we'd have there!

It looked like about an hour or so drive from our home in Stony Creek, up to the Simsbury Airport. We ended up getting a fairly leisurely start, but happily the old 1960 VW Bug ran like a champ, and we had a very pleasant drive up there--with Mapquest's directions even taking us right past the Kaman Helicopter Plant in Bloomfield--a place I'd known of for many years, but never actually saw (talk about Connecticut aviation history!).

When we got to within a mile or so of the Simsbury Airport, however, we started to realize that we were coming upon a seriously BIG-TIME happening! There were cars parked everywhere along the roadside--and we couldn't even see the airport yet! Seeing as how we were driving an antique car--presumably (& hopefully!) to enter into the antique car show that was part of the Fly-In--we just kept proceeding along the road, with many other antique autos observed also to be in line with us. Finally we got to the Airport gate, and were waved inside, as part of a column of several old cars of all types.

A worker who met us as we drove in mentioned that he wasn't sure there was still space available to park our car, but just to "stay in line" and hopefully we'd end up somewhere with some space "way in the back." I asked what we owed, and the worker said "we'll accept any donation." We handed him some cash and then proceeded slowly along amidst all the already-parked antique autos--and THRONGS of spectators milling about. At this point, Matt and I were making a mental note to get an earlier start the next time we attended--this was a huge deal indeed!

Finally we found a spot back not far from the edge of the runway--and also not far from a real-live UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter (separated only by a rope line from the antique autos)! How cool! We also knew this called for a photo-op; it's not often that I get to park my car next to a Black Hawk!

IMAGE AT RIGHT: Yes, that's an actual UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in the background of this shot--that features our '60 Bug, and a really spectacular 1949 Chevrolet Deluxe Fastback as well!

Little did we know, however, that the "fun was just beginning," since we had yet to experience the AIRCRAFT! Matt and I headed over to the airfield, which was getting rapidly filled with all sorts of super-cool airplanes--many of which were amazing vintage antiques--and not just static displays either--these were real, live, flying antiques! And adding to the excitement was the fact that they were parked in a field directly adjacent to the runway, which was being used for all sorts of other old planes, taking off and landing the whole time! How exciting to be able to see and hear these magnificent machines, "up close and personal!" I can't describe the feeling of that whole scene!

After we had a good taste of the aircraft, we ventured back over to the crowded Simsbury Airport parking lots that contained the unbelievable turnout of antique automobiles and trucks--but first, we made sure to get in line and get ourselves some tasty barbecued burgers and sodas--which we then enjoyed at one of several picnic tables set up nearby--and all the while being serenaded by a great rock & roll band that was playing cool surf music and such from a 2nd floor balcony overlooking all the "beehive of activity" below.

As noted, the antique cars and trucks were parked in all sorts of parking areas that were interspersed among the airport buildings. I've heard car & truck turnout numbers in the 300+ range, and those numbers do not surprise me one bit. Matt and I had a great time walking here and there--among all the other spectators--enjoying the beautiful bright and sunny day, and checking out all sort of antiques, classics, muscle cars, hot rods, trucks, and yes, even some antique imported sports & economy cars here and there too (we were far from the only antique VW there, it can be noted!).

IMAGE AT RIGHT: Crowds of people enjoying the scene...beautiful classic cars gleaming in the sun...what a tremendous day...

All the while we're walking around, cool aircraft are taking off and landing, circling the airport in the air, taxiing around on the grass, and on and on. It was definitely one very exciting and very fun place to be!

Another really unique and interesting aspect of the Simsbury Fly-In was the emergency car accident extrication demonstration that was staged in a little grassy area to the side of one of the driveways, bounded at the other side by one of the Airport buildings. With PA-system narration, we observed as a late-model automobile with two "accident victims" inside, was staged as an accident scene with injuries. Teams of fire department and emergency service personnel worked in an organized manner to stabilize the scene, and treat the victims. It was so impressive to see how well-trained and well-equipped the demonstration teams were, and to watch as they did their jobs professionally. We later found some photos of a similar demonstration from the 2005 Fly-In at the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company's web site (http://www.simsburyfd.org/) - use this link to see the selection of "action" pictures: http://www.simsburyfd.org/Gallery/general/2005-09-25.htm . We also noticed fellow old-VW enthusiast from the CT VW Association (www.ctvwa.com), Milt McDonald working on top of the fire truck that was parked nearby--very impressive, Milt!

Having to get on our way, Matt and I were not able to stay and watch the entire accident scene demonstration, and headed over to our car to get it started and join the line of cars waiting for the accident demo to conclude, so that we could drive out (though I do believe the "victims" eventually did get transported to a real-live "LifeStar" helicopter, which actually did take off from right nearby the scene of the staged accident & extrication--unbelievable!).

A couple of days later, we found and made sure to save a copy of this quote from the Valley Classic Wheels Car Club web site (ref: http://www.valleyclassicwheels.com - they were the hard-working organizers of the antique car show portion of the festivities):

"...What a fantastic day at the 22nd Annual Fly-In and Car Show. Sunday the 23rd set a record for show cars by 10:45am and then went on to break it. Over 300 show cars jammed the fields, parking lots and driveways of the Airport proper and the Phonon Lot (next door). 'We were turning show cars away and really didn't want to do that,' said gate-master Rob Riddell. 'After finding a little more space, we re-opened the main gate.' The Clams played tunes, the top ten winners were presented their trophies and the day was complete. Two hundred planes, and 8,000 spectators turned out with the show cars to celebrate the first day of Autumn..."

More recently, in researching our own SAAC web site feature to document our experiences attending the Simsbury Fly-In, we saw these "bullet points" listed on another Valley Classic Wheels web site page (ref: http://www.valleyclassicwheels.com/feature/):

"...Sunday, September 23, 2007...Simsbury Fly-In and Car Show...VCWCC hosts Car Show portion of event...Record number of show vehicles (315+) attend event...East Granby Lions raffle car...Life Star helicopter visit...CT/Air National Guard Blackhawk helicopter..."

Our local New Haven-area media outlet, WTNH-TV/News Channel 8 filed this report from later the same evening of the 2007 Simsbury Fly-In, which we also made a point to save a copy of (ref: http://wtnh.com/global/story.asp?s=7117082&ClientType=Printable ), as it gives some good facts and background about the event:

"...'Simsbury Fly-In Lands Thousands,' by News Channel 8's Crystal Haynes...posted Sept. 23, 2007, 7:22 PM...Simsbury (WTNH)

The 22nd Annual Simsbury Fly-In landed a crowd of thousands this weekend.

It was held at the public airport, the fly-in not only serves as a source of family fun, it's also a crucial fundraiser for the continued operations of the facility.

The 22nd Annual Simsbury Fly-In brought in every type of aircraft from single engine private planes to a Black Hawk helicopter on loan from the U.S. Coast Guard. The Seely Boys of Avon got an eye full.

'You get to see them take off and land,' said Connor Seely of Avon

'Is this better than videos games?' 'Yeah,' said his brother Liam.

'It's wonderful. The kids get really up close and see the engines all the way the planes work and everything,' said their father, Brook Seely.

The fun wasn't just in the sky, Valley Classic Wheels sponsored an antique and hot rod exhibit. For Vanise Shea the fly-in is all about 'the cars, the planes bringing everybody together. See all the older stuff and the heritage from back then.'

The annual fly in isn't just about bringing the family out, or sitting in airplanes. It's also about raising money for the operations of the airport that isn't government funded and is run completely by volunteers.

'We pretty much operate hand to mouth. We rent the airport from a family in West Hartford and it's a struggle to keep it going,' said Joe Bellino, Simsbury Fly-In Chairman. 'We're responsible for maintenance of the building. We're responsible for maintenance of the runway, maintenance of the property. So it's a big nut to crack every month.'

An estimated 8,000 people came out for the day long event twice as many as last year. Organizers hope they'll double their cash reserves for operations throughout the year.

The 23rd Annual Simsbury Fly-In is already set for September 21st..."

We also understand the 2007 Simsbury Fly-In was co-sponsored by our favorite oldies music outlet, 102.9 WDRC-FM (and long-time friend to old car enthusiasts in the state, thanks to their popular "Cruisin' News" page: http://www.drcfm.com/features/cruisin_news.php), so hats-off to the good 'DRC folks too!

Again, we did run across several other very good references pertaining to the 2007 Simsbury Fly-In, during the preparation of this report--here are a few more worth passing along (hopefully these links work for you):

"How to Create Airport Support - The Simsbury Fly-In," EAA Chapter Hangar article by Bill Thomas, "EAA Sport Aviation" magazine (http://www.eaa.org/sportaviation/), February 2008 (Vol. 57, No. 2), pages 70 through 74 - http://www.simsburyairport.com/applications/flyingarticle.pdf

100% Kulture Simsbury Fly-In Photos Gallery - http://www.100percentkulture.com/100Gallery/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=13679

Murdercycles Simsbury Fly-In Photos Gallery - http://murdercycles.com/v-web/gallery/album122

Tom Hildreth Photography Photos from the 2007 Fly-In - http://photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=775559

And for good measure, here are a couple of general informational links about the Simsbury Airport, which in itself is a unique institution--and I'm sure something like the Fly-In would most likely never take place without a forward-thinking host such as this:

Simsbury Airport main web site - http://www.simsburyairport.com

Wikipedia page about the Simsbury Airport (small mention of the Fly-In also): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simsbury_Airport

I hope you've enjoyed our look back at the 2007 Simsbury Fly-In, and sense our excitement at what a truly fun time it is--and also our desire to get back there for the '08 version!

And now on to the photos...

BELOW: In this view I'm standing at the head of one of the airports hangar parking areas, where the show cars were arranged--as you can see, they had to really "pack 'em in!" I am facing toward the active airport area, where planes were coming in and taking off. And as you can see, there were tons of enthusiastic spectators everywhere. It was truly a fantastic scene...

BELOW: I believe I'm still in the same parking area as the above view, but have walked further toward the airport, along the cars parked on the left side of the parking area--as you can see, all types and styles were represented...

BELOW: Young couples, parents with kids, older folks, you-name-it--this event was clearly a huge spectator hit! I'm in another of the side parking annexes of the airport for this shot, where more of the many beautiful antique autos were arranged.

BELOW: This view tells a nice story of the 2007 Simsbury Fly-In, with beautiful cars parked nearby beautiful planes, and plenty of spectators enjoying the scene on a clear and bright September day!

BELOW: Well, even though this is an antique auto-oriented web site, I couldn't help but insert a picture of the vintage airplane that got my vote for "best in show." As you can see here, this truly unbelievable 1943 "Howard DGA" (I think I read that stands for "Damn Good Airplane"! - ref: http://www.generalaviationnews.com/editorial/articledetail.lasso?-token.key=7341&-token.src=column&-nothing - we agree!) has just landed and is taxiing over to it's parking spot on the grass. You can see at least one of the uniformed Civil Air Patrol Cadet "wingwalkers" jogging alongside the moving aircraft, helping him get where he needs to go, and also ensure safety of spectators. I later looked at an info card on this awesome P&W-powered (and H-S prop'd) '43 Howard, and learned it was based in Port Orange, FL, and was owned by Ed and Barb Moore. If there were a "Duesenberg" of the airplane world, this burgundy classic beauty might be it...

BELOW: Ok, back in the car show area, I had to get a shot that included this magnificent '72 (I think) VW panel truck, looking showroom new, nearby some equally beautiful older American classics.

BELOW: And finishing up, one more shot to show what a thrill it was to be able to park our '60 VW where we were, near the edge of the working runway, that is visible in the background (just in front of the Quonset buildings on the other side of the runway). Check out the superb vintage military Jeeps in the left background, and of course that awesome '49 Chevy to the right. I can't say enough what a great time we had at the 2007 Simsbury Fly-In!

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