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YOU DON’T SEE ONE OF THESE EVERYDAY — Visitors to a recent Air Fair get a rare up close and personal glimpse of a U.S. Army CH-47 Delta Chinook helicopter. Patrick Shillito
Susanville Air Fair at a glance
The thrill of flight delights visitors of all ages LASSEN COUNTY CAN BE BEAUTIFUL to see from the air, from the majestic mountain ranges to the lakes to the miles and miles of forestland. One of the best ways to experience that unique bird’s eye view is by taking the family to the annual Susanville Air Fair located at the Susanville Municipal Airport at 471-920 Johnstonville Road in Susanville. Follow the signs off Highway 395 near the junction of Highway 36. A favorite event of local residents, flight enthusiasts and pilots from around the area, the Air Fair is a unique chance to see some of the most creative and interesting aircraft flown in the county up close and personal. The 2011 Air Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30. Each year, the Susanville Municipal Airport hosts the event with the help of Airport Manager Steve Datema and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter No. 794. As always, this year’s event will also serve a pancake breakfast. Primarily for the pilots who fly in from out of the area, the breakfast is open to anyone who arrives at the airport before the fair kicks off at 10 a.m. The breakfast is usually well attended and affordable at $6. Over the last two years, the breakfast has averaged roughly
400 meals served. The event attracts fliers from all across the western half of the United States, local automobile enthusiasts bring out a solid array of classic cars and vehicles and the Lassen County Radio Control Club performs remote control helicopter demonstrations. Last year the event held a kick off with a flyover from two F-15 jets based out of Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore. EAA planes are flown throughout the day, often landing and taking off at virtually the same time. In previous years, Air Shasta has made full-sized helicopter rides available. Datema said the attraction of the Air Fair is quite a pull for aviation enthusiasts within a more than 100-mile radius of the airport. Also unique to the 2010 Air Fair were the rides being offered in the N3N World War I era biplane. Two were actually available, one of which was a fully restored show piece and one designed for rides. Armed Forces and emergency service agencies bring out some big flying machines as well — from U.S. Army Chinook helicopters to even a California Highway Patrol helicopter. Three years ago saw the introduction of a Japanese Zero, one of only three active Zeros from the World War II era still flying today. With an appeal to children of
Lassen County Visitors Guide 2011-12
all ages, the Susanville Air Fair is an event that can leave lasting impressions for generations to come. For more information, call the airport at (530) 257-2030. ❖
WHEN — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2011 A pancake breakfast will be held in the main hangar from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. WHERE — 471-920 Johnstonville Road in Susanville at the Susanville Municipal Airport.
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