Mid-America Antique Airplane Group

The 5th annual Great Plains Vintage / Classic Sailplane Regatta is happening this weekend on the northeast side of Wichita at the Wichita Glider Port.  I stopped by this afternoon to see what it is all about.  There were lots of sailplanes on hand, many traveling from as far away as Illinois and Wisconsin.

I looked up the N-Numbers on the FAA website and found many of these aircraft are from the 1960's and 1970's, though one is from 1947 - a Schweizer SG2 (NX91861) complete with navigation lights on the wing tips and tail!








There was a lot of flying activity going on, with two tow planes seeing action.  It looks like a lot of fun and definitely is a team effort to launch the sailplanes and secure them following landing.  Maybe another aspect of sport flying to consider some day in the future.  By the way, next year marks the 100th anniversary of the first soaring flight by the Wright Brothers.

Here are some additional photos from the Vintage / Classic Sailplane Regatta in Wichita.  Is there anything more graceful than sailplanes in flight?

While looking around the Wichita Glider Port, I found this airplane in the back corner of one of the hangars. I believe this is a pre-war Aeronca Chief restored by John McMaster.  Looks great!

Today was the September MAAG event hosted by Phil Ciholas at Eagle Field.  The weather cooperated with temperatures in the 80's, light winds, and sunny skies.  About 20 airplanes flew in with about 60 people showing up for a delicious barbecue lunch provided by Phil.

This coming Saturday, September 11, will be a fly-in and hangar party hosted by Phil Ciholas at Eagle Field (7KS9). The action starts at noon and runs until dusk. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an afternoon of fun, food, friends, and flying.

Phil will provide a delicious lunch of barbecue, baked beans, potato salad, and cole slaw.

As always, guests are welcome!

Here are some directions:

By Air: Eagle Field 37 degrees 51 minutes North, 97 degrees 30.6 minutes West; 7 NM 22 degrees from the ICT VOR; use caution for Colwich antenna farm 4 miles south and single tower 6 miles north. Runway 17/35 is 3600 feet by 90 feet, lighted, grass, left hand pattern. Elevation 1380 MSL. Comm frequency 122.85, but expect no-radio traffic in the area.

By Land: 14501 West 93rd Street, 4 miles northwest of Maize on K96, turn right on 151st Street West, go 2 miles north, turn right on 93rd north and go 1/2 mile east.