PETAWAWA — Pembroke & Area Airport seized the opportunity of Canada’s 150th anniversary to host a unique event that could be the only one taking place in all of Canada. The Canada 150 Fly-In is hoping to attract 150 aircraft to come visit the airport on Saturday, September 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Already there has been interest expressed from clubs in Rideau and Val d’Or as well as individuals who are hoping for a good day to make the trip.
“We last held a fly-in 10 years ago and it was pretty popular,” says Steve Gilchrist, Pembroke & Area Airport Manager. “I think this is a little special around Canada’ 150th so I’m anticipating our airport will be a busy place on the 23rd.”
In addition to the visiting aircraft, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario MNR) has confirmed three or four major aircraft to be on display. People can get a look up close at the aircraft that spot forest fires and those that help extinguish them. The Ontario MNR also flies the area for wildlife counts, flooding control and fish stocking. The agency spends a lot of time in the Ottawa Valley, recording 128 movements in 2016.
Also on display will be the Algonquin Aeromodeller’s simulator which allows people to try their hand at flying. It’s harder than it looks to keep an aircraft balanced during take-offs and landings, and this is the public’s chance to test their wits at that experience. As the event is geared to families, Ry-J’s will be on hand with three inflatables for kids to enjoy.
The event is free to attend. A chili lunch will be available for purchase with proceeds going towards repaving the runway.
For details on the event, please visit: www.flycyta.ca or follow the airport’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/flycyta
