I had heard of the Copperstate Fly-In for years, but never had the opportunity to attend. Now that I live in AZ, I thought I should drive over and see what it's all about.
That said, keep in mind that I was expecting something along the lines of Sun-N-Fun -- like a mini-Oshkosh. Also, that today it apparently wasn't really up and running. It officially starts tomorrow. I may have to return.
Van's presence at Copperstate is somewhat understated -- a lone RV-14 and a single representative to answer questions. Maybe more are coming later.
Here are the RVs that were on the field as of about noon today:
https://photos.shutterfly.com/gallery/b7bff35c-37ea
[more to follow][/QUOTE]
...single representative? You mean Mitch Lock, President of Vans!
...single representative? You mean Mitch Lock, President of Vans!
That was my experience too. I met plenty of friends from the canard aircraft community (almost a dozen) but basically zero RV'ers. When I left Sunday before the airshow my white aircraft was filthy from the water trucks and dirt.I walked the complete ramp area. It was conspicuously absent of RV's typical of such an event. There were more canard type planes in various flavors than RV's. Never seen that before. There is plenty of parking but much of it on freshly graded dirt and vigorously wet down. No wind fortunately.
Kind of depends on one's perspective. I made the trek down from Oregon and was not sorry. I kept busy (and warm) by volunteering with RV/camper hosting and the composites forums. Free lunch for volunteers! The size of the crowds didn't prevent me from seeing what I needed to see from the vendors and I found a bargain at the fly-mart. The airshows and that ridiculous twin-Yak with a jet engine -- meh. But I loved seeing and hearing the F-35 fly-over as well as the occasional 2-ships in tactical spread headed out to the ranges. Glad I came.... glad that I never made the trek out from Indiana for it. Kind of a dud, IMO. ...
The wife and I flew down there from Prescott (short trip) Sunday in the Lancair. Parked in the muddy dirt, didn't like that at all. I'm glad we didn't take the Staggerwing. Not as many planes there as I expected but the airshow wasn't bad for a small event. The vendor hanger had no lights.. Very odd. And there were empty spaces. The fuel was higher than I was lead to believe. The uAvionics guy was rude and didn't have a clue, most everyone else was nice and helpful. Sunday was a good day to talk to the vendors. The Buckeye airport crew were A1. Luke & Phoenix approach very nice. I don't think I'd fly a long distance for Copper State but it was a decent local show. BTW.. Being outside all day in the middle of cattle holding facilities... Stinks... Summer there would be unbearable.
Here's the link to the photos I took at the event on Saturday.
I think the crowds were pretty good on Saturday during the airshow. It was a bit chilly this year!
Here's the link to the photos I took at the event on Saturday.
I think the crowds were pretty good on Saturday during the airshow. It was a bit chilly this year!