The 36^TH Annual Southwest Regional Fly-In -- It Doesn't Get Any Wetter Than This!
By Randy Turner

“Abilene, Abilene,
Prettiest town I’ve ever seen,
Pilots there won’t treat you mean,”
The weather, however, is another story.

Abilene, Texas, home to the Southwest Regional Fly-In had suffered through a period of drought for many months.   Lakes were drying up.  Water rationing was in effect.  Through mid October, the situation looked hopeless.  But, thanks to air-show planners from several EAA Chapters in Texas, the drought broke on the weekend of October 20-22.  Had the Chamber of Commerce known that simply planning an air show would help end the drought, they would have had one months earlier.  The wet weather came at the worst possible time for SWRFI but at the best time for area farmers and ranchers who still bolster the economy of the Big Country of Texas.

During the first part of air show week, parts of Abilene received seven inches of rain.  Abilene Regional Airport, headquarters for the fly-in, received over three and a half inches just two days before the fly-in began.  With fingers crossed, air show planners pressed on, thankful for the rain but secretly praying for a break in the weather for the weekend.

On Thursday, October 19^th, a few planes began arriving; including three beautiful RV’s from Decatur, Athens, and Harvest, Alabama.  Still other RV’s arrived from McKinney, Texas and Ohio.  An award winning Motee 3 arrived from Kansas City in addition to several general aviation aircraft, antiques and classics from across Texas.  

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

Day one of the fly-in on Friday featured low clouds, light drizzle and light wind.  The City of Abilene gave the Southwest Regional Fly-In an official welcome during 10:00 a.m. opening ceremonies.  The Abilene High School Eagle Band performed.  Mayor Grady Barr presented a proclamation naming October 20-22, 2000 SWRFI weekend in Abilene.  The Abilene Chamber of Commerce Red Coats held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially start the weekend.  A couple of hours later, the rain began again but that didn’t stop the crowd from attending several forums which went on as scheduled at the Texas State Technical College A&P school located at ABI.  Vendors were housed out of the weather so they continued doing business.  Inside the hangars one could find just about anything aviation related from new headsets to rare aviation books.  What didn’t continue was the arrival of airplanes.  The weather was just too threatening and many pilots made a “no go” decision.  The RV’s from Alabama decided to use a brief weather window of opportunity to head back home leaving about 50 registered airplanes for the public to enjoy.

Among those who dared to stay were Dr. Jim Hays from nearby Brownwood, Texas who flew a rare 1938 Rose Parrakeet.  Made by the Rose Aeroplane and Motor Company, only eight were built, according to Hays, although a number of homebuilts use the design.    Only six originals remain and he has two of them.  With a Continental A-65 out front, the 700 pound bi-plane cruises at 85-90 mph.   Hays said he doesn’t know what the landing speed is because he is too busy flying the airplane.

Another pretty plane, which made the trip to Abilene, was a 1947 North American Navion belonging to Ron and Nancy Judy of Gate, Oklahoma.   The plane has been an award winner before for obvious reasons. It was immaculate.

Even though fly-in planners had hoped for upwards of 600 airplanes, there was still a good selection to view and appreciate.   One award winner from previous events proudly displayed a sign in the cockpit which told judges not to include his this time so that others may have a chance to win.   Pilots are not known to be bashful, especially when it comes to their pride and joy.

SATURDAY –

Without a doubt, Saturday was to be the main day of the fly-in when families could come and enjoy general aviation at its best.   Unfortunately, rain scared away many that would have attended had the weather cooperated.  Still, some hearty souls turned out and were treated to more than they expected.  By early afternoon, the rain stopped for a while, ceilings went to 3,000 feet and an air show was held after all.  Charlie Jirik of Dallas thrilled the crowd with a first class aerobatic show in his Fina Pitts.  Abilene’s own Bob Ford performed in his T-6.  There were formation fly-bys by a group of T-6 Texans who were joined by some T-28’s whose radial engines sang in the West Texas skies.

Saturday night, around 150 people attended the annual banquet and awards presentation held about a half mile away at the Taylor County Fairgrounds.   Stan Shannon,  SWRFI President, presented the President’s Award to EAA Chapter 471 and Warbird 5, both based in Abilene. 

Special recognition was given in honor of Bill and Jeremy Benedict of Oregon who were killed in a plane crash on their way to Sun ‘N Fun 2000.  Bill was Executive Vice-President of Vans Aircraft and was known to homebuilders nationwide, helping many complete their RV projects.  Bill had attended the Southwest Fly-In when it was held in Kerrville, Texas.  

Even with poor weather conditions for a third year in a row, officers and directors of the Southwest Regional Fly-In are not going to let a little wet weather ruin their plans.  In fact, they have already met and selected new officers for 2001.    Returning as President will be Stan Shannon of Fredericksburg.  Vice-Presidents include Tim McMurray of Merkel, Joe McLaughlin of Abilene and Lorne Sharp of Lubbock.  Carroll Osburn of Abilene is Treasurer, Dick Moga of Kerrville is Secretary while Woody Gilliland of Abilene, Jerry Mrazek of Arlington and Monroe McDonald of Dallas are Directors at Large.

They are, however, of the opinion that weather conditions may be more favorable if the event is held earlier in the year.  So, mark your 2001 calendars for September 21^st and 22^nd and plan to attend the next Southwest Regional Fly-In.  Maybe next year the weather there won’t treat you mean in Abilene, my Abilene.