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WEST BRANCH — The West Branch Community Airport will open its gates to the public for the EAA Chapter 1253 annual fly-in from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 20, at 1519 W. Airport Road.
The free, family-friendly event will include airplanes and helicopters on display, a car show, a candy drop for children and a Veterans Administration outreach center. The first 200 children will receive a free foam glider.
An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast will be served during the event. The breakfast will feature Mason’s Maple Syrup and sausage links from Klemmer’s Meats. The cost is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-11, and free for children 5 and under.
This year’s special guest is “Hairless Joe,” a World War II-era C-47 aircraft from the Michigan Flight Museum. Rides on the vintage military aircraft will be available for $185.
.The visit by “Hairless Joe” adds a living history piece to the day. The C-47 Skytrain was one of the best-known military transport planes of World War II. Aircraft like it carried troops and cargo, towed gliders and helped move wounded service members. The plane’s appearance will give visitors a close look at an aircraft tied to one of the most important chapters in military aviation history.
The fly-in also gives residents a chance to see one of Ogemaw County’s important transportation assets up close. West Branch Community Airport is a public-use airport located southeast of West Branch. The airport serves private pilots, visiting aircraft, local aviation groups and community events. Its 5,000-foot asphalt runway helps connect the West Branch area to the wider region
EAA Chapter 1253 brings together pilots, aircraft builders and aviation supporters. The group promotes flying, safety, education and fellowship among people who enjoy aviation.
For more information, call 989-345-1453.
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