The future of flight in Warren County was promoted Saturday and, despite the iffy weather, plenty of local flying folk and some from afar gathered to appreciate the joys and potential of aviation. The Fly-In Breakfast and Aviation Day was offered to the public for free and put on by Warren County’s Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1700. Officials estimate 85 breakfasts were served and approximately 200 people attended.
Unpredictable weather kept the American Airlines Flagship Detroit Foundation DC-3 from arriving in Warren County. There had been a big buzz about the impressive and historic aircraft that once flew Eleanor Roosevelt to her many engagements. Hopefully, it will make its grand landing at the next EAA Fly-In.
AMA Radio Control Demonstration hands-on training was also offered to guests.
Guest speakers included early local aviation pioneer Jack Puckett and keynote speaker Derek Rowe, head of the aviation department at Tullahoma High School.
Puckett was given a special recognition for being one of the early leaders and contributors to the Warren County Airport. He regaled the audience with tales of his suspenseful flying adventures back in the day to much laughter and interest. “I remember back in the day trying to fly when there was next to no outside help and flying over Spencer and just using those country roads down below the way young people today use GPS.”
One of the main focuses of the event was keynote speaker Derek Rowe who spoke on “Flying High: Our Impact on Student Success in Aviation.” Emphasizing the excellent opportunities that Tullahoma high schoolers have from a strong aviation program, he urged Warren countians to support a program for its own students.
“There are 1,700 high school aviation programs in the US, and 42 of those are in Tennessee,” said Rowe to an attentive audience. “Ten percent of aviation professionals are pilots; 90 percent are everyone else.”
Rowe said the “everyone else” are jobs that are in demand. He sees great potential here. His vision is that one day the schools and powers that be in Warren County will develop a high school aviation program on par with the other 42 high schools in the state. He spoke of the strong programs in the state including “Girls in Aviation” in Lebanon and Smyrna. “There’s no reason why this can’t one day, hopefully sooner than later, be a reality for young people.
He said the Tennessee Department of Education, along with municipal and regional support, has been instrumental for the program in Tullahoma.
Jerry Lassiter, president of the local EAA Chapter hopes the schools can become more involved in local aviation. He believes EAA chapters are vital to the success of the aviation programs. Many EAA chapters have participated over the years in building and flying RC airplanes with area youth.
Commercial pilot Andrew Buck was able to take his self-built Pietenpol Aircamper up in the sky for some demonstrations when the afternoon skies finally cleared. He is a big proponent of EAA and credits it for much of his success as a pilot.
Representatives of MTSU’s Department of Aerospace were on site encouraging and interacting with the event goers. They expressed interest in a permanent presence at Warren County's Veteran’s Memorial Airport.
Derek Rowe finished his presentation with appreciation for Terry Bell and the difficulty a county executive has to face in accommodating all of the needs and wants of the people. “Everyone wants to blame the county executive for anything that isn’t perfect. No one realizes the many challenges they face.”
Rowe, Puckett, Lassiter and airport manager Jim Dyer are all firm believers in the future of aviation and appreciate its contribution to history. They are enthusiastic about it and the future of Warren County’s youth.
