Houma airport stage for Fly-in

The Houma skies will be roaring with the sound of aircraft when this year’s edition of the Bill Fornof Memorial EAA Chapter 513 Fly-in makes its way to Houma-Terrebonne Airport.

This year’s fly-in is set for Saturday, Oct. 18, at 8 a.m. and takes place in Hangar #1 (Johnston Flying Service).

The event is designed to show off the Houma-Terrebonne Airport’s aviation facilities, according to Newton Boudreaux, coordinator of the event.

“Plenty of people don’t know how great our facilities are,” he said. “Events like this help bring awareness to the great facilities we have here.”

Last year, several pilots flew in their home-built airplanes.

Boudreaux said many flyers are expected to return this year.

The United States Coast Guard has also been invited to fly an H-66 Dolphin helicopter.

The highlight of the event is the fly-by of a B-52 bomber from Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City. The B-52 is one of the oldest and largest U.S. Air Force craft actively flying today.

Also available for view are emergency and rescue vehicles from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol, helicopters from Air Logistics, Tennessee Gas, Petroleum Helicopters, Acadian Ambulance AirMed and ERA.

A combat-ready Hummer will also be on display.

“And kids won’t be left out,” Boudreaux said. “The National Guard is bringing their climbing wall and we’ll have an RC flying model simulator there for everyone to try out. It really is a good time and I encourage everyone to come out.”

September’s hurricanes made organizing this year’s event a challenge.

“Last year’s event had a nice turnout, but we’ve already had our setbacks this year with the storms,” Boudreaux said. “We won’t have as much military participation because most of the crafts they brought last year are in Iraq now.”

For those interested in aircraft memorabilia, a “fly market” will be in operation in Hangar 1. A “fly market” is a place designed for the sale and exchange of aircraft parts and supplies between pilots and aircraft owners. Aviation books and manuals, as well as items of interest to collectors will be available.

The Schriever Lions Club is selling hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages. All money raised from the concessions will go to their charitable community projects.

There is no charge for admission or parking. Visitors should enter the airport at Aviation Road on East Main Street and follow the signs to the parking area.

For more information, contact Boudreaux at (985) 872-6732.

Houma airport stage for Fly-in