Southdown Marketplace draws a crowd
November 7, 2018
Fleming makes collegiate choice
November 7, 2018
Aviation aficionados and curious newcomers viewed rows of aircraft parked at the Houma-Terrebonne Airport Saturday under clear blue skies that were perfect for flying.
The main runway’s west ramp was opened to the public Saturday, as the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Houma Chapter 513 held its annual Cajun Fly-in, offering closeup view of varying types of aircrafts.
“Did you see that State Trooper helicopter?” said an airport employee, Gil Traigle. “It’s a 430. It looks like the old TV show helicopter ‘Air Wars.’ It’s an updated version of it.”
Traigle went on to explain how the helicopter in the show got him interested in aviation. Now he works at the airport, and while he is not a pilot, he gets to view helicopters up close at work.
As Traigle spoke, an airplane flew overhead, then landed and taxied to a parking spot. The pilot, U.S. Air Force Captain Matthew Carpenter, of Lockport, climbed out of the cockpit and was greeted by a crowd.
Many thanked him for his service. While being polite, Carpenter moved around the plane placing safety equipment, before finally giving the crowd his full attention.
The aircraft was a T-6 Texan 2. Carpenter explained that it was the primary trainer for the Air Force and added that the Navy used it as well.
“This is the first time I’ve been home since last Christmas, so it’s good to see everybody,” said Carpenter. “Being able to showcase the plane and the Air Force to prospective pilots is why they let me do it.”
He also added, “for personal reasons, being able to participate in aviation is just a blast.”
Carpenter described himself as a bit of an airplane geek, and said he’s currently building a Fokker Triplane which has earned him the call-sign “Baron,” after the Red Baron who flew the same plane. He also asid he has aspirations to one day fly the U-2 spy plane.
The show’s organizer, Ray Pierce, was busy marshalling aircrafts as they taxied in, but the previous president had a moment to speak.
Tim Rochel, who was president for the previous 11 years, explained that the EAA began this event some time around 1972, but wasn’t sure the exact year. He said the organization also promotes aviation through educative programs with school systems.
It began school outreach 8 years ago with the Terrebonne school system, last year it began in the Lafourche Parish, and is hoping to convince St. Mary Parish this year.
While it wasn’t on display with the rest of the aircrafts, Rochel drew attention to the F-16 fighter jet behind a fence, visible to all who drove in. He spoke of future plans of the association to create a veteran’s park that will showcase it, and said the EAA was seeking donations to do so.
In front of one of the hangers, looking out at the aircrafts was a table where representatives of the local Regional Military Museum were stationed, handing out cut-out models fo a water vessel they were promoting.
The vessel was used in WWII during the the storming of the beaches of Normandy, and while it didn’t have an official name during the war, it went by the acronym LCVP: Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel. It had a flat bottom inspired by local boats.
The group had brought along a Humvee to put on display. Bill Theriot, president of the museum, said the museum has attended the fly-in since it’s onset, and that last year they had brought a “Scorpion” tank.
