PANGUITCH — Bryce Canyon’s picturesque airport will open its doors Saturday for a day of history, learning and fun at the second annual “Fly-In and Airport Appreciation Day.”
As a new attraction this year, three restored warplanes will join other aircraft landing at the airport. The public is invited to view the planes and talk with the pilots of a Beech T-34 Mentor, Chinese Nanchang CJ-6A and North American T-6 Texan.
“My aircraft has been restored and is painted in honor of No. 133 Eagle Squadron based at Biggin Hill in 1942,” pilot Todd McCutchan, of Scottsdale, Arizona, said of his Beech T-34. “The T-34 served with the U.S. Military as a primary trainer for more than 60 years.”
The celebrated warplanes will complement the Bryce Canyon Airport’s own unique history. Built in 1934, the hangar’s rustic ponderosa pine logs and gabled roof have made it an iconic fixture of the area’s landscape and earned the airport a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
“It’s exciting to welcome new visitors and local residents to our landmark airport,” Airport Assistant Manager Tye Ramsay said. “From warplanes and classic cars to the free lunch and prizes, we’ve planned a day full of fun for families to enjoy.”
For the fly-in portion of the event, pilots are invited to land their planes at the airport for free and then take a shuttle to visit the famous scenery of Bryce Canyon National Park.
“One of the great things about our airport is its proximity to the national park,” Falyn Owens, executive director of the Garfield County Tourism Office, said. “Once pilots land, they are just a few minutes away from experiencing the red rock hoodoos of Bryce Canyon.”
Another new addition this year will be a free barbecue lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs as part of the “Airport Appreciation Day” open house. From 1-3 p.m. Saturday, the public is invited to enjoy lunch and explore and learn more about the airport.
Activities also include prize drawings, giveaways and an antique car show with awards given to the best car from three divisions (classic to 1960, 1961 to 1990, and 1991 to modern). Local Boy Scouts will also be able to earn their aviation merit badges from the airport’s ground-school pilot.
Pilots interested in attending the fly-in can register by calling the Bryce Canyon Airport at 435-834-5239. The event is open to all aircraft. Preregistered aircraft will receive a 30-cent-per-gallon fuel discount.
Event details
- When: Saturday, Aug. 29
- Where: Bryce Canyon Airport in Bryce Canyon, Utah
- Admission: Free
- Pilot registration: 435-834-5239
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