Tools:  

Record Opening Day, 500-Plus Aircraft Highlight 40th Copperstate

2012 Copperstate Grand Champion is an LT-3 Van's RV-10A owned by Richard Jankowski, of Shenandoah, Texas.

October 31, 2012 - The 40th annual Copperstate Fly-In & Aviation Expo enjoyed a larger-than-expected turnout of aircraft, great weather, and a good gate attendance last weekend at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport in Arizona. The fly-in started with a bang on Thursday with the largest number of aircraft and attendees in the fly-in's eight years at Casa Grande. The ideal weather continued through the weekend and more than 500 aircraft of all varieties participated.

One of the more unique aircraft, a 1940 Porterfield, flew 900 miles from central Mexico to be there. This was Mark Storey's first fly-in after completing a 25-year restoration of the Porterfield. He said it took three full days of flying to get to Casa Grande from Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico. Storey was presented with a Special Antique Award for his beautiful restoration.

The optimal weather also prompted an increase in ultralight and light-sport aircraft attending the fly-in.

The 60 educational forums and workshops were well attended and greatly appreciated by the eager attendees. Kids also proudly exhibited their wing ribs from the rib-building workshop.

Copperstate's format continues to exclude an air show, meaning the skies were open throughout the weekend for flying, rides, and exhibitor demo flights. Five warbirds from the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, a 1929 biplane, and a helicopter offered rides all weekend.

As always, organizers received many compliments on how friendly the volunteers were and how well the fly-in was organized. The Copperstate board of directors and area chairman will meet November 10 for a debriefing on this year's event.

View EAA's Facebook Photo Gallery

---------------------------