Annual Colfax Fly In around the corner

COLFAX - Antique airplanes will be seen flying into the Colfax airport next weekend.

The family friendly event hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 328 is set to start at 8 a.m., Sept. 28 with the pancake breakfast until 10 a.m., at the Colfax Airport, 707 Flight Line Drive.

Breakfast is being served by the Colfax Rotary Club for a fee and includes pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs.

Fly In Organizer Barney Buckley said the event started in 2013, with a crop duster clinic and lunch, progressing into the annual fly in.

Displays of experimental, classic, military and airshow aircraft start at 8 a.m., with several antique aircraft and others expected.

"There's a couple we're expecting from Lewiston, Ryan PT22 WWII Trainer and probably a Stearman, another WWII era," Buckley said, noting that other than that it is always a surprise every year what planes show up.

Buckley said they are hoping to get 50 this year.

Buckley said 30 minute airplane rides are being offered for a scenic tour of the Palouse and civil air patrol flight simulator is to be determined.

The flight simulator, Buckley said, was at the event before and they are hoping it returns.

"It simulates flying any kind of airplane set up to anywhere in the world," he said.

Last year's event brought approximately 220 people, Buckley said.

"It's picking back up after the shutdown, increasing every year," he said. "It's a possibility we can have 250 people there."

Parking for the event will be reserved on the apron adjacent to 707 Flight Line Drive for pilots to display their airplanes to the public.

The apron will be closed to aircraft movement from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. allowing attendees to select the people's choice award.