15th Chili Fiesta Fly-In at Massey Aerodrome

Massey’s 15th Chili Fiesta Fly-In (May 12, 2018) was a success despite low ceilings early and rain up north that kept most PA & NJ fliers at home. When the sun broke out we had 60 guest planes including a T-6 Texan (WWII trainer) from the Richmond, VA area. The parking lot was full of local drive-ins and our visitors brought just the right amount of chili to share. The turn-out made for a fine, relaxing day. The pilots come mainly for the camaraderie after a long Winter, a chance to look at some unusual, interesting planes and the free food is a bonus. Massey is fortunate to have such a well drained grass runway, and as usual it was perfect despite the rain earlier in the week. Massey built a ten unit T-Hangar over the Winter (our first) and it should be operational by July. When I say we built it, I mean that literally – Massey volunteers erected the structural steel frame and the 20 (20’) rolling steel doors. Now we are looking forward to the 50th Anniversary Antique Fly-In conducted by the Potomac Antique Aero Squadron (PAAS) on June 9th. This is the former Horn Point Fly-In that moved up to Massey 3 years ago. As the only Antique Airplane Assoc. (AAA) JUDGED event in our region, it attracts the best restorations and it feels like it belongs at Massey Aerodrome.

N3729K GLOBE SWIFT GC-1B, STEVEN C. ROTH, MADISON, VA. Engine: Lycoming IO-360 (originally 125 hp Continental). Massey Chili Fest 2018 (Photo by Dennis Maroulas)
N59754 1940 Stearman A75N1(PT17), Bud & Chip Gnau, (Bi-Plane Aerial Towing, Inc.) Perry Hall, MD. Massey Chili Fest 2018 (Photo by Dennis Maroulas)
N812RS 2004 RV-8, RICHARD A. SEARS, Easton, MD, Engine: LYCOMING O-360-A1A. 2011 Horn Point Best Custom Built award winner. Massey Chili Fest 2018