Fly-In
May 5-6, 2006

     A parapharase of Winston Churchill's famous quotation that never has so much been owed by so many to so few was vividly illustrated at the Chickasha Airport May 6, 2006. The many were the pilots who had undergone flight training at the W & B Flying School in the 1940's and their family members who were present at the 15th. annual W & B Flying School reunion. The few were two pilots who gave rides to the W & B pilots at the Chickasha Airport in their Boeing Stearmans, the same type aircraft that was used by the flying school during World War II for training purposes. Some of these pilots had not flown a Stearman since their flight training. The much was the excitement and happiness of the former flyers which was evident on their faces and in their eyes along with the smiles and tears from the family members as they watched. Some of the pilots said it was just like it was during their training days. The feel of a Stearman is somthing that's never forgotten.

     Leroy Peterson and Nick Sager unselfishly used their Stearmans to fly the W & B Flying School pilots around the Chickasha Airport. Peterson's wife, Peggy, and Sager's wife, Judy, graciously helped the pilots into the front seat of the Stearmans for their ride back into time.

     This was all made possible by the combined first annual Stearman Fly-In sponsored by Dusters & Sprayers Supply and the 15th. annual W & B Flying School reunion headed up by Ron Baker. Nine Stearman planes flew in on Friday, May 5, 2006, for the first annual event. Some flew their Stearmans from as far away as Miami, Jacksonville and Phoenix. Others drove in from the Shreveport and Joplin areas. Altogether thirty-six Stearman owners or enthusiasts drove, flew commercially, or flew other types of aircraft to the event. Unfortunately, more then twenty pre-registered Stearman owners were kept away by the unfavorable flying weather.

     The schedule of activities included a tour, open house, and pizza dinner at Dusters & Sprayers on Friday. On Saturday, the company also helped sponsor a noon meal at Chickasha Aircraft Services owned by Dennis Orlowski. Chickasha Wings Flying School also hosted an open house and hamburger fry on Friday and Saturday. Dusters & Sprayers also sponsored an orchestra, Moonlight Serenade, from Oklahoma City at the Chickasha Elk's Lodge on Saturday night. The great music from the 40's drew couples to the dance floor where the smooth dancers from the W & B Flying School showed everyone how it should be done.

     Awards were given in the best Army, Navy and Custom categories and to the pilot who came the greatest distance.

     The skies may have been gloomy, but everyone agreed the fellowship and activities were well worth the trip.

     The following links are to slide shows with some of the planes, people and activities at the event.
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