Petit Jean Fly-In - Part 1 - Dana Brejakova, Contributing Writer & Photographer

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Petit Jean Fly-In - Part 1

Dana Brejakova, Contributing Writer & Photographer

What is the most fun, most genuine, and most laid-back RV Fly-In? If you did not answer Petit Jean then it is clear you have not been to Petit Jean.

Organized and held by RV enthusiasts and avid RV aviators, Petit Jean Fly-In offers four marvelous days in October to all who share the famous RV grin.

The Petit Jean Park Airport where all the fun happens is a unique spot. It is located on the top of Petit Jean Mountain within Petit Jean State Park with a lake right at the south end of the runway. The combination of location and this particular time of year provides a solid guarantee of beautiful autumn days full of having fun flying and participating in all kinds of amusing games.

Early morning of October 15th we jumped in our RVs and with the KMPJ coordinates on the compass needles we took off as a flight of two. Jimmy the Squirrel and me in our RV-8 and Dennis with his Dad in his RV-8. Another wonderful adventure was on!

On the way we stopped in Wichita Falls Kickapoo Downtown Airport (lovely spot near the Red River in Texas, btw) to plan the second leg of the flight as the weather was moving in our direction. What a marvel the modern weather radar apps and digital instruments are! One can calculate and safely navigate around the weather with an immaculate precision.

Kickapoo Downtown FBO offered a cozy spot to sit down, refresh, and wait out the weather that was moving into our flight plan.

One hour later the weather cleared out and we were about to jump into our airplanes while this little fella decided to do the pre-flight with us.

"Nice machine you got there!", the little bird smartly observed and took off to tell all his friends.

The second leg of our trip was finished. There it was - KMPJ runway! Last left turn and we were home for the next three days.

What a beautiful spot the Petit Jean Park Airport is. Lakes, forests, Arkansas River valley, green hills, we were in for a great time.

The friendly voice of the air boss in the radio welcomed us and guided us for safe landing.

Tie the birds down, grab your backpacks, get your ride to the Rockefeller Conference Hotel, and arrive for a welcome diner. Chop, chop!

Quite a handsome and colorful attendance. Look at all those beautiful RVs.

Our view from the hotel. Lovely evening was upon us and we were in for a delicious diner with everyone. Fried catfish was on the menu (Arkansas specialty) and soon enough we were all munching on a culinary marvel. The catfish from Arkansas is something else, let me tell you.

Very well and safely organized Fly-In (shout out to Slats who is a coordinator of the whole event) with delicious food, fun games, and raffles to win all kinds of cool aviation goodies was a marvelous get-away for us. And not only for us. The map pinned on the wall was a great idea to see from where everyone flew in.

The next day after breakfast some pilots decided to take their birds up while others went to explore the beautiful Petit Jean State Park. Activities for everyone. Guess what I was doing. Yes, capturing photos, what else?

The vast ocean of colors and whimsical paint themes was a paradise for every photographer. Funky paint job on this beautiful RV kept inviting my lens for a snap.

I am a big fan of contrasts so I was also on the look-out for less busy patterns as those have their charm just as well.

Classy and simple. White RV with black and red prop spinner.

Having an Air Boss on site to secure ground-to-air communications for optimal and safe conditions for everybody was a must. Mind you, this Fly-In and its participation events were organized by professionals who go by the book. Looking sharp, guys!

There we were! Jimmy's Mustang P-51 themed paint job was quite popular and admired by many.

Get that propeller disc, Dana! Nothing like that rare moment when the Sun rays illuminate spinning propeller. Beautiful blue and white RV was getting ready for a flight.

Some aviators were on the roll to take off, others where landing. The airport was buzzing and we had the best seats. Lovely autumn afternoon.

Beautiful formation performed by the local squadron of pelicans.

"Look at those immatures down there.", the snooty alfa leader of the flock of pelicans pointed out to his wingman on the left. "Those guys do have some impressive machines but they still have nothing on us", his wingman nodded along. And I have no other way but to agree with those two. Despite the wonders of how humans managed to dominate environments which are not their elements, the birds have the flight computer for brain and remain the ultimate aviators of all time. I have always been jealous of birds because of that. Many times, I wonder how they perceive the "empty" appearance of the air. What if they actually see the eddies of turbulence, thermals, and winds just like we see waves in the ocean or just like Van Gogh captured it in the Starry Night painting?

Commemorative Air Force made a majestic appearance at this Fly-In when they brought their PT-22 Ryan and AT-6. Apart from the ultimate bad-ass aviation experience I was given while being on board as a back seater in the AT-6, I also received this souvenir to remember my epic ride. I will tell you a secret - I keep this coin with me at all times as a token of pure awesomeness.

Just when we thought we were having the best time, a super fun participation event was announced that involved the airplanes, Air Boss, scheduling and briefing, precision flying, and a yellow balloon.

To be continued...

By Dana Brejakova, Contributing Writer & Photographer

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