It seems like such a long time ago now that we were dealing with high temperatures and high density altitudes in the Midwest. In recent days we have begun to wake up to frost on the windows and we give nary a thought to the ventilation in the airplanes. But just two short months ago, we were sweltering in the summer heat, having cookouts and fly-ins every weekend, and paying special attention to our weight and balance and the performance of our wings and engines. That, however, didn't stop the town, the people, and the organizations around the Crawfordsville Regional Airport from coming out to put on a great event. It seems the entire community wanted to come out and show their support of the airport. The event also put on display just how much the airport and local aviators are community minded.

The day was perfect for airplane and aircraft rides, and there were plenty to be had. Crawfordsville Regional Airport (KCFJ) was blessed with fantastic weather for their 2024 Airport Day. With plenty of sponsors and the support of local organizations and businesses, the event was sure to be a success. Front and center, of course, were the aircraft themselves. The airspace was abuzz with several people flying in and the constant arrivals and departures of the ride pilots. In addition to the helicopter rides, the local EAA Chapter had volunteers giving Young Eagles rides in several aircraft.

Of course, if the planes don't win you over, the food surely will. Throughout the day, the local Scouts kept the crowd sustained selling concessions. They weren't the only vendors, however. There were also flight schools and universities onsite in the hopes that they might sell some of those Young Eagles a future career in aviation. One pilot had their twin on static display, giving people a taste of what their future might hold if they worked their way up through the ratings at one of the flight schools.

There were a lot of other community organizations helping celebrate and support the airport. The local police and sheriff's departments were on hand with everything from an SUV to an APC... yes, the Montgomery County SWAT have a bona fide armored personnel carrier. The fire department had their ladder truck towering high above the event, the street department had a vac truck there, and Crawfordsville Power and Light brought out a truck used to plant power poles. For all those young and old who love big machinery, this was their playground for a day. And the big equipment and respective organizations and departments have another connection. Without the police, fire, the street department, and the power company, the airport would be reduced to a sod field with a few planes. With the support of these community organizations, however, the airport can live up to their tagline of being the Doorstep to Montgomery County. As is the case with most municipal airports, it is the regular support of all the other community organizations that ensures a well-lit, well maintained, and safe landing zone for those who enjoy the airport facilities. Of course, not all the local organizations brought massive equipment. Some brought vehicles of a substantially smaller scale. Joining the local displays were the pilots and aircraft of the Sugar Creek RC Flying Club.

Speaking of WWII planes, the scale Corsair was not the lone representative of that era. The Commemorative Air Force's Indiana Wing was another of the aircraft offering rides during the event. Their offer, however, was to pre-purchase rides for a later date; a wise choice which kept them from battling with the hive of activity in the pattern during the 2024 Airport Day.

The weather was good for shorts, sunglasses, and a fly in, but not necessarily for taxiing around the tarmac in a tin can. Everyone had their means for staying cool, whether they availed themselves of the water and sodas sold by the Scouts or sat in the shade of the trees or open hangar. But for those going for a ride in the airplanes, the only relief was from open windows, vents, or doors. Unfortunately for the Young Eagles, most planes didn't come with nearly enough of any of those.

Just another mile of asphalt nestled among the corn fields of Indiana, if you look at it on a map. But like so many other municipal airports, there is a big heart and a big community behind that mile long landing strip. With people from the city, county, and region coming together, airports like this will not only survive, but thrive. And with so many community-minded people backing them up, it makes an event like the 2024 Airport Day a great joy to visit. If you haven't already gotten involved in enriching the community at your own local airport, there's no time like the present. If you're balking at the idea of flying with frozen fingers, why not use the cooler weather to help plan the next event at your local airfield? And if you do, remember that barnstormers.com can run ads for your local event to help get the word out!