Ever wanted to take a peek at a World War II bomber?
Detroit Lakes Aviation is hosting one, and several more World War II airplanes, at the Detroit Lakes Becker County Airport Saturday, July 10, as part of the Water Carnival line up.
"Most airports have an annual fly-in. It's a fun event and it raises awareness," Detroit Lakes Aviation's Paul Highness said.
This is Detroit Lakes Aviation's second fly-in.
"When it started out," Highness said of the concept of fly-ins, "it was for pilots to meet and have coffee and get together. Now it's open to the public."
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Everyone is encouraged to bring their planes, regardless of the style and year, but a few of the more interesting ones will be World War II planes making a visit. To mention a few, there will be a P51 Mustang, a TBM Avenger -- which was the largest single engine torpedo plane built -- and a DC3 (Duggy).
The Avenger Bomber, Highness said, is "pretty impressive" and massive to see up close.
There will also be 12-15 skydivers from Fargo that will attempt a Minnesota formation record. They hold the title in North Dakota and South Dakota.
There will be a morning filled with airplanes to view, skydives to watch and several other activities.
Since all that can't be done on an empty stomach, the Knights of Columbus will be hosting a pancake feed from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $5 per person.
Last year saw beautiful weather and the fly-in drew about 500 people. Pancakes ran out around 11 a.m., so come early this year. Last year there were about 40 planes to view.
Also at the airport Saturday will be the Minnesota State Patrol helicopter, a Detroit Lakes Fire Department truck and MeritCare's LifeFlight helicopter.
"They see it flying around, and now they can see inside and talk to the pilot," he said.
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Detroit Lakes Aviation has to pay for the cost of fuel to get these planes to fly in, and Highness said that occurs thanks to area sponsors.
"Without them, we wouldn't' be able to get these planes here."
