Yesterday was the First Annual Brunswick International Fly-In at Brunswick Executive Airport (KBXM). I drove-in. My excitement grew as I approached the former naval base and tuned my nav/com to the UNICOM frequency (122.725). The airplanes in the pattern were very close together, and the chatter on the radio was constant. The situational awareness of those landing pilots was impressive.
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More audio at bottom of post.
The array of aircraft on the ramp was diverse. There were jets, seaplanes, turbo-props, multi-engines, helicopters, powered parachutes, single-engine trainers, and a plethora of homebuilts. They were all unique and beautiful. I walked around clicking photos as I listened to the chatter on the radio and enjoyed the smell of aviation exhaust (really, it’s a great smell, especially from the jets).
The two speakers were Alan Klapmeier, Chairman and CEO of Kestrel Aircraft Company and Craig Fuller, President and CEO of AOPA. I enjoyed both of their remarks. They clearly have their fingers on the pulse of general aviation and are doing important work to promote and protect it. Following their speeches they participated in a question and answer panel discussion, which was likewise very informative.
In the early afternoon I attended an FAA Safety Seminar on Loss of Control, which was good. Shortly thereafter I got a message from my instructor, Marcia, informing me that our airplane was returning ahead of schedule and that we could fly earlier than planned. I needed no encouragement to head straight to the Portland International Jetport!
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[…] yesterday, the gods smiled upon me. I spent the day at the Brunswick International Fly-In before driving to Portland International Jetport for my review. The skies were deep blue and only a […]
Very cool! I’m glad you took this opportunity. I like the audio of the Brunswick UNICOM.
I’m excited for you to get your sea plane rating!