by CMSgt Greg Cullen, Airfield Manager, Volk Field CRTC, Wisconsin
USAF East Coast F-16 Demonstration Team.
CAMP DOUGLAS, WIS. – Growing up on a dairy farm in southern Wisconsin, I learned at an early age that the success of a crop’s yield was truly dependent on Mother Nature. Farmers need a careful balance between rain, sun, and humidity to obtain peak performance. And above all, no matter how much planning and preparation went into the planting of a particular crop, one good storm can wipe out the harvest. Volk Field’s bi-annual open house didn’t get wiped out, but the weather did alter plans for many general aviation (GA) pilots.
The open house was held Saturday, August 21st. The airfield opened at 7 a.m., ready for business. The event is the one chance when GA pilots can land on a 9,000 ft. military runway with prior approval. Our air traffic controllers were braced for the rush. Nearly 150 GA pilots had pre-registered and planned to fly in that morning. Some were coming to attend the Wisconsin Department of Transportation IFR/VFR seminars. Some wanted the pancake breakfast sponsored by the Camp Douglas Legion. Others just wanted to view the variety of static display aircraft and watch the various aerial demonstrations planned. However, the early morning sun never came out. Instead, low ceiling, little wind, and the occasional fog bank moved slowly over the airport. Trying to remain positive, most people thought conditions would improve quickly and the GA pilots would be flying in with only a slight delay. Apparently, nobody told Mother Nature, because the weather conditions did not improve much until late morning. About 26 GA pilots were able to fly in IFR. The others either made the decision to drive or cancelled. Despite the weather, overall attendance remained strong.
As the weather steadily improved early in the afternoon, the crowd was able to see some exciting aircraft demonstrations. The Yak-52, RV-8, Panzl S-300, B-25 Mitchell Bomber, and F-86 each put on a thrilling show. And then, the crowd favorite: the East Coast F-16 Demonstration Team performed. The maintenance team moved effortlessly during preflight checks with precision and professionalism. Flying the “low cloud” show, the pilot maneuvered his Fighting Falcon flawlessly overhead. The 4,000-plus spectators cheered as he taxied into chalks and shut the engine down. With just enough cloud clearance, the 101st Airborne Parachute Team was able to make their jump, hit their target at show center, and close the air show.
Even though the air show was delayed and some pilots couldn’t fly in, the day was a success because everyone was safe, and there will be more fly-ins to attend in the future. Although a date hasn’t been set yet and it’s not a fly-in, Hardwood Range will have their open house event in 2011. GA pilots will have to wait until the 2012 fly-in and open house to land at Volk Field again. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate next time for all to enjoy!
