Article & Photos by Skot Weidemann
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2023 Digital Issue
The annual “Midwest Antique Airplane Club” (MAAC) Grassroots Fly-In was held September 7-10th, 2023 at the Brodhead, Wisconsin airport (C37). Brodhead is a south-central Wisconsin small town with limited hotel options, but the airport features a 2,440 ft. grass runway (9/27) and offers many camping options, either near one’s aircraft along the tree line, or in an area on the southeast corner of the airport designated for camping, motor homes and trailers.
The fly-in is a specialized gathering (open to MAAC members only), which makes the event unique and non-commercial. It is a showcase for carefully maintained and operated Golden Era antique aircraft and an assortment of other models from the earlier days of aviation. This year’s fly-in welcomed 200-plus aircraft of 100 different types from at least 20 states. But who’s counting?
The fly-in attracts no shortage of (round) radial engines, tube and fabric taildraggers, many open cockpit aircraft, and a few replicas and homebuilt replicas. Aviators of all ages from coast to coast fly in with their antique aircraft, and a few members even catch flights from Canada and England to attend. An impressive number of youth attended, who are into their own restoration projects and flying; and a few A&Ps, who benefit from a collective, unmatched level of expertise in and around the airport; and many seasoned flyers attended. At 80 years young, Ted Miller continues to hold the record for “Longest Distance Flown” to attend the fly-in from his home in Santa Rosa, Calif. in his 1943 open cockpit Stearman.
The combination of MAAC members, local EAA Cheeseland Chapter 431 members, and Kelch Aviation Museum supporters (all based in Brodhead, Wisconsin), makes the mix of dedicated staff and volunteers special for the weekend. There are no organized airshows, no air traffic control tower, or loudspeakers, nor thousands of spectators as you see at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. However, there are continuous takeoffs and landings, frequent fly-bys (understatement), ride hopping, and lots of socializing around the airfield and in hangars, and a welcoming bonfire pit. This slice of history takes place every year in late summer, always the second weekend in September, and always with hopes for good flying weather, and a great safety record.
Volunteers make the fly-in a success, from folks who sign in attendees at the registration table, and EAA 431 Chapter members who serve several great meals to include pancake breakfasts, a barbecue, and a fish boil. The Kelch Aviation Museum alone is worth visiting Brodhead during the MAAC Fly-In or throughout the year to browse a superb/still-flying aircraft collection, an extensive historical documents archive, its “fly market,” or to enjoy soft-serve ice cream.
MAAC volunteers who mow the lawn, pump fuel, and tend to other areas, make the difference for this 40-plus-year social flying club at this location.
After dark, open hangars welcome onlookers with many get-togethers between old friends and new, and an outdoor theater shows old aviation movies for all to enjoy.
MAAC welcomes individuals, families, and anyone with a common interest in old flying machines, their history, and the people who fly them. Bonus: after an initial new member fee of $25.00, the annual renewal remains at only $10.00. Interested? Become a member today! www.maacgrassroots.net/join
Internet contacts related to the MAAC Grassroots Fly In: www.maacgrassroots.net/about, www.eaa431.org www.kelchmuseum.org
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written with the assistance of MAAC staff.
