by Skot Weidemann
The annual “Midwest Antique Airplane Club” (MAAC) Grassroots Fly-In was held September 5-8th, 2024 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 217 aircraft of 132 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 are into their own restoration projects and flying, to include a few A&Ps who benefit from a collective, unmatched level of expertise in and around the airport, in addition to the expertise of many seasoned flyers who attend.
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 seen at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh earlier this year. However, there are continuous takeoffs and landings, frequent fly-bys (understatement), ride hopping, and lots of socializing around the airfield and hangars, and a welcoming bonfire pit. This slice of history takes place every year in late summer, always the second weekend in September, 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 and 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 mow the lawn, pump fuel, and tend to other areas that makes the difference for this 40-plus-year social flying club at this location.
After dark, opened hangars welcome onlookers with many get-togethers between old friends and new, and an outdoor theater shows old aviation movies for all to enjoy.
The 2024 MAAC Banquet will be held Saturday, November 2 at the Radisson Inn in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. RSVP to Jody Niemyjski no later than October 21:
414-507-2053. The hotel discount ends October 2. For reservations call
844-209-2609.
Mark your calendar for the next MAAC Grassroots Fly-In:
September 4 – 7, 2025.
MAAC welcomes individuals, families, and anyone with a common interest in old flying machines, their history, and the people who fly them. After an initial new membership fee of $25.00, the annual renewal fee remains at only $10.00. Interested? Become a member today!
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written with the assistance of MAAC staff.