October 6, 2006

Reid-Hillview Airport holds its 17th Annual Open House

Pilots and aircraft enthusiasts enjoy another successful ‘Airport Day’

By Laura Firchow
Times Intern

Reid-Hillview Airport held its 17th annual open house on Saturday, Sept. 23. The annual event is commonly known to the community as “Airport Day” and featured shows and activities for pilots and the public alike.

Several planes were on display at RHVAA’s Open House this year. This 1927 Waco is owned by Dan Berry and operated by Amelia Reid Aviation.

Visitors at this year’s event enjoyed breakfast and lunch, which were served in a grass area next to one of Reid-Hillview’s runways. This gave guests a close-up view of incoming planes, the control tower and the airplanes that were on display all day.

Some of the most popular exhibits at Airport Day this year were the 20-cent-per-pound airplane rides, the mini air show, a visit from the San Jose Saberkittens and the appearance of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The 20-cent-per-pound rides proved to be a hit and were sold out quickly, much like years past. Mark Kadrich, President of the Reid-Hillview Airport Association, said that offering the 20-cent-per-pound rides in the airplane are a great way to spark a love for flying in the interest of visitors of all ages.

“If you want to get someone interested in flying, take them, flying,” said Kadrich.

The Rag Tag Air Force amazed the crowd with their precision formation demonstration. Apparently, precision flight is not just for the Blue Angels.

All the proceeds earned from the airplane rides and from the breakfast and lunch meals offered at Airport Day work towards funding RHVAA’s scholarship and outreach programs. Kadrich said that RHVAA provides five $500 scholarships a year to students attending high schools in the area. The scholarships are used towards funding the next stage in the students’ education. The remaining money helps to sponsor a local little league team, The Dodgers.

Airport Day also displayed its creative side, as it may be one of the only events in the area where someone can go and see Snoopy’s flying doghouse or a flying lawn mower. Flying contraption creators from the Santa Clara County Model Airplane Society are credited for provided the public with this entertaining sight, which drew in a crowd of more than 300 visitors this year.

Tuskegee Airman Woody Spears enjoys the afternoon with San Jose Saberkittens Jen and Amber.

Displayed at this year’s event were a number of personal aircrafts and some antique cars and motorcycles, all owned by members of the RHVAA, pilots at Reid-Hillview, and members of the community. A 1957 convertible was a popular stop and a great photo opportunity for guests.

Greg Hobbs and his son, Nathan, 9, were among the attendees at Airport Day this year. Greg Hobbs is a student pilot at Reid-Hillview and has been working towards his license for more than a year. He brought his son to Airport Day for the first time this year to show him some of the aircrafts and teach him a little more about flying.

The Hobbs family, along with several others, also witnessed Airport Day’s first memorial dedication to Amelia Reid, the “First Lady of Flight,” and a dedication ceremony to the victims, heroes, and soldiers in the war on terror. In addition, the event began with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, and was followed by the Civil Air Patrol presenting colors- the flags of the USA, CA, Air Force and CAP.