FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FLY IN

NOTE:  If you are a regular, anything that has changed since last year will be denoted with

When is it held?
Ans: It is always the last Saturday of September.  So, go ahead and mark your calendar for the next 10 (or so) years.

Who puts this event on?
Ans: The airport is located at the home of Ginger and Rich Davidson. They host the event in their back yard (which happens to be a public use airport) along with help from their immediate family members and a growing list of volunteers.

Does it cost anything to attend?
Ans:
  Drive In Admission Ticket - $15 per person (12 and under free with adult)
                                       good for entire weekend
                                       limited to first 750 sold
  Fly In Admission Ticket -    $10 per person (12 and under free with adult)
                                       good for entire weekend
                                       Currently not limited on number sold
  For those camping, there is a fee of $15 per vehicle/plane for the event.
 
What is there to do?
Ans: We say "It's the most nothing you'll ever do".  There are no schedules, no programs, and no expectations.  People show up, look at airplanes, talk to other pilots, hang out, eat lunch (around noon), then do more of the same.  Everyone gets out of it what they want.  

If I'm flying in, are there special procedures I should follow?
Ans: Yes, these will be published in our newsletter and on the website in August.  Please be sure to check back.

What will I see?
Ans: That just depends.  We do not schedule any special appearances or pay any attendance fees.  Those attending are doing so because they love aviation and flying.  So, it is always a surprise to everyone.  But, if the weather is good, you can be sure to see a wide variety of general aviation, antique, and classic aircraft.    

Is it a fly-in or an airshow?
Ans: A fly-in is an event normally held at an airport where pilots are invited to fly their aircraft to put it on display for visitors and fellow pilots to view.  Additionally, pilots love coming to fly-ins where there is Food, Fun, and Fellowship and is often compared to a car show. An airshow is an event at which aviators display their flying skills and the capabilities of their flying machines to spectators. Often the airspace is closed during these times of display so that general aviation aircraft can not get into or out of the airport. The Wood, Fabric, and Tailwheels event at Lee Bottom Flying Field is considered a fly-in event and NOT an airshow.

When can I arrive?
Ans: Aircraft are welcome at anytime.  However, If you plan on arriving prior to Friday at noon, you should contact us to let us know and also be sure you have arrangements for meals.  Due to grass mowing and grounds set-up it is usually hard for us to accommodate anyone prior to this time.  But, if you are willing to have your plane moved, we might be able to work on this.

General Admission GATE for Drive-In's:
Friday:      4PM -     7 PM
Saturday:   8AM -    5 PM
Sunday:     10AM -   noon


Will there be food for sale? 
Ans: NO RESERVATIONS and NO PRE-PURCHASED TICKETS are required for any meals this year. We have a new food vendor that will be preparing all meals from Friday at lunch until Sunday breakfast. This has been a huge hurdle for us to overcome. Please support the food vendor. Without him there is no fly-in. Any meals above and beyond those listed, you are on your own so please plan accordingly.

Will there be fuel available? 
Ans: NO! This is something that we are working on but please plan on having enough fuel to get to your next fuel stop when you land.

Who can attend?
Ans: All aircraft (yes, this includes metal planes and nosewheel aircraft) and most people are welcome.

Are children welcome?
Ans: Yes, but unattended children will be given espresso and a free puppy before being returned to their parents.

Can I drive in?
Ans: This is a fly-in so we appreciate it when those of you that have airplanes arrive via an airplane.  We refuse to change the name of the event to a drive-in.  Ginger swears that the first year we have more cars than airplanes that she is going to plow up the runway and plant corn.  So, take advantage of it.
If you do not have an airplane but have an interest in aviation, we DO have limited car parking in the field across the street. We will be limiting the number of drive-in attendees to the first 750 people.  It is recommended that you pre-purchase your ticket if you plan on driving into the event. 
Those not holding a pilot's license may be required to go through a short orientation class on the appropriate conduct at an airport.

Do you offer airplane rides during the fly-in?
Ans: Occasionally, biplane rides are available during the event, but not always as the fly-in day is simply too busy to add the additional traffic the rides would create.

Do you have handicap facilities?
Ans: This is a tough one for us. We try.  Remember it is an open field covering over 60 acres of grass.  There are a couple limited handicapped parking spots and a drop off area for the elderly or limited mobility individuals.  We also try to provide a handicap accessible port a pot facility.

Does it cost anything to camp?
Ans: Camping is $15 for the event. This includes airplanes, RV's, motorhomes, cars, tents, etc. The $15 helps us cover the costs of everything associated with people staying here around the clock and the extra set-up requirements.

Can I camp under the wing of my airplane?
Ans: Yes.  Camping is $15 for the event with a maximum of 2 tents per airplane.

Can I ship my camping gear to you?
Ans: We do accept gear shipments from people who are flying in and do not have enough room in their plane.  These can be sent to Lee Bottom Flying Field, 7296 S. River Bottom Rd, Hanover, IN  47243   Please put "Hold for_____ (your name here)" on your package so we can easily see it.

Are there shower facilities on the field?
Ans: A local EAA chapter has made us 6 temporary shower units.  These will be available Friday afternoon thru Sunday afternoon.

Can I grill out or build a camp fire
Ans: We do have a fire pit and plan on keeping a roaring fire going for everyone to enjoy on Friday night.  However, due to fire safety concerns, there will be no grills (gas or charcoal) allowed on any part of the airport property and no additional open fire pits.

Can I use a camp stove?
Ans: We'd like to encourage those attending to take advantage of the food being served.

It is very, very difficult for us to get caterers, restaurants, and groups out to the boonies (where we are located) to do food for such a large group of people with minimal facilities available to them. So, we make agreements with most of them that they will be the only food source available for certain meals. However, we realize that there are certain food allergies, diets, etc that we can't accommodate. Therefore, so that everyone feels welcome and can enjoy themselves, the rules for camping stoves are basically the same that you'd see at Oshkosh. . .

Careful use of white gas or propane fired camp stoves is allowed for personal cooking needs, provided they are used in an area well away from parked aircraft (and other flammable sources), and that the lit stove is attended at all times. It is strongly recommended that the aircraft nearest the stove be checked for any fuel fumes or leakage, and the stove be elevated above ground level. Also, please remember that a fabric covered aircraft are very flammable.

Can I bring my pet?
Ans: NO. . . We love animals, as many can attest, but cannot accommodate them during the fly-in.  The fly-in is not a good or safe environment for pets.

Is there smoking allowed at the airport?
Ans: NO.  Aircraft fuel is highly flammable as are the composition materials of older aircraft.  There is NO SMOKING on any airport property.

Can I bring a cooler?
Ans: YES.  But please remember there is NO ALCOHOL allowed at the airport during daylight (aircraft operation) hours.

Will there be transportation to and from the motels?
Ans: YES.  There will be a shuttle bus that runs once for each timeframe:

     Friday night to the motels
     Saturday morning from motels to the airport
     Saturday night to the motels
     Sunday morning from the motels to the airport

There is a $6 round trip per person suggested donation. We can only accommodate the CLIFTY INN Lodge. This is for those arriving via an airplane only.

Other transportation alternatives are rental cars which are also available from Enterprise in Madison.

What if the weather is bad?
Ans: If it looks questionable, check the website to see if it has been postponed. Our decision will be posted by 10PM (ESDT) Friday Night. The rain date is always Sunday, the next day. We have had over 5 inches of rain at 2AM on Saturday morning and still been able to get 250 planes in and out of the field later that day.

Do you accept credit cards?
Ans: No. Everything at the fly-in is purchased on a cash basis.

Will you have an ATM machine?
Ans: NO.  Plan accordingly.

Where do I pick up pre-purchased tickets?
Ans: Please print off and bring your receipt with you and present it at the following locations:

Admission tickets:
     If arriving via car pick up at MAIN ENTRANCE GATE
     If arriving via a plane pick up at the PILOT REGISTRATION TENT.


Can I pass out flyers or advertise my event, group, or business?
Ans: As our list of vendors and sponsors grow along with the event, we are sure that you will understand that we have to limit advertising, promotions, and flyers to those that have made a commitment to helping US grow YOUR general aviation event.  If you wish to solicit, sell, or advertise we only charge $50 for a vendor booth.   Out of respect for us and our vendors and sponsor we would hope no one would show up and try to promote or sell something without making an appropriate contribution to the airport.

How do I cross the runway?
Ans: We hate to be tyrants on this however one infraction ruins it for everyone and we want to continue to host the event for you to enjoy.  Therefore during daylight hours everyone MUST RIDE THE SHUTTLE or WALK to the NORTH end and cross.
We don't care if you've been around airplanes your entire life, live on an airport, have a bad leg, or . . .  we've heard them all. Please set a good example and wait on the shuttle or walk. 

What is the airport code of conduct?
Ans:
ACTIVE RUNWAY ENVIRONMENT . . . ENTER AT OWN RISK
DO NOT touch any airplane without the owners permission
Walk behind aircraft . . . NOT in front
Stay away from propellers
NO ALCOHOL allowed during daylight (aircraft operation) hours
Pedestrians Cross runway at NORTH end ONLY and cross QUICKLY
Pedestrians DO NOT cross taxi-way boundary line
NO SMOKING
No Pets
By attending . . . you waive all liability and claims against owners
Have FUN!
THOSE NOT ABIDING BY THESE RULES WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE

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