For the past six years Auburn, Alabama held their fly-in the first weekend in March. Five out of the six years saw windy and cold weather and on occasion snow or rain. For the seventh annual event the organizers and Auburn University decided to hold the fly-in on Armed Forces Day, May 15th.  This turned out to be a wise decision in regards to the weather, with blue skies and mild temperatures.  Although; it was the weekend of Auburn University's Graduation and baseball game, which cut the size of the crowd.  Even with all the week end events the fly-in went without a hitch with over 5,000 attending. 

The Auburn University Regional Airport is the home base for the beautiful YAK 9 owned and flown by Jim Cook. Joining Jim was a beautiful T-33 owned by the Commemorative  Air Force, the P-51 "Scat VI", T-6's, numerous YAK-52, CJ-6's, YAK 50's  and over 40 other warbirds and civilian aircraft. The fans loved the 1936 Lockheed 12A Electra Junior used in the movie Amelia. The "Red Thunder" YAK airshow team and other YAK warbirds demonstrated some really nice formation flying during the day. The Hawker Sea Fury and several other warbirds were plagued with mechanical trouble or bad weather and did not make the show. From the opening to close long lines waited for rides in the Sky Solder's Huey and others were waiting to get close to the Sky Soldiers Cobras. The Dixie Division Motor Vehicle Club supplied numerous WWII vehicles, which the fans totally enjoyed.

  The proceeds from this fly-in is utilized by the Lee County American Red Cross.  The Red Cross and the organizers gave all registered veterans VIP parking, free admission and catered a delicious sit down meal. The Red Cross and volunteers' displayed their southern hospitality by making each veteran who wore a Veteran's badge a welcomed and honored guest.  Pride filled my sole, when the ROTC and Civil Air patrol members came to attention and saluted me and all of the other veterans through out the day.

This years fly-in was a large success for the Red Cross and the citizens of Auburn. With various food vendors and a verity of playthings for the kids, kept fans coming in all day long. The local police and  fire departments were present along with all of the armed service booths.  Next years fly-in will be held at the new facility across the runway on the east side of the airport. This will give Auburn University and the City of Auburn a chance to showcase the  new terminal and hangars.  My appreciation go out to all of the people who took time out of their busy lives to put on a quality fly-in, that showcases this humble university town.