“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” – Leonardo DaVinci
Many people across the Upper Cumberland were given a chance to experience the wonder of flight last weekend as the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport hosted an Air Fair that brought the public up close and personal with a variety of planes, helicopters, and balloons.
“The Air Fair was an immersive experience that we were happy to be able to offer to the community,” UCRA manager Dean Selby said.
Selby then explained if the airport had chosen to put on an air show with stunts and acrobatic performances by airplanes, they would not have been able to have many of the interactive displays and up-close experiences they were able to offer by hosting an air fair instead .
“I’ve seen a huge revitalization in the interest in aviation lately, and I’m really glad we chose to offer an interactive event in which the public could participate, communicate, and experience our airport,” he said. “People are getting excited about aviation and flying.”
The Air Fair, the first of what the airport board and management hope will be many, brought military planes to the runway, including the “Mighty Moose,” a C-17 flown by the United States Air Force. While the massive plane was astounding to view, many visitors to the Air Fair were able to board the plane and get an up-close look at what the 174-foot-long cargo plane can carry. Still others were able to witness the landing and eventual departure of the 282,400-pound aircraft.
In addition to the C-17, the UCRA played host to one of the few remaining C-54s, a plane that was part of the Berlin Airlift, and an A-10 “Warthog.”
The military planes were not the only planes that spent time at the airport during the Air Fair. As well as many privately owned smaller aircraft that are often housed in one of the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport’s hangars – planes like the Warbirds owned by Aaron Tippin and the Tennessee Flying Machines – an American Airlines Flagship made an appearance and offered rides to those who wanted to experience what an early 1900s commercial flight would be like. The DC-3, which was originally flown in the 1930s and 1940s, once transported famous Americans such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Babe Ruth.
“Our line staff did a fantastic job,” Selby said. “It wasn’t just about having the runway space for these large aircrafts. It was about having the entire infrastructure to be able to provide the services that they would need while here, and our line staff worked hard to make that happen.”
Airplanes weren’t the only attraction at the two-day event. Helicopters from the United States Air Force, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and Life Force medical helicopter were on display. In addition to seeing the aircraft up close, visitors could climb aboard the military craft, watch a demonstration on how aircraft helps law enforcement with pursuit, and take a ride around the area on another helicopter.
Rides were also available on tethered hot air balloons, and attendees could participate in flight simulation on computerized programs. There were demonstrations by model RC airplane clubs and acrobatic demonstrations from Paradigm Paramotor and food vendors, craft vendors, live music, a corvette car show, and a balloon glow rounded out the entertainment for the weekend.
Selby said he isn’t sure what the future holds in terms of events at the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport but hinted that another air fair could be on the horizon.
“I’m not sure, but it’s possible we could host this event again next year,” he said. “Maybe bring in some different types of aircrafts. There are a lot of different forms of aircraft out there and a lot more to learn and see about aviation in general. I would like to keep the community involved and experiencing all that our airport has to offer.”
While some may never have a need to travel far or may never take to the skies themselves, it is guaranteed that the estimated 7,000 visitors at the 2021 Upper Cumberland Regional Airport’s Air Fair will forever look to the skies and listen for the sound of aircraft with a new sense of wonder and appreciation.
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