Standing as close as they can to a parked Bell 407 helicopter are participants in Saturday’s Atlanta Airport Fly-In. The three crew members for the helicopter are, from left, flight paramedic Taylor Sides, flight nurse Grace Bradley, and pilot Andy Nafe
Mike Lee, president of the Hall-Miller Airport Advisory Board, has been talking with the Palotis air ambulance, which is just landing for Saturday’s fly-in. Such talk is necessary for landings and take-offs. At the fly in, the airplane will be parked on
Getting to see, and even board, a Palotis PC-12 turboprop air ambulance is one of the advantages of coming to an airport fly-in to meet the professionals and their rescue equipment. Emergency services, such as LifeNet, are eager to visit and meet the publ
Saturday’s fly-in was high point of day
On Saturday, Oct. 12, guests were greeted by the sight of a fly-in event at Hall-Miller Municipal Airport. Among the featured aircrafts to land at the airport were an air ambulance Palotis PC-12 plane and Bell 407 helicopter. Aside from the fly-in itself, guests were provided food and drink and encouraged to speak with airport staff and personnel. The event lasted four hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fly-ins at Hall-Miller Municipal Airport here in Atlanta have a definite purpose, according to Mike Lee, president of the Airport Advisory Board.
“We want the public to visit the airport, ask questions and understand its mission while we honor those who work here, make use of the facilities, and serve the public. Air service is quite important to a town and region,” Lee said.
Lee said the airport serves some 75 to 100 airplanes and pilots.
“There’s a lot that goes on in these hangars and buildings. Some flyers find the Atlanta airport convenient. We especially want to work with the area firefighters because fire is something that happens all the time and requires special training.” Saturday’s fly-in attracted youth and adults to see, especially, the LifeNet helicopter and air ambulance turboprop.
“LifeNet is always cooperative to work with us,” Lee said. “We all work together with air rescue because, when needed, air transportation works when transportation by roads may not.” LifeNet is a not-forprofit ground and air ambulance company.
Such a fly-in is also good for promoting the field of aviation. Visitors, especially young people, might see the careers that could be available.
Lee said the fly-in gathering is something sponsored and paid for by the local airport community. No fly-in funds are provided by the town. Area flyers come in and find a full meal of food and drink available. Then they stay to talk with the public.
For the average Cass County citizen, coming to and participating in a fly-in event is a treat and well worth the experience.
“And there is another important point to make,” Lee said. “The pilots and owners here stand ready to help the community in an emergency. Should an emergency happen, these pilots would take their planes and have them filled and ready at their own expense to do what’s necessary for air rescue and support. We want to honor them for that.”