The Spirit of Aviation
Crow Island Airpark Adventure
Crow Island Airpark Adventure Leonardo DaVinci was so obsessed with flight that he devoted much time and thought during his life to getting his feet off the ground. So too do millions of Americans who each year flock to aviation events coast to coast to see for themselves the thrill of flight. Such was case Friday, Saturday, and Sunday August 6th – 8th right in our own backyard at Crow Island Airpark, 8MA4. This 2300’ grass strip located thirty miles west of Boston is the perfect place for small aircraft and hundreds of people to mix it up.
And mix it up they did! Festivities included breakfast, lunch with live music and a Saturday barbeque and bonfire to boot. Spirits were high. There were lots of smiles and a rekindling of friendships long chilled by serial covid clouds. Such was the welcome opportunity for me to see friends Jay and Liz again. Even though fully vaccinated, we stood six feet apart and rejoiced. It felt like a sunny day after a long stretch of rainy ones. Because there were so many others socializing outdoors there, the spirit of aviation is alive and well!
Ranger 1 Autogyro:
An aircraft lollapalooza: Scores of 1-2 seat aircraft were everywhere including helicopters, amphibian planes, gyroplanes, landplanes and ultralight planes. One caught my eye. It was a Ranger-1, two-seat gyroplane introduced to me by one warm and friendly lady, Flo. The performance of this aircraft is stellar. It can take off and land in as little as a few feet, turn a sharp 180 and climb and descend at breathtaking rates. In sum, it’s thrilling to fly.
Petrel biplane at Crow Island Airpark
If Leonardo’s thoughts of flying were anything like my own, I think, if alive today, he would fall in love with amphibians. Amphib 101: A Petrel amphibian is a small version of a much longer flying predecessor, the Seawind, in that it introduces several advances in aircraft technology: First, it is all composite; stronger and lighter than aluminum. Further, like most Seawinds, Its engine is fuel-injected or turbocharged helping it to climb and cruise faster than other aircraft. Lastly, it is amphibious. It does not need an airport to land. That’s great for traveling to remote camps. It’s also a wonderful safety feature to know you have alternatives to off-airport landings.
Super Seawind N71RJ vs Petrel Biplane
Full disclosure: the one huge difference noted with my Seawind, is that my Seawind, N71RJ, is the only flying Seawind in the world to have a PT6A-20, 550 HP turbine delivering five times the Petrel power to drive this incredible amphibian. The difference? Twice the speed, range, seats (4), ceiling, and payload of a Petrel and with three times the climb rate to boot. Either amphibian provides great views of the Assabet River and the surrounding national wildlife sanctuary of Crow Island Airpark.
Husky Aviat model A1C-200 at Crow Island Airpark
Further on the fixed-wing side another delight was well-demonstrated by a Husky Aviat model A1C-200, N199B, in a take-off and landing in a short distance of about 200-300’. Impressive!
Experience At Crow Island Airpark
Oh, The food: A lunch of potato salad, beans, hotdogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and non-alcoholic cold drinks were readily served up celebrating summer and community. I enjoyed every bit as I chatted with another about our shared Massachusetts history.
About Crow Island
Lots to see: Did you know that Crow Island is also the home of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 196 which attracts area innovators who enjoy building aircraft and sharing their flying experiences with young folk through the EAA Young Eagles program.
All together Crow Island Airpark, 8MA4 annual summer BBQ is truly something to crow about. I had a whole lot of fun there and I think Leonardo would have too.