Just in Case You Need N741AC

Outside of static displays such as this, if you see a black and gold aircare helicopter on the scene somewhere in eastern Iowa it is usually serious business for an injured citizen.

On this occasion, the annual Marion (Iowa) fly-in, helicopters from local hospitals make a visit along with several small planes, classic cars and assorted robotics just ahead of the July 4th celebration.

The copter's EMT gives a quick overview of the purpose of the mobile platform based at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Many families stand in line to let their kids to see the UI helicopter and have a chance to sit at the controls. This is a 2014 Eurocopter 130 T2.

The Hawkeye logo adorns the rotor tail housing. Go Hawks. 

Cherry Hot Dashboard for a '56 Chevy Bel Air

At last weekend's Marion (Iowa) fly-in a selection of classic cars displayed their best chrome and hot paint finishes. This 1956 Chevy Bel Air interior is a show stopper with all its original and modified shine. The guy that owns the car says he has invested a bunch of dollars into some of the latter restoration projects. He hopes that investment will at least keep the car's value up but really doesn't know. He is more proud of the show quality of the half century old Chevy than selling at the moment.

Marion Fly-In 2014 Part 2

Watching small planes land and take-off never gets old at the Marion Fly-in in Marion, Iowa.

To get the full look at the Marion airport you can ride the hayrack around the grounds.

Nothing like a hayrack ride and a thumb to calm the nerves.

Always a crowd pleaser - a local hospital patient copter.

One of the hospital copter's healthcare professionals explains the medical features of the mobile unit.

Marion Fly-In 2014 Part 1

One of the opening activities for Freedom Festival is the Marion Fly-In in Marion, Iowa. Today the cloud ceiling was low and therefore no fly-ins participated. However several local small planes gave $10 a person rides throughout the morning.

A skeptical boy hangs on to his mother as they approach a small plane for a ride. 

Air traffic is brisk during mid morning but the crews did a good job in getting people on and off the planes.

A trio of guys get their photo taken after completing a successful flight.

Vehicle traffic was routed slightly differently than in years' past. A volunteer directs traffic away from the old entrance. Note the relative height of the corn in the background. Its been a wet spring.

Marion Fly-In 2013 Part 3

Marion, Iowa's annual fly-in and breakfast is held the Sunday prior to July 4th. This year's event expanded with demonstrations from the fire department. Firefighter Phil High supervises the construction set up, fire demonstration and clean-up.

The fire department constructed apartment-like cubicles and positioned couches, tables, etc in the units, then set them on fire. One apartment had a smoke detector and other alarm instruments. The demonstration reinforced how fast fires can start and spread. A crowd watched the firefighters douse the flames.

Kennedy High School (Cougars) annually demonstrate electric car design, construction and racing at the fly-in. They compete with other clubs in the midwest. Several KHS seniors go on to automotive or engineering courses in college and vocational schools.  

At various times during the fly-in, students take the car on the grounds for firsthand demonstrations of driving. The team answers questions about how the car works and what it takes to get involved.

Getting around the fly-in is easy. Perfect weather and lots of planes made for another great fly-in. See you in 2014. 

Marion Fly-in 2013 photos here: Part 1, Part 2.

Marion Fly-In 2013 Part 2

More photos from the Marion Fly-in 2013 on Sunday, June 30, 2013. This annual event features private aircraft either on display or giving short rides around the Cedar Rapids-Marion, Iowa area.

The US military was represented by Army and Marine recruiters this year at the fly-in. Sometimes a Navy recruiter and trainer plane make the event. These Marines were waiting for someone to call who was suppose to meet them.

Civil Air Patrol cadets help a pilot move his plane into a parking position. Each year, cadets work hard to make the entire event a success.

A characteristic of the event is an active flight line. Planes taxi, depart and arrive. The public can stand close to the action where it is not possible at larger commercial airports.

Several smaller planes have their own characteristic paint. This one resembles an eagle. Kids love it.

Local air care made an appearance at the fly-in. This helicopter's arrival is a head turner, as it approaches the crowd, rotates into position and lands. People love looking into the cockpit and talking to the crew.

Marion Fly-in 2013 photos here: Part 1, Part 3.

Marion Fly-In 2013 Part 1

[Getting back to blogging.] On Sunday June 30, 2013, the Marion, Iowa airport stages a fly-in for pilots and the general public. Each year the event grows with more participating aircraft, some for static display and some to give rides for $10 a person. The short flights circle the Marion-Cedar Rapids area and typically last for about 15 minutes. This year the weather was prefect as people enjoyed the lead up to the Independance Day celebrations in the area known as Freedomfest.

Airplane rides are offered in a variety of private aircraft. The Iowa corn crop looked pretty darn good in the background. It would be nearly two months later when substantial rains returned.

This girl wanted her photo taken as she peered out of a Humvee. I suspect that her dad was the driver.

The local Civil Air Patrol manages the flight line and parking for aircraft and cars. The older kids help the younger ones learn what to do while the adult members oversee the entire event. The commander (with his back turned to the camera) generally signaled the planes to park nearby while maintaining high levels of safety. He made sure his troop knew exactly what to do, when to do it and where to do it.

A line of planes wait for passengers to load and unload. As you can imagine the need for safety around these fast moving propellers and taxiing planes are major priorities.

Marion Fly-in photos can be seen here: Part 2, Part 3.

Red, White and Stearman

Two Boeing Stearman participated in static display at the 2012 Marion Airport Fly-In a few days ago in Marion, Iowa. Stearman biplanes were manufactured during the 1930s and 40s. These remarkably sturdy planes served as pilot training platforms for American aviators during World War II. This silver colored Stearman, according to its pilot was built in 1940 and painted in 1942 training colors. The aircraft served in St. Louis, Missouri during the war as a trainer for naval aviators. The pilot says the plane is on its second engine after overhauls retired the first. Both planes appear to be in excellent condition with fabric or composite material making up the wings and fuselage. Both planes also drew substantial attention from the crowd, helping to make this year's run-up to Independence Day just a bit more patriotic.

Student Made Electric Racing Cars Draw Attention at Fly-In

Making a promotional stop at today's Marion Fly-In were several high school students and teacher. The Cougar Electric Car Company, part of Cedar Rapids' Kennedy High School is a program designed for students to experience design, manufacturing, promotion and racing electric cars. In the number 50 car today was incoming junior, Wyatt. His experience through this program includes racing this and the other student made electric cars in competitions at tracks in Iowa, Nebraska and Michigan. He is investigating programs offered through General Motors for his post high school education.

Wyatt related racing stories as well as design and fabrication tales. His passion for the program is apparent in telling how various batteries perform and then easily slips into a discussion of how to win races. During one race he described brake failure during a pit stop. Wyatt's solution was to stop the car by pressing his gloved hand to the rotating wheel, squeezing and wishing for the best. His action resulted in first, second and third degree burns to his fingers including the extraction of rubber tire fragments from his hand by medical professionals. He now jokes that he doesn't have finger prints on three fingers.


Other members of the Cougar team discussed how the cars work, where they race this summer and what they are learning in the process. Another driver mentions his best finish was fourth in a recent race. Barry Wilson, the academic adviser to the program challenged the driver to do better, figure out how to get more power out of his car and how to drive more strategically to win a first place trophy. And still another team member, who is also a driver talked about her diving skills in the pool. She is excited to do more racing this summer and contribute to the design of future electric racing cars.