Fly-Out to Golden Age Air Museum

Under blue, blue skies and calm winds the largest fleet of Chapter aircraft - nine airplanes - ever to take to the skies on a Chapter Fly-Out went wheels-up from New Garden  9am, Saturday November 7th, destination - Grimes Airport 8N1 and the Golden Age Air Museum.

We chatted on the airwaves during the 45 mile flight to the northwest, some airplanes flying formation, but everyone enjoying the perfect flying weather for this unique trip.

Grimes airport is up against Blue Mountain ridge, at Bethel PA and the 2300’ grass strip was most welcoming. Our nine aircraft, ranging from a Bonanza to a Sonex taxied and lined-up adjacent to the two main hangars, the workshop and the museum store.

Our group of nineteen Chapter members - our largest for a fly-out in recent times - gather for the visit which Bill Kelsall had arranged for us all.

Paul Dougherty Snr and Paul Dougherty Jnr, the senior Museum staff, met us in the store  and we formed two groups for our personalised tour of the airport and museum.

What a treat. In the two main hangars we were introduced to the ‘between-the-wars’ collection, which included; 1917 Rumpler CV, 1918 Curtiss Jenny, 1928 Monocoupe, 1929 Waco GXE, 1930 Great Lakes Sport Trainer, 1932 Pietenpol Air Camper, 1932 Taylor E-2 Cub, 1936 Aeronca C-3 Master. All these aircraft are flown regularly - an accomplishment and testament to the love and care that the museum clearly dedicates to these unique aircraft.

After the tour we returned to the well-stocked gift shop for memento’s and aircraft models and kits.

Several of the Chapter members took-in lunch at Chester County airport on their way home.

Thanks again to our hosts Paul’s Snr & Jnr, and special thanks to  Bill for making all the arrangements for us, truly a memorable 240 outing!

The Museum web site: www.goldenageair.org