Jim Roberts submitted this photo and note: “During a sunny Saturday stroll, this young family pauses to watch the action at Knoxville Downtown Island Airport (KDKX). They were treated to numerous aircraft practicing touch-and-go landings, and stayed long enough to enjoy a real treat…taxi and takeoff by a gorgeous P-51. Stay tuned for that photo!”
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When you have the opportunity ICT to provide what we received in the past, make it so the best you can.
Yes, exposure at an early age. So thrilling it was!! The sad aspect of this photo is the fence……
Yes, there is value in fencing and that’s an unfortunate reality of life these days. The sad part is lack of accessibility.
In days gone by, we could simply get up close with aircraft on the ramp. Respectfully of course….. looking inside of the planes, closely observing every aspect of the flight controls, propeller, engine compartment, wheel pants, etc. So exciting!!!
Anytime I’m parked at a general aviation airport and I see a person, adult or child, I invite them inside for a tour of my airplane. When I do ask them, a wonderful spark and bright smile appears.
This is most gratifying that I can help provide that smile, and possibly spark enthusiasm for flying in someone.
Oh man yes it is so sad. We live in a fenced-off society. It’s all about fear and intimidation now, not openness, enthusiasm, or sharing. We are well on our way to dystopia.
I grew up in Wichita in the 60’s and 70’s, the heyday for Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft. Every weekend, my dad would take me out to Mid-Continent airport. We would walk up and down the ramp, looking at each airplane we came to, peering into the cockpit to see the cool controls and instrument panel. The highlight was visiting the Yingling indoor showroom. There they would have a brand-new Cessna sitting on the showroom floor. Of course it was perfectly OK to get inside and take a look. I can clearly remember that “new airplane” smell to this day. Absolutely hypnotic.
This nation’s best days – long gone, never to return. It’s heartbreaking what this great society has become – just a shadow of its former self.
Hi Mitch. What the photo doesn’t show is the gate by the FBO, where there are picnic tables on the side of the ramp for passers-by.
I guess these folks chose to watch from the street while they paused in their walk.
And I do agree it’s important to be open and inviting to our neighbors. Thanks for being such a great advocate for GA!