By LISA F. BENTSON
When the alarm went off at 4:20 a.m., I questioned my sanity — at least until the first drop of coffee reminded me of the adventure that awaited. It was a crisp 17°F when I started the 10-hour drive to the city of Buckeye, Arizona, for the annual Air Fair, which was held Feb. 17-19, 2023.
I made it in time to watch the practice runs of many of the air show performers, but sadly not in time to see the hordes of kids who came to the airport for the annual Aviation Field Trip Friday.
Being an educator, it was fuel for my soul to hear that more than 1,500 students from 16 local schools came to learn about aviation, aerospace, career opportunities, and how cool it is to study Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
Those kids were among the more than 30,000 people who attended the event, which included an air show, vintage and military aircraft on display, seminars, and much more.
My interest was primarily planes, with a bit of networking on the side, which started in the giant white tent that served as the fair’s exhibit hall, where I had a great conversation with Dan Justman, vice president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation. Thanks to Dan, I realized what we really need to do is “move the needle” when it comes to promoting aviation to younger people.
From the exhibit hall, I skipped all the interesting seminars, food trucks, local vendors, kid zone rides, and refocused on the planes, both on the ground and in the air. The early light of Saturday morning allowed me to see the preparations for the afternoon air show and get up close to some of the most beautiful planes — and their pilots.
My AOPA membership gave me access to the Flightline Chalet and one of the best seats in the house to watch the air show.
The Buckeye Air Fair is my new favorite air show. I’ve already got that 4:20 a.m. alarm set for next year!
Lisa F. Bentson is a long-time General Aviation News photographer, a sport pilot, and caretaker of a 1946 Ercoupe named Warbler. She runs the College and Career Readiness Institute at Luna Community College in Northeastern New Mexico.