The fly-in that started as a challenge

The Fifty to Fifty Romeo Fly-In in Lockhart, Texas, started out as a challenge.

That’s according to Jake McCullough, an instrument-rated pilot and owner of a 1965 Piper 28-180 based at Lockhart Municipal Airport (50R) in Texas.

“I told a friend I thought I could get at least 50 planes to come to this airport as I had organized several other events when I lived in Midland, Texas,” he explained.

Lockhart Airport is a great place to host a fly-in. It has a paved 4,001-foot runway, plenty of 100LL fuel available, and a sufficiently wide ramp. In addition, it is surrounded by some of the best BBQ restaurants in Texas.

A view towards the grass parking lot, across from the main ramp at 50R.

In 2021, the first year of the event, McCullough surpassed his goal, attracting 54 aircraft, including two helicopters.

In 2022, that number topped 60, including three helicopters, as well as “Glamorous Glen III,” a P-51D Mustang, and an AT-6D Texan from the Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.

An excited young man enjoying his ride in this North American AT-6D Texan operated by CAF’s Central Texas Wing.

“As it began to grow, it turned into something bigger,” McCullough said. “I saw it as an opportunity to connect the flying with the non-flying public.”

Roger Morales, who is not a pilot but a devoted aviation enthusiast, agrees.

“I definitely like this event,” he said. “I enjoy talking with the pilots who kindly tell me about the characteristics of their planes and the atmosphere is really very pleasant. Another thing that I really like is the wide variety of aircraft. It’s not every day that you can get so close to a P-51 Mustang.”

Glamorous Glen III performing a low pass over 50R.

Events at the airport also include a regular Breakfast Taco & Pancake Shindig, held the first Saturday of every month. Organized by the Lockhart Flying Club, this event attracts not only pilots who fly in, but also attendees from the local community.

McCullough points out that, while he is not affiliated with the flying club other than being friends with many of the members, the first Saturday events every month and the annual Fifty To Fifty Romeo Fly-in “are great venues to share the passion of aviation with the community.”

Coming from Estates Airpark (XS09) in New Waverly, Texas, Eric Herzog lands at Lockhart Airport in his beautiful North American T-6G.

He added that “many people reach out him via the Lockhart Airport Association Facebook group asking questions about what paths they can take to be involved or even become pilots themselves.”

A classic yellow Cub landing at the event.

Planning is underway for the third annual Fifty To Fifty Romeo Fly-In, which is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting.

Organizers are planning for an even bigger and better fly-in this year, with more vendors, including food trucks, as well as participation from the Lockhart Spanish Chamber of Commerce.