Cactus Fly-In a hornet’s nest of activity

Joe Griffin’s Nanchang CJ-6 in flight. (Photo by Karyn King)

Mother nature prevailed, causing some restrictions for aircraft arriving from the West Coast but, in spite of this annual cool and wet phenomenon, the 66th annual Cactus Fly-In boasted 160 visiting aircraft and more than 2,000 non-flying patrons.

At least 40 antique and classic aircraft appeared on the ramp for a glorious Arizona Saturday at Casa Grande Municipal Airport (KCGZ) on March 2, 2024, according to organizers.

A diverse collection of 35 rare cars filled the auto display area nestled between a suite of food vendors.

The Civil Air Patrol provided information at its display on the flight line, along with aircraft simulators positioned inside the airport terminal for aspiring pilots. The Arizona Pilots Association displayed information on its mission for preserving general aviation across the state.

The Christian Motorcycle Association assisted the Phoenix chapter of the 99s with aircraft parking, while camping and RV parking options were reintroduced for fly-in/drive-in patrons — a feature that is planned for future Cactus Fly-Ins, officials noted.

Jason Hardy’s Wilga flying at the 2024 Cactus Fly-In. (Photo by Tim Spearman)

The Fly-In was officially launched Friday March 1. Early arrivals on Friday evening enjoyed the Cactus Cocktail Hour hosted by the Classic Airplane Association of Arizona (CAAA).

Saturday morning brought a hornet’s nest of inbound traffic.

A fleet of various aircraft, including Stearmans, PT-22s, Fairchilds, a Beech Staggerwing, a CJ-6, and much more, descended on the field with many of these ships in “flat-pitch.”

Triple M Flying Ranch’s Cessna 140 at the fly-in. (Photo by Tim Spearman)

Thanks to airport manager Dave Reffner and his staff, the ramp was wide open to receive antique/classic aircraft and autos and to provide a convenient truck refueling service, with discounts on fuel.

Iron City, an off-road vehicle business, donated the use of two large ATVs as transportation on the ramp for handicapped attendees and for emergency medical staff.

New to this year’s fly-in was the arrival of Keith Kossuth of Chino, California, flying his 1929 Travelair open cockpit biplane. Expectant riders were lined up all day to get a ride in this aircraft.

Keith Kossuth of Chino, California, offered rides during the fly-in in his 1929 Travelair. (Photo by Tim Spearman)

After a picnic lunch, CAAA Director Dave Cheney counted the “Pilot’s Choice” and “People’s Choice” ballots for displayed aircraft. This year’s awards were gift certificates provided by Aircraft Spruce.

The winner of the Pilot’s Choice award was a PT-22 flown by Tom Regier from Reedley, California.

People’s Choice was awarded to the Consolidated PB4Y-J aircraft maintained by Gosshawk Aviation at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport.

The People’s Choice Award at the 2024 Cactus Fly-In went to this Consolidated PB4Y-J. (Photo by Tim Spearman)

The traditional Antique Airplane Association Headquarters Award was presented by Brent Taylor to Bruce McElhoe for his immaculate Bearhawk, also flown in from Reedley, California.

Planning has already begun for next year’s fly-in, set for March 1, 2025.

For more information: CactusFlyIn.org