The Copperstate Fly-In, which has moved to several airports around Arizona over more than 40 years, will be held at a new site this October, organizers have announced. The event will be held at Falcon Field, in Mesa, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29. The facilities available at Falcon Field will help the fly-in to expand its offerings, organizers said. “We’re optimistic we’ll have more people through the gate and more exhibitors,” fly-in president Steve Bass told the local East Valley Tribune. The site is also convenient to the major metropolitan Phoenix area, which is the main source of visitors to the fly-in. The event usually attracts about 500 aircraft and up to 7,000 visitors.
The fly-in will feature aircraft displays, including ultralights, gyrocopters, homebuilts, antiques and warbirds. Also planned are aircraft awards, aviation business information booths, educational workshops for pilots and youth activities. “This is a mutually beneficial partnership,” local city council member David Luna said of the move to Mesa. “It will help increase regional and national awareness about what Falcon Field has to offer, while helping the Copperstate Fly-in expand its offerings to pilots and aviation enthusiasts.” A portion of event proceeds will fund scholarships for youth aviation programs.
