Feature
October
14
Cajun Fly-In 2010
by Newton Boudreaux
The 2010 edition of Houma’s Bill Forn of Memorial Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 513 Cajun Fly-in is set for Saturday, October 16, beginning at 9 a.m. It is a public aviation event sponsored by EAA Chapter 513 to show off Houma-Terrebonne Airport’s modern facilities to local citizens as well as flyers from all over the area. Last year 31 pilots flying home-built and factory-built privately owned airplanes came to Houma. Many flyers are expected to come to Houma again for this year’s Louisiana EAA fly-in series event.
Two recently completed aircraft built by local EAA members Chris Aysen and Scott Thibodaux, will be on the flight line and will probably fly during the Cajun Fly-in. Aysen built his high wing, two place, white and green all metal CH-701 over a period of several years, while Thibodaux spent 13 years building his fabric covered Christavia. Both airplanes flew for the first time last year after passing an FAA inspection and approval for an air worthiness certificate. Most home built aircrafts are now built from kits, which provide performed parts, which are assembled faster by following a construction manual and drawings. The Aysen CH-701 was built by forming and riveting metal sheets and other stock parts into assembled parts in accordance with plans and specifications. The Thibodaux Christavia was built by welding special steel grade tubing together and covering with aircraft-quality fabric and then applying a beautiful paint job.
The U.S. Marine Corps will have several helicopters on static exhibit during the event. A T-28 “Trojan,” a Navy trainer owned by local aviation legend Charlie Hammonds, will also be on static display all day. Those attending will also get to see Darryl Christen’s L-39, a former Soviet Union’s jet trainer, on the ground and flying. Louisiana State Police are planning to show two helicopters at the Cajun Fly-in, one a specially equipped drug interdiction ship.
Fly-in goers will be able to inspect emergency and water rescue vehicles from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The Houma Police Department will be on the field all day, as well as the Houma Fire Department, which will have firefighters and a fire truck on the North Ramp and welcome all visitors. The Louisiana Army National Guard will be showing a combat-ready Hummer vehicle and also providing a climbing wall with climbing instruction available for kids of all ages who want to test their climbing skills.
The Regional Military Museum will show several of their WWII era vehicles and civilianized weapons including a tracked personnel weapons carrier and a civilianized Browning 50 caliber machine gun.
Helicopters from most local operators will also be on display including Air Logistics, Petroleum Helicopters, Acadian Ambulance AirMed and ERA.
There is no charge for admission or for parking. Drivers to the fly-in should enter the airport at Aviation Road on East Main Street and follow the signs to the parking area.
Food and refreshments will be available on Houma-Terrebonne Airport’s West Ramp. The Schriever Lions Club will be offering hamburgers, and hot dogs and cold drinks for sale. A special treat will be a jambalaya by Chef Norbert Punch and Sno-on-Wheels will be offering snowballs, ice cream, cold drinks and pickles.
For more information, please contact Newton Boudreaux at 985-872-6732.
