I know we've talked about horrible behavior at Fly-ins and Open Houses before, but just had to post a bit about today's events at my home field.
Annual Open House, about a dozen vintage taildraggers, some other classic and not-so-classic GA aircraft, all in an area for the public to look (the T-28s and vintage cars were in a roped-off area, wisely).
Within THREE MINUTES of walking into that area, I witnessed some of the worst behavior I've seen at any fly-in or open house, ever. People hanging on struts, props, etc. Hands *everywhere*, even by old guys who appeared to be airport bums and should know better. Worst of all, a kid hanging on and literally turning the prop on a Stinson while dad just looked on with a blank look on his face. (Yes, I promptly made him stop and explained why that's a *really* bad idea). Followed almost immediately by the 2-year-old that another dad had put on the fuselage of another vintage taildragger, back at the empennage, so she should *ride it like a horse*, kicking and smacking it. ("Is this your airplane?" led to the standard, "uh, no" while removing the kid).
That was it...3 minutes and I was gone...couldn't stand it. And it totally ruined the experience of looking (LOOKING) at some beautiful old aircraft for me.
The blame lies *entirely* with airport management...almost zero security or personnel present (as evidenced by the people walking outside of the event ropes all over the ramp) to educate people or prevent them from damaging other peoples' property.
Sad!
And reinforces that I will NEVER take my plane to an Open House or Fly-in where the public can get "up close and personal" with my baby.
Annual Open House, about a dozen vintage taildraggers, some other classic and not-so-classic GA aircraft, all in an area for the public to look (the T-28s and vintage cars were in a roped-off area, wisely).
Within THREE MINUTES of walking into that area, I witnessed some of the worst behavior I've seen at any fly-in or open house, ever. People hanging on struts, props, etc. Hands *everywhere*, even by old guys who appeared to be airport bums and should know better. Worst of all, a kid hanging on and literally turning the prop on a Stinson while dad just looked on with a blank look on his face. (Yes, I promptly made him stop and explained why that's a *really* bad idea). Followed almost immediately by the 2-year-old that another dad had put on the fuselage of another vintage taildragger, back at the empennage, so she should *ride it like a horse*, kicking and smacking it. ("Is this your airplane?" led to the standard, "uh, no" while removing the kid).
That was it...3 minutes and I was gone...couldn't stand it. And it totally ruined the experience of looking (LOOKING) at some beautiful old aircraft for me.
The blame lies *entirely* with airport management...almost zero security or personnel present (as evidenced by the people walking outside of the event ropes all over the ramp) to educate people or prevent them from damaging other peoples' property.
Sad!
And reinforces that I will NEVER take my plane to an Open House or Fly-in where the public can get "up close and personal" with my baby.