Annual Colfax Fly-In sees over 200 guests

WWII planes, experimental craft and more fly into Colfax

Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette | Sep 28, 20230

Justin Slayton | The Gazette count

Carrie Bellecourt poses with her son, Cooper (WSU hoodie), and parents Jim White and former long-time Colfax High School teacher, Cathy White, in front of the 1942 Grumman JRF-6B "Goose" during the Annual Colfax Fly-In on Sept. 23. Read more on Page 5.

Justin Slayton | The Gazette count

Pullman EAA Chapter President Jim Durfey, right, get a quick word from Art Sager, winner of the "Oldest Pilot" award during the 2023 Fly-In, during the awards ceremony.

Justin Slayton | The Gazette count

Bralen Donough, winner of the Youngest Pilot Award, speaks with Jim Durfey.

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COLFAX - The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 328 hosted its 8th annual Colfax Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Port of Whitman Business Air Center, Airport Access Road.

Coordinator Barney Buckley said that the fly-in was a success. "Over 220 people enjoyed breakfast," he said, adding that 45 airplanes were on the field.

Buckley said children in attendance received a foam glider from the Port of Whitman and a balsa wood plane from EAA 328.

Buckley said that Pilot Jon Ball flew a Widgeon, powered by its original Ranger engines, from the Yakima area, receiving both the People's Choice Award and the Longest Distance Flown.

Buckley said Bralen Donovgh, 16, flew an Aeronca Champ in winning the Youngest Pilot Award. Donovgh flew in with his father from Mead, who flew in a Cessna Skywagon. Bralen plans to join the Air Force and eventually fly for airlines.

Winning the Oldest Pilot Award, Art Sager, 83, of Dusty, flew a Mooney 201 and is the President of Washington Flying Farmers.

Buckley said the fly-in saw several military planes, including a Piper L-4 "Grasshopper" liaison plane used in WWII for spotting, communications, and delivering personnel to battle areas.

"From hangar 180 in Lewiston, Gary Peters flew by in a P-51 Mustang WWII fighter," Buckley said, adding that Peters got a lot of cheers and applause.

Buckley said there was a Cessna L-19 "Birddog," which served as a forward control and support aircraft in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

"There were numerous Experimental aircraft," Buckley said, adding that they showed off the skill of airplane builders.

Buckley said the fly-in appreciates the support of the sponsors, Port of Whitman County, Colfax Rotary Club, Joseph's Grainery, Jones Truck and Implement, and Darrell and Linda Fender. "People enjoyed their breakfast on tables provided by the McGregor Company," Buckley said.