By Lee Collingridge
Aircraft enthusiasts, families and pilots gathered at the Carman/Dufferin Municipal Airport on June 6 for the community’s annual Fly-In Day, an event designed to celebrate and raise awareness of one of the region’s key transportation assets.
The annual event welcomed visitors from across the area to explore aircraft displays, meet pilots and learn more about aviation while enjoying a pancake breakfast and family-friendly activities.
Charl Vermeulen, a helicopter pilot and ground school instructor flew a helicopter in for Fly-In Day at the Carman/Dufferin Municipal Airport last Saturday
The airport is home to 11 aircraft, and visiting pilots were invited to fly in and showcase their planes alongside a helicopter display. Throughout the day, pilots shared stories about flying, aircraft ownership and the history of the airport.
Children had the opportunity to explore some of the aircraft, ride miniature train cars and participate in crafts and games set up in the shelter area.
Local pilot John Carley said the airport has become an important community asset since a major rejuvenation project was completed in 2008 and 2009.
Carley has held a pilot’s licence for 70 years and spent many years selling model aircraft. He has also volunteered with the Canadian Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) for 15 years, assisting with searches for missing persons and other emergency response activities.
He believes the airport is among the finest small airports in Manitoba and contributes to Carman’s reputation as a progressive and growing community.
The airport serves a variety of purposes beyond recreational flying. It provides a convenient stop for aircraft requiring fuel, offers quick access for business travellers and welcomes visitors to the region.
Among the vendors attending the event was Bill Voth and his team from Mission Aviation Fellowship. The organization uses aviation to support communities around the world and highlighted the important role small airports play in connecting remote areas with essential services.
Voth noted that facilities such as the Carman airport help improve access to communities and support organizations that rely on aviation to deliver assistance and services.
Also attending the event was Charl Vermeulen, a helicopter pilot and ground school instructor employed at Southport.
Vermeulen flew a helicopter into Carman for the day and spoke about the airport’s value as a training facility for student helicopter pilots, who regularly use the airport for night landing exercises.
A passionate aviator, Vermeulen spent five years building his own aircraft, a RANS S-21 Outbound. Since completing the project, he has flown the aircraft to destinations including British Columbia and Wisconsin.
He said aviation offers a unique sense of freedom and Fly-In Day provides an opportunity to share that experience with the community.
With aircraft displays, aviation stories and family activities drawing visitors throughout the day, the event once again highlighted the important role the Carman/Dufferin Municipal Airport plays in supporting transportation, business, training and recreation in the region.
