Easton Airport Archives

Radial Engines 101 to be held at Easton Airport on March 27

March 22, 2023 by Spy Desk

Lycoming R-680-13 reciprocating 9 cylinder, air-cooled, 300 HP radial aircraft engine.

Students with a growing interest for aviation and engineering are in for a treat as Captain Hunter H. Harris of FlyAloft.com presents Radial Engines 101 on March 27 at Easton Airport. The event will be 5:30-7:00 p.m. and will be a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of a dismantled Lycoming R-680-13 reciprocating 9 cylinder, air-cooled, 300 HP radial aircraft engine.

Participants will get an up-close look at the engine parts during a classroom-style session led by Harris. The group will then take a short walking tour to Harris’ hangar, where they can see the complete power plant installed in his beautifully restored 1942 Stearman “Silver Queen.” If weather conditions permit, attendees will have the chance to see the mechanical marvel come to life.

“We are really excited to partner with Captain Harris and offer students a chance to learn about the inner workings of his radial aircraft engine,” Easton Airport Marketing & Business Coordinator Jeff Lankford said. “Hunters’ presentation will be engaging for students that we hope become future pilots, aircraft mechanics, and engineers.”

This event is free to attend and is open to all aviation enthusiasts. Younger students should be accompanied by an adult during the event. Students who participate will earn an “ACE Stamp” as part of the 2023 ACE Passport Program, which features spring and summer events designed to incentivize local students to expand their knowledge of aviation by providing structured activities with professionals at Easton Airport. By the end of the program, participants will be awarded an introductory flight-training scholarship.

For more information on the event and upcoming Easton Airport ACE programs, visit www.eastonairport.com.

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Easton Airport Day Returns this Saturday

October 5, 2022 by Spy Desk

Easton Airport is ready to host the 13th annual Easton Airport Day, sponsored by Scott & Tracy Wagner, this Saturday, October 8. The annual event is a fun-filled gathering that offers a unique opportunity to visit the community airfield and see what flying is all about.

Event organizers are planning to kick things off a bit earlier this year. Gates will open to the public as early as 9:15 a.m., or once all the participating planes have parked for display. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:45 a.m. and access to all event areas and “Warbird” display will follow at 10 a.m.

“There are many moving pieces during Easton Airport Day, but our committee decided we would get things in place quickly and safely so we can open our gates for early birds and give guests more time to explore the attractions,” Easton Airport Business and Marketing Coordinator Jeff Lankford said.

Formation Flyover

Easton Police will return to demonstrate their Unmanned Aircraft System near the main Terminal Ramp. The unit is comprised of high-tech Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and the licensed EPD officers that operate them.

New for 2022, U.S. Army Paratroopers will conduct an exercise and practice jumps out of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. The crowd can watch the Chinook take off around 11:00 a.m. with jumps occurring after a few passes around the airport.

Formation flyovers highlight the event with the warbirds flying patterns over the skies of Talbot County. The world-famous Rubber Chicken Drop Contest, sponsored by Bluepoint Hospitality, will be a crowd pleaser as pilots attempt to hit the bed of a pickup truck while flying over the airport.

The Aviation Career Education (ACE) Tent, sponsored by Sundance Kitchen, Baths & Exteriors, will provide a space for the public to learn about aviation from professional pilots, flight schools, and airport personnel. Easton Airport Day 2022 apparel, merchandise, beverages, and raffles will be available at the ACE Tent with proceeds supporting education programming.

Rubber Chicken Drop Contest Sponsored By Bluepoint Hospitality – Photo Credit Greg Davis

Food and drinks will be available for purchase from a variety of local food vendors. Sugar Buns Airport Café will be open for indoor seating and grilling up grab and go options on the terminal patio.

“Easton Airport Day is one of our favorite days and certainly our biggest annual event at the airport.” Easton Airport Manager Micah Risher said. “I would like to thank all of our sponsors, our event committee, volunteers, and fans for making the community event possible.”

Easton Airport Day is free to attend and there is no fee for parking. Parking attendants will be onsite to help attendees find parking spaces on airport property. Additional handicapped parking near the terminal building will be provided. Displays and activities are located all over the airport grounds so be prepared to traverse long distances. Check the forecast, bring a windbreaker, and wear comfortable shoes.

An event schedule, parking diagram, ground and aerial attractions, and additional guest information can be found at www.eastonairportday.com. Guests can also listen for announcements during the event for information and updates.

Easton Airport Day is a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. Proceeds from donors and sponsors support the cost of the event with remaining funds supporting Aviation Career Education (ACE) programs. The purpose of ACE is to provide students the opportunity to explore careers in the aerospace industry, and provide resources and support to aid their vocational pursuit.

Easton Airport (ESN) is a general aviation airport located two miles north of historic downtown Easton, Maryland in Talbot County. The airport is owned and operated by Talbot County and provides essential access for aviation enthusiasts, corporate pilots, and local businesses. Easton Airport is one of the busiest general aviation facilities in Maryland, linking Talbot County to the rest of the world. For more information, visit www.eastonairport.com or follow the airport on Facebook and Instagram @EastonAirport.

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Scott and Tracy Wagner Announced as Presenting Sponsors of Easton Airport Day 2022

September 14, 2022 by Spy Desk

Tracy Wagner, Scott Wagner, and their beloved dog Burry.

The Easton Airport Day event committee is excited to announce Scott and Tracy Wagner as the presenting sponsors of Easton Airport Day. The 13^th annual event takes flight on October 8, offering the entire family an opportunity to visit the local airfield and see what flying is all about.

Easton Airport Day features rare and unique aircraft, military jets, airport equipment, and interesting vehicles on display to the public. Photo-ops will be available with chances for families to sit inside select aircraft and meet the pilots that fly them.

Formation flyovers with rare “Warbirds” flying patterns over the skies of Easton highlights the festivities. The world-famous Rubber Chicken Drop Contest will delight the crowd as pilots skillfully attempt to hit the bed of a pickup truck while flying over the airport.

“We are thrilled to have Scott and Tracy Wagner’s sponsorship once again,” Easton Airport Manager Micah Risher said. “Their ongoing support helps us attract interesting aircraft, great pilots, and put on a special event at the community airfield.”

Scott and Tracy Wagner stepped up to sponsor the Easton Airport Day 2021, helping the event return after a two-year hiatus with more planes and a larger attendance than ever before.

“It is our honor to be a part of Easton Airport Day again this year,” Scott and Tracy Wagner said in a joint statement. “The Easton Airport is a huge asset to our community. Last year’s event was a great success. Thousands of people were able to attend the event. Between the formation flying, the pilots who participated, organizers, volunteers, and the people who attended, we witnessed a fun-filled day for all.”

Easton Airport Day is free to attend and there is no fee for parking. Parking attendants will be onsite to help attendees find appropriate parking spaces on airport property. Additional handicapped parking near the terminal building will be provided. Be prepared to traverse long distances, as displays and activities are located all over the airport grounds.

A full schedule of activities and an event map will be available online in late September. For more information about Easton Airport Day, or to become a sponsor, visit www.eastonairportday.com. Follow Easton Airport on Facebook @EastonAirport for event updates.

About Easton Airport Day: Easton Airport Day is a component fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation. Proceeds from donors and sponsors support the cost of the event with remaining funds supporting Aviation Career Education (ACE) programs – provide students the opportunity to explore careers in the aerospace industry, and provide resources and support to aid their vocational pursuit.

About Scott and Tracy Wagner: Scott and Tracy believe that it is critical to support the local community. Tracy is a licensed realtor with Meredith Fine Properties. Scott has spent thirty-five years in the waste and recycling business in South Central Pennsylvania and has developed industrial buildings for almost three decades. His most recent real estate project is the development and construction of industrial buildings in the Easton Technology Center directly across from Easton Airport.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Easton Airport Day 2022 Scheduled for October 8

July 28, 2022 by Spy Desk

Easton Airport will host the 13th annual Easton Airport Day on Saturday, October 8. The annual event is a fun-filled gathering that offers a unique opportunity to visit the community airfield and see what flying is all about.

Formation flyovers highlight the event with “Warbirds” flying patterns over the skies of Talbot County. The world-famous Rubber Chicken Drop Contest will return to delight the crowd as pilots attempt to hit the bed of a pickup truck while flying over the airport.

Rare and unique aircraft, military jets, airport equipment, and interesting vehicles will be on display throughout Easton Airport Day. Photo-ops will be available with chances for families to sit inside select aircraft and meet the pilots that fly them. Community partners will join the airport with demonstrations, hands-on activities, and other fun things for families to enjoy.

The Aviation Career Education (ACE) Tent will return as a space for the public to learn about aviation from professional pilots, aviation schools, and military personnel. Easton Airport Day 2022 apparel and merchandise will be available at the ACE Tent with proceeds supporting education programming. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from a variety of food vendors.

“Easton Airport Day is one of our favorite days of the year and we are excited to have everybody back out to enjoy their community airport.” Easton Airport Manager Micah Risher said. “Our committee is working hard to put on a great event. We expect a few special announcements to come out as we lead up to the event, so stay tuned.”

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Easton Airport Cruise-In Returns May 15 After Two-Year Hiatus

May 4, 2022 by Spy Desk

Easton Airport and the Chesapeake Classic Car Club will host the second annual Easton Airport Cruise-In on Sunday, May 15, 2022. Automobile enthusiasts and the general public are invited to enjoy an afternoon of fun with unique and classic cars on display at Easton Airport.

The Cruise-In is an “Open Show” style event. All vehicle makes, models, and years are invited to attend. Gates open to participating show vehicles at noon and trophies will be awarded at 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend between noon and 4 p.m. to walk the tarmac, enjoy seeing the unique vehicles, and meet the owners and drivers.

2019 Cruise-In event

“We had a great turnout for our inaugural event in 2019, but then COVID halted our efforts to bring it back two years in a row,” Easton Airport Manager Micah Risher said. “We are excited to invite the car club back and enjoy a great day with cars and planes at the airport.”

Admission and event parking is free to the general public. Chesapeake Classic Car Club will collect a $5 participation donation for vehicles that participate in the Cruise-In. Proceeds will support the Easton Airport’s Aviation Career Education (ACE) Program.

Aloft Biplane Rides will have “Silver Queen” on display and available to book rides. Originally built in 1942 as a WW II primary trainer, Silver Queen is a modified Boeing Stearman that meets modern standards with added performance.

Sugar Buns Airport Café will have Cruise-In specials and their world-famous Sugar Buns for purchase. Local food trucks will participate in the event and offer lunch options outside near the airport’s picnic area.

The Aviation Career Education (ACE) Committee is finalizing details with Trident Aircraft Flight Training to offer kids a free flight over Easton during the event. The introductory flights will give students a brief glimpse at what it takes to be a pilot in hopes it provides the spark that ignites a passion for a career in aviation. Flights will be first come, first serve with a limited number available during the event. More information on the rides will be announced online in the days leading up to the event.

2019 Cruise-In event

“Sundance Kitchen, Bath & Exteriors made a donation to the ACE Scholarship Program during the 2021 Easton Airport Day,” Easton Airport Business & Marketing Coordinator Jeff Lankford said. “Their support and the contribution of Cruise-In participants will allow us to offer these flights to kids. Who knows, we might inspire the next aviator, airline mechanic, or astronaut.”

Visit www.eastonairport.com/cruise-in for more information on flights for kids, event schedule, parking map, vendors, weather related cancelation notices, and more.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Easton Airport Walk & Talk Tours Return May 12 & 26

April 28, 2022 by Spy Desk

Easton Airport is excited to invite the public to ‘Walk & Talk’ at the community airport this spring. The event offers the public an on-site tour of the airport with a trek through designated sections of the airfield on May 12 and 26, 2022.

Attendees can pre-register online and plan to join airport management for the walking tour on the designated dates. The event will be informative and engaging, offering a behind the scenes look at airport operations and the business side of aviation. Airport management expects the event will help the community gain a new perspective of the airport, learn about its history, and see how it has become the “Aviation Gateway to the Eastern Shore” over the years.

“The public really seemed to enjoy our 2021 Walk & Talk series and we’ve had many calls asking if we would bring it back this year,” Easton Airport Manager Micah Risher said. “We can’t wait to get back out there to observe operations with our attendees, see aircraft flying, and be open for any questions the public might have.”

The tours will begin at 10 a.m. near the picnic area outside the Easton Airport terminal. The group goes beyond the gates and walks a 1-mile loop to the Easton Air Traffic Control Tower and back. During the walk and conversation, management will make stops to look and take photos at hangars, aircraft, and other equipment that are out. The tour will end back at the terminal where photo-ops with the F-104 Starfighter, donated to Easton Airport by Tom Blair, will be available.

The 2021 Walk & Talk series registered over 150 guests for the opportunity to take the behind-the-scenes tour at the airport. Easton Airport Day 2021 saw the largest crowd ever gathered on the airfield for an event, but folks are still eager to learn more about the airfield and experience it up-close.

“People love being able to walk through the gates during these tours and be where the action is,” Easton Airport Business & Marketing Coordinator Jeff Lankford said. “Folks that have joined us for a tour always seem to walk away with a newfound appreciation for what the airport offers.”

Pre-registration for the event is requested so airport management can share important information prior to arriving. No 4-legged friends are permitted on the tour. Comfortable walking shoes, camera, sunscreen, and weather appropriate clothes are the only other things needed to enjoy a morning on the community airfield. Visit www.eastonairport.com/walk-talk to learn more and register for the upcoming dates.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Easton Airport Moves into Phase 2 of the Obstruction Removal Program

December 16, 2021 by Spy Desk

Easton Airport has started work on “Phase 2” of the Obstruction Removal Program. The project supports the Easton Airport Runway Safety Improvement Program, a plan approved in 2018 after a 12-year environmental assessment period, to comply with updated Federal Aviation Administration guidelines and regulations for airports nationwide.

The Obstruction Removal Program focuses on eliminating obstructions (primarily trees) that penetrate the approach surfaces into the airport. Currently, identified obstructions do not comply with the federal regulations as defined by 14 CFR Part 77 – Safe, Efficient Use, and Preservation of the Navigable Airspace.

“The Obstruction Removal Program is an important component of our airport safety network that works in conjunction with other measures to achieve the highest possible level of aviation safety,” Easton Airport Manager Micah Risher said. “Keeping the tree obstructions below the FAA mandated heights goes along with our use of airfield markings, lighting, communication procedures, published approaches, and more. All of these components work together to form our comprehensive safety system.”

The project started in early December and is scheduled to be completed by March 2022. The largest work area is on airport property on the east side of Runway 4/22. A total of 11.60 acres of tree obstructions will be cleared. In addition, select tree obstructions will be removed on Goldsborough Neck Road, near the intersection of Airport Road, on Commerce Drive, and on Hazelwood Drive.

The overarching goal of the airfield improvements planned for Easton Airport is to ensure safety areas exist on either end of the primary runway.

“I like to use the example of motor vehicle safety,” Risher said. “You have seatbelts, airbags, and other integrated devices that when combined, make vehicle operation as safe as possible. You don’t rely on a singular safety measure; you need to layer them all.”

The Final Environmental Assessment outlines all of the plans and projects the airport will undertake to accomplish the necessary runway improvements needed to ensure safety. The document, found on the Easton Airport website, contains highly technical data and information. Mr. Risher invites the public to send any questions about the plan to him directly if they have any questions.

“There is still some misinformation circulating that Easton Airport is expanding and people are concerned that our small community airport will turn into a BWI,” Risher said. “That is not true, and is certainly not in any of our long-term plans. The upcoming projects will bring the airport into compliance with FAA design standards, modernize the airfield, and improve overall operational safety.”

For additional information on Easton Airport safety projects, and to download a copy of the Easton Airport Environmental Assessment plan, please visit www.eastonairport.com/projects. Questions or comments can be sent to Easton Airport Manager Micah Risher at [email protected].

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