Tribune Photos/Ron Wight Young Eagles from EAA display formation flying

By Steven Wagner
NewsDesk@lstribune.net

On Saturday, June 21st the Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport held its annual Open House. A community event with something for all ages, the Airport was showing off its new entrance and the professionalism of its staff. Many aircraft were on display, some that visitors (including kids!) could climb in and feel the excitement.

Readying the Re/Max balloon for flight

John Ohrazda, Manager of the airport for 30 years is rightfully proud of his staff and the community at the City Airport. The airport is part way through an expansion that has seen minor delays due to delayed funding, but will eventually see the lengthening of the runways to allow small business jet traffic to fly in and out with full tanks of fuel.

Mr. Ohrazda wanted to highlight the contribution of the Civil Air Patrol’s participation in this year’s event. Those members helping were from the Lee’s Summit Composite Squadron located right at the airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, civilian volunteer auxiliary of the United States Air Force. They offer a cadet program for youths 12 to 18.

The family friendly event began at 9 AM and ended at 4PM with approximately 1,200 guests visiting. The EAA Chapter 91 (Experimental Aircraft Association) held a pancake breakfast that began at 7:30AM and served over 400 visitors, the largest in memory. EAA chapter 91 also provided Young Eagle flights for kids 8 to 17 to increase their desire to participate in aviation careers. 114 flights on 15 different aircraft were provided.

This coming Saturday, June 28th, a clinic will be held at the airport for the Kansas City precision flying team with planes arriving from all over the country. Between 35 and 43 aircraft are expected to attend.

Next year’s event is already in planning, so mark your calendars for June 20th, 2015 and come out and enjoy your local aviation community’s show.

For additional information, please write to newsdesk@lstribune.net.

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