The Independent
Bryce Canyon is preparing to welcome extra pilots and community members to its historic airport with the first-ever Bryce Canyon Fly-in and Airport Appreciation Day, happening this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10 and 11.
“Our airport is a historic treasure and a tribute to the ingenuity and hard work of the residents of Garfield County,” said airport assistant manager Tye Ramsay. “We welcome pilots and the public to experience this piece of history.”
Built in 1936, the Bryce Canyon Airport is a celebrated landmark and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hangar’s unique barn-like design, rustic ponderosa pine logs, and gabled roof have made it an iconic fixture of the area’s legendary landscape.
As part of the inaugural Bryce Canyon Fly-In, pilots are invited to land their planes at the airport for free and then take a shuttle to visit the red-rock vistas of Bryce Canyon National Park. Pilots will also be treated Friday evening to an opening reception and welcome dinner.
“Besides being a part of history, the airport is also a very convenient place to land,” Ramsay said. “Within minutes of landing, pilots and their guests can already be inside the park and enjoying the scenery.”
On Saturday, the public is invited to an open house as part of Airport Appreciation Day from 1-3 p.m. to explore and learn more about the airport. Activities include a plane display, antique car show, refreshments, prizes, and a raffle for a helicopter ride. Local Boy Scouts will also earn their aviation merit badge from the airport’s ground school pilot.
“We are lucky to have an airport at the doorstep of one of our national parks,” said Falyn Owens, executive director of the Garfield County Tourism Office. “The fly-in is a great way for pilots to learn about this exciting way to arrive at Bryce Canyon.”
Pilots interested in attending the fly-in can register by calling the Bryce Canyon Airport at (435) 834-5239. The event is open to all aircraft. Pre-registered aircraft will receive a 30 cent per gallon fuel discount. In addition to the shuttle, a limited number of rental cars are available at the airport.
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