Piper Sentimental Journey Fly-In 2022

Jun 23

The hangar behind us at W29 houses an iconic Piper Cub. I have to admit, even though I’ve painted them, I didn’t know much about their history. Their happy faces and proud gesture are really fun to paint.

Retired in Vero Beach - 1958 Piper Tri-Pacer

When we found out about the Piper Sentimental Journey Fly-In happening just north of us, we took the day off and flew up. It was the first day of the week-long event and the weather was cool and overcast with of course periods of burning sunshine. We stayed low, which is great for sightseeing.

The farms tucked in between the rolling mountains of Central Pennsylvania were geometrically composed.

The airport came into view. The little white dots indicate the grass strip where most of the Pipers landed. Since we were there on the first day, many planes had not arrived yet, but there were still plenty to view. The FBO was great and volunteers drove us around in golf carts.

Our first stop was the William T. Piper Museum, located at the far end of the field. Small museums are great. Such interesting memorabilia and a variety of exhibits. Many planes were on display in the downstairs hangar and I loved all of the original artwork depicting Pipers on display throughout the exhibits.

Greg Koontz Airshows flies daily. He did the cool trick of landing his Cub on a pickup truck. It took him three tries (the first attempt was downwind), but I think that was all part of the act and that he could have nailed it the first time if that was his intention. Incredible pilot!

Many pilots and their families planned to camp under their wing. The event schedule held many events - from a nightly corn boil with dancing and kid’s camps. It was a field filled with happy people.