Wishing You Were Lighter Than Air?

Blogger's Note: Our thanks to FOB Deb Penrod for this information about a high-flying event this weekend.

 

Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 20, noon – 5 p.m.

Hey, the weather forecast is looking good, so it’s going to be “wheels up” this weekend at Heritage Field. Where??   

Just 15 cents per pound puts you in the air

No, that isn’t a new airport. Heritage Field is the new name for the former Pottstown Limerick Airport. It’s still where it’s always been at 3310 W. Ridge Pike, midway between Pottstown and Limerick.

The  what is “Pennies-a-Pound”.  For a donation of 15-cents per pound of body weight, you can go flying above the beautiful spring ChestMont countryside. 

Don’t worry if you’ve grown, the maximum will be $25.00, with a minimum of $7.00 for the littlest pilots.

The event is sponsored by the Ninety-nines, the International Organization of Women Pilots organized in 1929 by Amelia Earhardt. 

The Ninety-nines was founded by Amelia Earhardt

All funds raised go to support aviation education and scholarships. Volunteer pilots donate their time and the use of their airplanes, because, well, they’re really crazy about flying.

Come learn why the birds sing! Many a boy, girl, teen, and adult have had their first airplane ride with Pennies-a-Pound. Everyone remembers their first small airplane ride, so it’s a great way to build fun memories in your family.

The event happens to coincide with the nontraditional career day for girls at the Pottsown Y. What a great opportunity to emphasize non-traditional careers such as pilots, airplane mechanics, flight instructors, engineers, designers, air-traffic controllers, and many others.

 Aviation can help grow an early interest - honest! - in math, engineering, astronomy, meteorology,  geography,  even photography. Or it just help you appreciate the beauty of the sky, or give a little motivation.  A person who can fly an airplane, can do anything.

Main building at Heritage Field (Pottstown/Limerick Airport)

Even if you don’t fly, experienced pilots will be on hand to share their stories and encouragement. They can explain the jargon of radio transmissions, the pilot ratings, the importance of the weather, the differences between airplanes.

It may not seem quite as exciting to talk about as the view, but the two local area airports (Heritage Field and Pottstown’s Municipal Airport) were highlighted in the recent Regional Pottstown Area financial impact study as highly valuable assets for economic development.

So come on out. Saturday is also the Heritage Field Open-House with lots of other activities going on. The Ninety-Nines and Pennies-a-Pound will remain through Sunday.

The Weather Committee does remind you the event is subject to weather, and availability of pilots and aircraft.

For more information, you can also call Heritage Field at 610-495-7000.