Hundreds of planes flying in for Lyon County Air Fest

Hundreds of planes are scheduled to land at the Silver Springs Airport this weekend for the annual Lyon County Fly In & Air Fest. The show will officially open Saturday morning with a jumper parachuting in with the United States flag.

The U.S Navy, which operates the Air Station and Top Gun flight school in Fallon, is making an especially large showing this year. Demonstrations by the Navy SEALS, the Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal team, Naval Search and Rescue crews and fly overs by fighter jets from the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center will be the highlights of the two-day event.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. For those who want to get started before 10, pancake breakfasts sponsored by the Lyon County Chambers of Commerce will be offered both mornings starting at 7 a.m. Numerous aircraft are scheduled to arrive during breakfast on Saturday.

Lyon County's air fest is an interesting mix of antique aircraft and modern military and fire-fighting planes. Displays on the runway will include cargo aircraft, helicopters and the Experimental Aircraft Association's "Young Eagles" program which takes children up for their first off-the-ground experience.

Other demonstrations will include model aircraft, rocket displays and hot air balloons.

Rides will be offered aboard gliders and ultralight aircraft.

More than 225 aircraft landed or flew over last year, including a Ford Tri-motor replica, a P-51 Mustang, the Bureau of Land Management smoke jumpers, a T-34, several Stearmen, a Grumman Albatross, a couple of T-28s and many more. Numerous private aircraft owners and pilots will be flying in both days this year.

A raffle will offer several prizes, including a new spa donated by Aqua-Tech Pools Spas & Saunas of Silver Springs. The octagonal spa seats five adults and includes a cover, chemicals and delivery within 100 miles. Other prizes include a fishing charter from Just Rite II Fishing Team, a two-night stay in Napa Valley, a wine train tour in Napa Valley, two tickets to anywhere Southwest Airlines flies, one night and breakfast at the Carson Valley Inn, passes to the Reno Air Races, an Aqua Dock home water conditioning system, and one ton of hay.

The Lyon County Air Fest and Fly In is organized by a nonprofit organization incorporated in Nevada. The group promotes aviation, provides aviation-related scholarships to local high school graduates, and supports Care Flight, VFW and the Silver Stage Boosters.

General Admission is $5 per car per day, including parking.

For information on the Lyon County Fly In & Air Fest, go online to www.lyoncountyflyin.com or call 575-4459.

IF YOU GO

What: Lyon County Fly In & Air Fest

Where: Silver Springs Airport

When: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (pancake breakfast each day from 7 to 10 a.m.)

Cost: $5 per car per day

Information: 575-4459 or go online at www.lyoncountyflyin.com