Cherokees stranded in Waupaca

By | July 29, 2010 | 0 comments

WAUPACA – Forty Piper Cherokee aircraft were stranded at the Waupaca Municipal Airport July 23-26.

The airplanes were scheduled for a mass arrival at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture, July 26 to Aug. 1, in Oshkosh, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Piper Cherokee. Shortly before the scheduled take off at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 23, the pilots and their passengers received word that the AirVenture campgrounds were flooded. The mass formation flight was canceled.

"With this challenge, my part was easy. All I did was make some calls and the community opened its arms," stated Peter Andersen, manager of the Waupaca Municipal Airport. "Everybody was so accommodating – they came together and got things done."

He reported that area hotels and restaurants called in extra staff and the Waupaca School District supplied a bus for daily transportation to Oshkosh.

The Cherokees 2 Osh gathering was conceived to unite Cherokee lovers from across the country.

"I always wanted to visit the AirVenture in Oshkosh. This mass fly-in as a group was a chance to go," stated Doane Bailey, of Sharpsville, Pa. "We did many clinics in preparation, where we learned a lot about the airplane and about flying."

Bailey was disappointed that the fly-in was canceled.

"We’re happy to be here anyway," stated his wife, Karole. "The people have been fabulous."

Terry Hocking, of Nashwauk, Minn., and owner of a 1962 Piper Cherokee 160, had the dream of a mass arrival of Cherokees in Oshkosh. He thought this year would be a perfect opportunity to do it because the EAA was planning to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Piper Cherokee. Co-organizers were his wife, Karen, and their friends Ray and Jill Liles, of Melbourne, Fla., owners of a 1973 Cherokee Cruiser 140.

"We needed a place with camping, fuel, showers and enough room for us. Waupaca filled every one of these needs," Hacking explained.

The organizers described Andersen as very accommodating. "He wanted us here and he made that clear from the beginning," Hacking stated. "He gave me the key to the airport (terminal) and told me to keep it for next year."

"They are a fantastic group of people and they love our community," Andersen stated. "This is so cool!"

The Cherokees aren’t the only airplane activity at the Waupaca airport during AirVenture. Other groups annually use the local airport for their home base during the event. Also, AirVenture uses the Waupaca airport for photo shoots.

"They bring the best of the best over here," Andersen said. "We see some fantastic airplanes."

The public is invited to participate in the excitement at the Waupaca Municipal Airport during the EAA’s AirVenture.