The month of May saw more than its fair share of wet weekends and we looked forward to some drier weather hoping that it would arrive for the Lincoln Aero Club two days summer fly in on 3rd and 4th June. Our prayers were answered as June arrived with the perfect weather for a fly in.

The early morning sunshine of Saturday 3rd June with blue skies beckoning as the final touches were put to the setting up of the stalls, catering, and 1950s theme in the clubhouse. Everything in place and the airfield was quiet except for the telephone in the control tower. As the morning passed the only airfield movements were from Sturgate based aircraft. At 11:00am the first visiting aircraft, an Auster J1, arrived and suddenly everything came to life. It only took 5 minutes before the next arrival and so it carried on for the rest of the day. The circuit soon became very busy, expertly handled by the LAC duty controller, Mick Ward.

On the ground all the available parking space was being rapidly used, we were thankful for all the weeks hard work put into cutting and levelling the grass on the airfield, not an easy task after all the weeks of rain.

By midday the club car parking space was now full and adjacent grass verges came into play. Aircraft enthusiasts had arrived from all over the country, the opportunity to see many different types of light aircraft must have been anticipated and they were not disappointed, 106 aircraft visited the Lincoln Aero Club on the first day. This was a new record for the flying club and the most aircraft ever seen at Sturgate airfield in one day.

Sunday morning and we awoke to another bright sky. Some of the aircraft enthusiasts had camped over or stayed locally, the aroma of bacon sandwiches signalled the start of the kitchen. The larder now replenished after catering for 300 people on the previous day. The telephone started ringing in the control tower, which alerted the duty crew into readiness for the arriving aircraft.

A Jodel 112 was the first aircraft to arrive at almost the same time as the first day. Suddenly the circuit was very busy again and it looked like there was going to be repeat of the Saturday air movements, but with some scattered rain showers in the area by midday the arrival numbers were less intense.

As the local band set up in front of the clubhouse to entertain us over lunch and afternoon tea and cakes, alongside were parked 57 visiting aircraft. The 1950s theme objective was captured with music, food, fashion and vintage vehicles parked nearby, many thanks to those who contributed to this success. T

his magical atmosphere reached a climax with the arrival of the BBMF Dakota. For 10 minutes everyone stood in awe as the Dakota made some low fly pasts over Sturgate airfield. What a splendid sight against the colourful array of light aircraft, cars, people and a bunting covered WW2 control tower.

A total of 163 visiting aircraft came to Sturgate to celebrate the Lincoln Aero Club 50th anniversary summer fly in, more than 300 movements.

A 50th anniversary sticker was given to every pilot as a gesture of thanks for participating, with this sticker on display you will be recognised at the LAC autumn fly in on September 3rd 2006 and when we meet at other airfield events. The LAC committee wish to thank all who attended this memorable weekend.

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