2008 Central Alabama Helicopter Fly-In

[DavidH]

March 14th, 15th, 16th 2008

The event will be held a weekend earlier in 2008 than it has been in past years. In 2008 Easter falls on the weekend that the event is normally held. 3/21-23/08. So instead of having the event on the weekend of a religious holiday, I decided to move it one weekend sooner. The weather will still be the same as it has at past events. For those that have attended in the past you know how that is. LOL It can be cold in morning and shorts around noon. Or it could be snow suits all weekend.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 14th Annual event. It will be a good time with lots of flying and socializing among some of the best pilots in the world.

Attached below is a map to show the location of the field. I will get the rest of the information posted in the next week or so. I need to contact the motels about the special rates we have had in the past. The field is located on Dickey Springs Road in Bessemer, AL.

[wren1702]

Woo Hoo can't wait!

If any of you have never been to the B'Ham event......You need to go!

looking forward to it!

Alan

[Mike Fortin]

Thanks for the early notice David!

See everyone in Bama!

[WillJames]

See everybody at B-HAM, can't wait!! Yea Baby!!

[Caleb Phillips]

Just curious, why are there two threads on this event? Is it just that bad ass or maybe the first one was used solely to gather opinions on what dates would or would not work?

[Mike Fortin]

Actually it's two fold..one post was a fact finding mission the other post is...

Because YES, IT"S THAT BAD AZZ!:Band

[DavidH]

Just curious, why are there two threads on this event? Is it just that bad ass or maybe the first one was used solely to gather opinions on what dates would or would not work?

Jon the reason there is two threads. On the other thread I was asking opinions about dates to hold the event. The normal weekend that the Birmingham event has been on in years pasts has been around March 21st. Well in 2008, due to it being a leap year, Easter is going to fall on March 23rd. So I was not going to hold an event on the largest religous holiday in the world. First I would not be able to attend the event if it was being held on Easter Sunday. LOL

So I was asking if people preferred the event to be held two weekends before or one weekend before it normally would have been. Most of the PM's and such I got said they would prefer March 14th-16th. So that is the weekend the Birmingham event will be held. I knew if I tried to hold it on Easter Sunday weekend that I would probably be the only there if my family happen to let me attend. LOL It would be foolish to try and hold an event on Easter.

See everyone March 14th-16th 2008. In 2009 we will go back to the normal time and have it the first weekend of Spring, which will be around the 21st.

David

[Caleb Phillips]

I can think of one religious holiday that's larger than Easter :)

Anyhow, Birmingham was a blast last year and hopefully I'll make it again in 2008! Thanks David!

[Mike Fortin]

Geez, so many events and so little time.....looks like we will be leaving B'Ham and heading straight to Vegas for a week.

Chances of having a job when getting back......:arggg:

[HighNear90]

Is there an official website for the Fly-in that has a schedule of events?

I'm a new pilot and have never been to an organized event. I would like to register and participate, but I'm not sure how involved beginners can get in an event like this.

Thanks,
Leo

[DavidH]

The event is just open flying. It is for pilots of all skill levels. Flying will start on Thursday and not end till Sunday. The reason I say it will start on Thursday, there is usually several pilots that start arriving on Wednesday in the past years.
A funfly is an event where a newbie can get plenty of help from experienced pilots. So bring your heli and get it checked out by some of those pilots.
There is no pre-registration. You can register at the event. You will need current AMA card to fly at the event. If you do not have AMA card, I can sign you up at the event.

David

[DavidH]

The Sleep Inn has a rate of $56 a night plus tax for the Helicopter event. This is the motel closet to the field. 205-424-0000

Comfort Inn is also giving a special rate for the event.205-428-3999, I do not know what the rate is yet. But mention helicopter event and you will get the special rate.

Sleep Inn and Comfort Inn have the same owners. The manager at the Sleep Inn told me the rate was reduced at the Comfort Inn. She just didn't know what it was.

David

[Billigan]

David, I just made my reservations at Sleep Inn and got a rate of $50.00/per night!

[terrybeb]

I would love to head down. Does the AMA recognize my MAAC membership? I've been told it does. thx

[DavidH]

Yes come on down. Your MAAC membership is recognized by the AMA.
AMA and MAAC have a mutual agreement.

David

[WayneBrown]

You got the number to the wrecker company handy in case my 2WD pickup won't pull my camper thru the mud? (if any) :)
This the same field as previous years? I'd like to know the longer route to avoid the low bridge if possible.

[terrybeb]

Thanks David

[DavidH]

You got the number to the wrecker company handy in case my 2WD pickup won't pull my camper thru the mud? (if any) :)
This the same field as previous years? I'd like to know the longer route to avoid the low bridge if possible.


Wayne,
Here is the map to the field. It is posted in the first post of this thread.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=30188&d=1194454320

The low bridge is at Exit 6 entrance on Greenmor Road by the Sleep Inn. You can still get off at Exit 6 with a trailer and make it to the field. Just turn right at the exit instead of left towards the field. After turning right, go the first red light and turn left. I believe it is Greenwood Road. That road will cross the interstate and you will end up at Greenmor Road, Dickey Springs Road. Then just continue to the field as the map indicates.
Or you can go to Exit 1 and come in that way.
In years past no one has really had a problem getting a travel trailer in and out. It has just been the larger motorhomes. The land owner has a Kobota tractor if we need it.

David

[WayneBrown]

just curious, can you get GPS location or google map link to the field?
last time I was there my GPS didn't show the exit 6 re-route and I ended up going to exit 1.
Teeroy's TT is probably heavier than mine, but not by a whole lot. Had to get help getting out of Blacksheep, so for me it's a concern. ;)

[DavidH]

Here is GPS location. I took these right in the middle of the field
GPS Coordinates
N 33deg. 19.512’ W 086 deg. 57.155’

This is the address of the land owners house. You can see the back of the house from the field. It is about 3/8 mile by the road to his house.
7477 Dickey Spring Road Bessemer, AL 35022

[HighNear90]

Are there any pictures from last years event posted somewhere? Trying to decide what to bring.

--Leo

[wren1702]

Hey Leo, really all you need is you, money for the deals you may find, your heli's, and a e-z-up shade. You'll have a blast at B'ham.

Here's the teaser video from 2006: http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=10399&highlight=birmingham

[Mike Fortin]

You might also want to bring....


Thermal Underwear
Sweaters
Jackets
Hand Warmers
Extra Socks
Mittens
Ear Muffs
Golashes
Rain Coat
GPS to find WALMART


and most importantly your love of helis!:thumbup:

[Caleb Phillips]

You might also want to bring....

Thermal Underwear
Sweaters
Jackets
Hand Warmers
Extra Socks
Mittens
Ear Muffs
Golashes
Rain Coat
GPS to find WALMART
and most importantly your love of helis!:thumbup:

This is only if you're from Fl. and can' stand anything below 50 deg F. :wink:

[HighNear90]

Hey Leo, really all you need is you, money for the deals you may find, your heli's, and a e-z-up shade. You'll have a blast at B'ham.

Here's the teaser video from 2006: http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=10399&highlight=birmingham

I can't wait. Are ya'll bringing some folks from the Wren, Okolona, Amory, Tupelo area?