Dr. Russell Peterson will be flying his Turbocharged Cirrus aircraft and offering rides in it on Saturday, April 26, as part of Airport Appreciation Day. Dr. Peterson, a family practice physician, began flying at an early age and soloed at the age of 16. When he moved to Roanoke in 1995 he began his pilot training in earnest. In just a short time he completed his private pilot's license, his commercial pilot's license, and his instrument rating, which allows him to fly even when the weather is less than perfect.
The Cirrus is a high performance aircraft with an excellent safety record. This aircraft will be used on the sunset flight for two lucky individuals. The flight will tour Roanoke, Wedowee, Lake Wedowee, R.L. Harris Dam, down the Tallapoosa to Wadley and back to Roanoke. Woodland can easily be substituted for Wadley upon request.
As part of their industry appreciation initiative, the Randolph County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA) has joined with the Randolph County Aviators (RCA), and the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce to hold an Airport Appreciation Day at the Roanoke Municipal Airport, Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event is made possible by community partners such as Koch Foods, Randolph County Sheriff’s Department, RCA, the Roanoke Rotary Club, Handley High Interact, the Republican Party of Randolph County, TEC, and many other local volunteers. It is open to the public at no charge. Organizers hope to use the day to offer a family-fun activity in the county, while educating the community about the importance of having a viable airport in the area.
Sid Hare, president of RCEDA and a member of RCA, said, “The airport is an essential part of economic development, business retention and recruitment. We want the citizens of the area to come out to learn about the importance of having an airport and to afford kids the opportunity to experience a flight from the Roanoke airport.”
Several events will be available for enjoyment during the day. Plane rides will be offered for a charge of 10 cents per pound or $25 per person; food vendors will be on site; children’s’ activities will be available and a variety of airplanes will be on display.
Throughout the day, participants may enter a raffle for two lucky people to win a sunset flight around Lake Wedowee, which will cap off the day’s activities.
Chances on the sunset flight for two are also available at several local businesses throughout the county, including TEC, M.L. Awbrey, WM grocery in Wedowee and Stephens Station in Wadley. Participation waivers will be required for those who wish to participate in flights.
“We are so appreciative of the partnerships that have come together to make this event possible,” said Hare. “I believe this will be both an exciting and educational day for Randolph County.”
Due to the generosity of several veterans who wish to remain anonymous, four skydivers from the Tuskeegee Jump Club will parachute onto the airfield between 4 and 5 p.m.
Everyone is asked to enter the airport property from the corner of Airport Road and Country Club Road. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Roanoke Theatre Project. For more information on Airport Appreciation Day, contact the RCEDA office at 334-863-7243 or the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce at 334-863-6612.
Source: http://www.therandolphleader.com
