FLYIN' SEPTEMBER 20, 1997 On Saturday September 20 From 8:00 AM at Dunn Airport, Titusville, Florida, EAA Chapter 866 will have its annual SMILIN' JACK FLY-IN. Anyone with an interest in aviation is welcome. Last years registered attendance was 58 planes. This year we hope to have many more antiques and classic aircraft. Personal invations have been sent to many aircraft owners in Florida. Food will be catered by "Dixie Crusers". There will be sky diving, fly-bys and good old hangar flying.
ZACK MOSLEY'S SMILIN' JACK The fly-in is a gathering of general aviation pilots and aircraft, assembled in commemoration of Zack Mosley, who for forty years provided the incentive to be involved with aviation to hundreds of young readers through his cartoon strip which he entitled "Smilin' Jack". Those "young" readers went on to become participants in the development of aviation in the United States through three major wars.
HISTORY OF TITUSVILLE AIRPORT Titusville is one of the oldest established airports in Florida. In 1926 Titusville was placed on the official air charts. Land clearing began in August 1929, being open for emergency use in December 1929. Titusville Airport was officially opened January 19, 1931. In December 1934 the radio range, one of five in Florida was put in operation. During the war, a B-17 four engine bomber landed at Titusville with a crew of five that came to Titusville, because "that's where the girls were"! In September 1962 Run way 15/33 was paved and the airport was Re-named Arthur Dunn in honor of Arthur Dunn for his 25 years of service as County Commissioner and strong support of aviation.
December through August 1978 the Board of Commissioners of Brevard County tried for the second time to close Dunn Airport. The intense public campaign by pilots, county and citizens caused the airport authority to reconsider and postponed the closing the Arthur Dunn Air Park.
EAA CHAPTER 866 In 1986 an EAA chapter was formed and sponsored the First Smilin' Jack Fly-In and has done so every year since. One of the objectives of EAA Chapter 866 is to keep comunity awareness of Dunn Airpark and it value to the community.
Come to show support for a classic home town airport, in Titusville Florida. Community interest in flying, especially in the small town airports is very important to keep grass roots flying alive.
Last Updated: 10-July-2002