From: Kip Anderson - kipapilot@gnc.net
Subject: Re: SMILIN JACK FLYIN SEPT 20
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