Fly In in the Hills returns with bigger turnout, expanded attractions

MORRISTOWN -- Last year, organizer Dan Bolen hoped five or six pilots would show up in Belmont County for a new powered parachute fly-in. Instead, 21 pilots from five states arrived. This weekend, he expects even more.

After exceeding expectations in its inaugural year, the second annual Fly In in the Hills is set to return to Alderman Airport, bringing powered parachute pilots from multiple states together for four days of flying, fellowship and family-friendly activities.

The free event will feature pilots flying powered parachutes, along with vendors and entertainment for spectators. Organizers expect Friday and Saturday to be the busiest days, with pilots taking to the skies before dawn each morning for early flights.

Bolen said the fly-in was inspired by a visit from powered parachute dealer Jim Dees, who came to Alderman Airport more than two years ago to install and test-fly a new wing on Bolen’s aircraft.

After the flight, Dees was struck by the area’s scenery.

“Afterward he had mentioned how beautiful the area is and that we should have a Fly In here. So here we are,” Bolen said.

Bolen and fellow pilot Pete Busack had been flying powered parachutes at Alderman Airport for several years before deciding to organize the event.

Although Bolen had never planned an event before, the inaugural fly-in proved far more successful than anticipated.

“I expected around five or six flyers to attend the event. To my surprise I had 21 flyers from five different states show up with wives, girlfriends and dogs,” he said. “One pilot flies with his Husky in the back seat.”

Pilots traveled from as far as a 10- to 12-hour drive to attend last year’s gathering.

Despite periods of unfavorable weather, Bolen said the event remained a success.

“The group of people that fly these machines are very gracious and if they cannot fly because of the weather, they are happy sitting around a fire telling lies,” he said with a laugh.

“I received nothing but positive comments from the pilots. We do expect a larger turnout this year.”

Powered parachutes are a type of ultralight or light-sport aircraft consisting of a wheeled cart powered by a small engine suspended beneath an inflatable parafoil wing. Unlike powered paragliders, which are foot-launched and worn like a backpack, powered parachutes are flown while seated in a wheeled vehicle.

Bolen said the aircraft are known for their inherent stability, making them one of the safest forms of recreational aviation.

Spectators will have the opportunity to see a variety of powered parachutes, ranging from basic models valued around $5,000 to training aircraft worth as much as $60,000.

The event also reflects the history of its location.

Last year’s inaugural gathering was originally known as the Tri-State Fly In. After airport owner Les Alderman shared the history of Alderman Airport and its connection to the former Jamboree in the Hills music festival, participating pilots unanimously agreed to rename the event Fly In in the Hills.

Bolen said Alderman Airport’s location makes it an ideal destination for pilots.

“The airport is centrally locate between Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia offering some of the most scenic rural flying in the country,” he said.

This year, organizers hope the public gains a better understanding of the sport while enjoying the expanded event.

“We are hopeful that the general public will come away with a new appreciation for the sport and see it as a very safe way to see the beauty of the country from the air,” Bolen said.

Admission is free. Vendors and entertainment have been added for spectators, offering new attractions beyond the inaugural fly-in.