Pilots and aviation enthusiasts gathered at Mineola-Wisener Field Saturday, Oct. 10, for the annual Chilly Dog Fly-In hosted by Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1475.
The event, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., brought together local pilots, visitors and families for a day of airplanes, food and fellowship.
Several aircraft were on display, giving visitors a chance to get a closer look at the planes and visit with their owners. Chili dogs, Frito pie, candy and drinks were available, and door prizes were given away throughout the event.
For some, the fly-in was a chance to catch up with fellow pilots, while others were getting their first look at the local aviation community.
Terry Sage of Tyler was among those attending. Although he lives in Tyler, Sage keeps his airplane at Wisener Field and considers the airport his home base.
Sage grew up around airplanes because his father worked in aviation. He said flying is now a hobby rather than a profession.
Another visitor was Jay Urish of the Dallas area, who flew in with his German shepherd, Rudder.
Rudder, a therapy dog, regularly accompanies Urish on flights and wears a vest identifying him as the plane’s furry first officer.
Urish said Rudder has logged about 14,000 miles flying with him.
Urish earned his pilot’s license in 2020 and purchased his red, white and blue Skylark from his uncle in 2022. His uncle had owned the aircraft for more than 30 years before retiring from flying.
Urish said he enjoys attending fly-ins and other aviation gatherings, where pilots can visit and talk about flying.
EAA Chapter 1475 is part of the Experimental Aircraft Association, an international organization that promotes recreational aviation and offers educational programs for those interested in flying.
One of those programs is Young Eagles, which provides free introductory airplane rides for children and teenagers.
Lupita Wisener, manager of Mineola-Wisener Field, said the local chapter recently held a Young Eagles rally that provided flights for 73 children.
The program began nationally in the early 1990s and is conducted through local EAA chapters. Pilots volunteer their time and aircraft to introduce young people to aviation.
EAA Chapter 1475 treasurer and event organizer Jimmy Chadwick said planning a rally generally takes two to three months, with volunteers coordinating pilots, registering participants and arranging activities.
Chadwick said the chapter also uses the national EAA website, local schools, businesses and word of mouth to promote its events.
Visitors also had a chance to attend an aviation safety presentation while there. The presentation covered decision-making and safety considerations for pilots.
The fly-in was one of several events hosted by the local chapter throughout the year.
The chapter’s events give pilots a chance to get together and allow residents to visit Wisener Field, learn about aviation and meet some of the people who fly in and out of the Mineola airport.
For more information about EAA 1475 or Young Eagles, please see their website at www.eaa1475.org.