Almost anyone who owns and flies their own airplane, and has flown into fly-ins, will tell you that they are one of the most enjoyable experiences within the realm of aviation. It is not unlike getting up in the early hours on a summer morning, readying your airplane and making a 30 - 60 minute flight to a small airport restaurant for breakfast, or lunch for that matter. The only difference might be that a fly-in usually makes it a longer day, but with more to do and see and, most certainly, more airplanes and many fellow aviators.

Up before the dawn, walking out to your airplane as the sun starts to crest the eastern horizon, untying the ropes (or opening up your hangar door), doing your walk around with a flashlight in hand, and loading into your airplane whatever it is you carry with you for such a flight, it's all part of the experience.

Your map on your knee or tucked away in a side pocket where you can reach it, radio set to the local, weather checked, and route marked out (or maybe you know it by memory), you start up and taxi out. Run-up done, throttle up and take to the cool, calm morning skies as the sun starts to warm the day.

Where are you heading? Well, this time it's Edenvale Aerodrome in South-Central, Ontario (CNV8) and the "Gathering of Classics" fly-in. A gathering of all kinds of airplanes actually, at a former World War II BCATP (British Commonwealth Air Training Plan) satellite field for former World War II BCATP base, CFB Borden. Though Edenvale Aerodrome no longer looks as it did in the 1940s, the main runway is long enough for good size twins, including a B-25 and small jets such as the L-29.

The gathering brings in airplanes from all over Ontario and even a few aircraft from the U.S.. At times, airplanes were arriving at about 15 second intervals, some landing long for those behind, some landing, or attempting to land, short for the first taxiway for those behind. Despite this, there were few "go-rounds" with no issues of safety.

The 2010 fly-in saw an estimated 250 airplanes fly in for at least part of the day for the event, for the fun, for the love of aviation. For those who were hungry or thirsty when they arrived there were assorted food & beverage vendors available serving things like hamburgers, hotdogs, sausages, ice cream and more. For those whose airplanes needed a fill up, there was fueling services available as well. If one was more into a full, sit down type meal then the airport restaurant called the Fud Grill Restaurant was a great place to enjoy a meal, whether during the fly-in, or just an early morning joy-ride for breakfast.

As airplanes arrived they're directed to a parking area depending on their type - taildragger or tricycle. Pilots taxied in and were given an info package including a form used for all their airplane information and placed on their propeller for judging purposes for the best taildragger and best nosewheel at the event. This year, the best taildragger was Piper Super Cub C-GPXL and best nosewheel was won by Ercoupe C-FTSS.

Of the many airplanes that flew in, there were some unique classic and vintage airplanes, mixed in with some more modern day aircraft and even a warbird or two. Canadian Warplane Heritage brought their beautiful B-25 Mitchell and Vintage Wings of Canada had their stunning P-40 Kittyhawk on hand as well as their DH Fox Moth. Some of the private airplanes that made the trip included several Cessna 140's, a few Stinson's, Aeronca Champs, Piper Cubs and an assortment of more unusual, rare, or unique aircraft and certainly too many to lists here.

There was also the opportunity of airplane rides for those who flew in and those who drove in, and there were lots of road aviators that made the drive for the event. The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association attended with one of their Harvard aircraft, doing rides during the day, almost non-stop. There was also the option of taking a ride in one of the most beautiful vintage biplanes, the DH Tiger Moth, who's pilots were also kept busy throughout the day.

As the day ended and things started to unwind airplanes started to make their way home again. At times, aircraft took to the air every 10-20 seconds, climbing out in the warm summer air after an enjoyable day at Edenvale. Many pilots commented that the fly-in was much improved over the previous year and they were looking forward to the 2011 event. With the expectation of 100-120 visiting aircraft for the 2010 fly-in, and seeing those numbers more than double this year, who knows what the 2011 Gathering of Classics Fly-in holds. If numbers hold true, it's surely destined to be one of the largest fly-ins in Canada.

If you're not a pilot well, that's not a problem as there is lots of parking and many people drive-in for the day. There was also a classic car event with many beautiful old vintage cars on display. Maybe you dream of taking flight yourself, plan on owning your own airplane, or you just like airplanes and aviation in general, or classic cars for that matter, there is no better place to be than the fly-in.

Whether you fly a classic or vintage airplane, or you fly what could be a future classic, the Gathering of Classics Fly-in is truly a wonderful event for you to participate in and the Edenvale Aerodrome an easy place to get to. The people who run the fly-in are friendly, fun-loving, and very welcoming, which makes a great event even better. Why not take to the skies on a warm August summer morning and make your way to the Edenvale Aerodrome for the fly-in. It's where classics come to play!

For more information about the Gathering of Classics Fly-in, visit www.classicaircraft.ca

For more information about Edenvale Aerodrome, visit www.edenflight.com

For more information about Canadian Warplane Heritage, visit www.warplane.com

For more information about Vintage Wings of Canada, visit www.vintagewings.ca

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