Air traffic over Lee Gilmer Airport in Gainesville was heavier than usual Saturday with approximately 150 planes in the skies and on the ground during the 44th annual Cracker Fly-In.

This long-standing tradition for many Gainesville residents kicked off with a pancake breakfast for early risers. Planes landed and took off continuously throughout the day as crowds moved around the airport field to get up close and personal with the variety of aircraft on display.

Event organizers expected close to 2,000 in attendance.

A 1936 Lockheed Electra, the same plane used in a film about Amelia Earhart, was out for show, along with a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter and the Georgia National Guard’s Black Hawk helicopter.

Visitors could also take a look at other various monoplanes, biplanes and jets whose pilots had flown them in for the event.

George Parson, a former pilot, was no stranger to this year’s fly-in. Parson said this was his 20th visit to the event.
“I’ve missed a few years here and there, but I’ve tried to come each year that I’ve known about it,” Parson said. “I really love looking at the vintage planes; it reminds me of a simpler time.”

Gerry Loudsley, a plane enthusiast, and his sons Ronnie, 12, and Brent, 9, made plans to spend the day out at the airport.

“I hope that by bringing my sons to events like this, they’ll really grow to love planes and the art of flying,” said Loudsley, who has also been photographing antiques biplanes for over 10 years.

Son Ronnie already knows flying is in his future.

“I want to be a pilot one day. I could spend all day out here!” he said.

Although Brent was not as certain about his future career, he knew taking a ride in the Huey helicopter was the highlight of his year.

“I wish I could take the helicopter ride to school everyday instead of taking the bus. It was so awesome,” Brent said.
Loudsley had no doubt they would return.

“I’ll be bringing my boys back to this each year until they’ve moved off to college,” he said.