From Steve Wilson:
The Red River Swift Wing is an arm of the Swift Museum Foundation, in Athens, TN. The RRSW has something over 100 members from all over the US. We try to have a fly-in once a year somewhere in the Texas area. This is about the fourth or fifth time it has been a Pecan Plantation (lots of photos here). It is usually well attended and this year we received 16 Swifts, and something like 35 folks in total.
We had one couple from Tennessee, and another couple from Louisiana. If you were around the weekend of October 3rd through October 6th, you likely found out that this group of pilots love flying their airplanes.
Part of the organization is dedicated to formation flying and in order to keep their “formation cards” through the FAST organization they have to show currency and the fly-ins are a great way to do that. The members not only enjoy flying, they also enjoy the chance to visit with other Swift owners and discuss mutual interests. This year most of the participants stayed at the Pecan Plantation Club House; however, a few stayed with residents also.
EAA 983 provided lunch on Saturday to a hungry group, and we owe thanks to those who brought food. There was a hangar party on Friday evening where local residents had an opportunity to meet with the Swifters. It is hard to say when and if another RRSW fly-in will be held here. I’m hearing that next year may be in San Marcos.
I want to thank everyone who helped with this year’s shin-dig. It was a fun affair. If you have any interest in joining the RRSW, you do not have to own a Swift. Dues are $5.00/year, and that is because we keep costs down to a pay as you go basis and about all we do is maintain a website (redriverswiftwing.org), and most of our news is generated by e-mail. We do have some occasional outings each year to spots in and around Texas.
