Youth fly in planes; construction updates given; sky divers put on show

By Jessica Breger Special to the Monett Monthly

Monett residents gathered in June for the third annual Fly-in event at the Monett Regional Airport.

The event invited the Monett community to learn about aviation at a local level, allowing children ages 8-17 to ride in one of several aircrafts at the airport. 

Visitors also got to learn about the airport’s history, the new runway addition and future plans for progress as well as tour the grounds and see live displays and learn about different careers in aviation.  

Visitors also saw a display of aircraft provided by airport users and pilots from throughout the region, sky divers from the Ozark Skydive Center, and heard from local dignitaries. 

The event was sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 821 and Elite Aircraft Services (EAS) Flight Training.

According to a city of Monett press release, EAA Chapters work to bring people together to share knowledge about aviation, as well as being involved in educational opportunities including Young Eagles rallies, fly-ins — and more — to build awareness in the community.

”It’s a family event to promote the airport,” said Monett Mayor Randy Burke. “We’re really wanting to expand the airport. We’re a transportation hub here in Monett. Jack Henry’s the one that made this [new 6,000-foot runway] happen, but now we can take advantage of it and bring more things in.” 

Burke said advancements to the airport would aid in economic development in the region, noting Monett has always been a transportation hub, citing manufacturing and business travel as major contributors. 

The event kicked off with a pancake breakfast provided by the Monett Lions Club, where guests heard from local and state politicians about the history and progress at the Monett regional Airport. 

State Rep. Mitch Boggs, R-LaRussell, said as a pilot himself, he often utilizes the Monett Regional Airport.                                            

“As a pilot, this is kind of home to me as well. I like to fly down and fuel up down here, and bring friends down here,” he said. 

The representative from Lawrence County said he tries to promote the area and the airport whenever he finds the opportunity. 

Burke said that the Fly-in is an annual event that has shown to be a success in gathering the community to learn about aviation and its role in the community.