I have been to everyone of the Redmond Fly-ins since Lancair moved to Redmond in the early '90's.  Typically, arrivals are on Friday all day and Saturday morning (best flying is in the AM before the PM thermals set in).  Some of the fly-ins over the years have had over 70 Lancairs in attendance.  The lowest count I remember was 14 (less than fun flying weather that year with icing conditions, etc.)

 

Flyers, builders, buyers, deposit holders all drive in or fly-in in Lancairs and other aircraft types from all over the U.S..  The non-Lancair fly-in aircraft park away from the factory site.  So, in the factory parking area and adjacent parking areas, it is row after row of strictly Lancairs.

 

Saturday is the big day, with the factory 'open house' type of arrangement.  There are some vendors, with small demonstrations, the avionics shop is open with working panels to demo and others under construction.  The builders assist area is open for viewing.  Kit Components is open for parts and accessory pickup (one year I saw a complete Legacy kit, after the builders assist week, loaded on a trailer and depart for its new home).  Demo flights for buyers occurs all day. 

 

In the afternoon, there is a big BBQ under the big Lancair tent and in the main hanger with lots of good food, beer, wine, soda pop, water, etc.

 

There is a golf tournament and a trip to nearby Sisters (lots of specialty shops) for those interested.

 

On Sunday morning there is a race of about 80 to 100 miles (Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Sisters, Redmond - sometimes in reverse). The race finish is overhead of the factory, so clean the bottom of your plane.

 

Attendance is about 300 to 400.

 

Plenty of motel/hotels available, none within short walking distance, but shuttle vans run all day.  No one has ever camped under the wing that I know of, as it is all asphalt paved with adjacent trees for shade.

 

Daytime temperatures are in the 70's or 80's with nights in the 40's or 50's.  Plenty of shade available under the big tent or indoors.  And real restrooms instead of plastic outhouses!

 

The towered airport (RDM) is 3077' with two - 7000' runways.  And the tower controllers are friendly.  The terminal building has a restaurant.

 

The main hall corridor in the building has hundreds of framed 8X10 photographs of completed Lancairs.  Bring your favorite 8x10 of your finished plane (Lancair of course) if it isn't already on the wall. 

 

I probably left a lot out about the event.  Like Marv said, it is the largest gathering of Lancairs you will ever see.

 

I will be there as usual, so please don't take my favorite parking spot.

 

Gary Edwards

LNC2 N21SN