Monett airport fly-in draws crowds, skydiving demo, unusual planes treat visitors

A successful fly-in at the Monett Regional Airport attracted a significant crowd on June 13 and provided entertainment and sightseeing for the public. 

According to Steve Burnett, airport manager, more 500 people turned out for the event, running from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Planes came from a wide area, providing views of both modern craft and vintage planes. One of the unusual craft on display was an AT-6 Texan, a standard air training plane that was used during World War II. 

Airport Commissioner Ken Gaspar was on hand, as was Barry County Presiding Commissioner Steve Blankenship and State Representative Mitch Boggs. 

“This airport is a fantastic asset within the community,” Gaspar said in his address. 

The Monett Lions Club served more than 250 breakfasts to early arrivals. ESA Flight Training with its pilots Bart Marcules from Monett, Grant Davis from Aurora, Darren Rowe from Neosho, and Jake Hendricks from Fayetteville, Ark., provided 144 plane rides for children in attendance. Ozarks Skydive Center, with pilot Connor Steele and the team of Dylan Pruett, Brad Barnett, and Braden Davis, demonstrated their skills in a show for the crowd. 

In addition to the planes, the Monett Police Department brought its Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle for display. The Monett National Guard unit brought a large military truck, and the Monett Fire Department brought its ladder truck. 

Cassie Abramovitz sang the National Anthem to open festivities. 

“Your airport team, James Osterloh and David Milles, spend a lot of time getting the airport ready and looking good for the fly-in, as well as getting in super early [on Friday] to get things in place,” Burnett added. “Thanks to everyone for a wonderful and safe event.” 

Additional help was provided by the city’s street and parks departments, the aviation team from Jack Henry, the Springfield chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, and Monett football coach Ben Mauk and volunteers from the team who helped direct traffic.