Shawn and Nadine Kelley with there Express S-90 s.
Last week, the Oregon Aviation Historical Society hosted the 4th annual Great Oregon Homebuilt Fly-in — shelving homebuilt and vintage planes on their tarmac for the family-friendly event.
“Oregon certainly played a vital role in early aviation history, and the goal of the Oregon Aviation Historical Society is to collect, restore and preserve aviation artifacts for interpretive and educational display in order to ensure the preservation of Oregon’s rich aviation heritage for future generations,” said Tim Talen, OAHS Vice President.
On display were replicas and originals from the 1930s onward, including a plane flown by national air show performer and World Aerobatic Champion Tex Rankin, and a 1950 Story special 1 — the plane that graced the first color-cover of Sport Aviation.
Many of the pilots there were quick to nod to the history of homebuilt planes here in Oregon — where they were illegal until 1952.
A group of flyers nicknamed the “Beaverton Outlaws” literally flew in the face of the federal government in the 1930s when homebuilt aircrafts were marked illegal, refusing to land when federal officials were near, eventually paving the way for pilots to come. Throughout the 30s and beyond, Oregon aviators fought to establish experimental and homebuilt regulations.
“Our motto here is to preserve Oregon’s Aviation Heritage for future generations,” Talen said. “And to do that, you have to teach what you know.”
Ray Beverly taxing in his Vans RV8.
Mike Danielle sits in front of his replica, homebuilt plane.
Donna Svoboda with her Bearhawk Patrol, nicknamed Tweety for its bright yellow color.
The event hosted pilots and pilot enthusiasts alike – even some young birds got in on the fun
