On a sunny Saturday morning, the Texins Flying Club took off from McKinney (KTKI) to Thaden Field (KVBT) in Bentonville, Arkansas, for our Annual Flyout. Twenty-two members and eight planes were all set for a day of fun, flying and friendship.
Unveiling Bentonville’s Charm: Beyond the Ordinary
Bentonville, famous for its ties to Walmart and the Walton family, holds more treasures than meets the eye. From the remarkable Crystal Bridges art museum to being the off-road mountain biking capital of the US, Bentonville has something for everyone, blending business, culture, and outdoor adventures.
For aviation enthusiasts, Bentonville is always buzzing with activity, reflecting the city's deep-rooted connection to flight. With a storied history in aviation, including trailblazers like Louise Thaden, who not only pushed the boundaries of aviation but also championed women's empowerment, Bentonville provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the city below and the limitless skies above.
Planning for the Flyout: A Team Effort
The idea for this year's flyout sprouted during a casual chat in January 2024. Tristan Poplin mentioned that he’d recently stopped at a grass strip in Arkansas and learned of an organization named Fly Oz. That led me to researching more about it and sparked the idea for our 2024 adventure (thanks for mentioning it, Tristan). I reached out to Steve Johnson, Director of Fly Oz, and he helped make introductions and lay the groundwork for our visit.
At first glance, Fly Oz might seem like just another FBO, flight school, and flying club, yet with over 450 members, it's a thriving community united by a love for flying and adventure. Situated in the Ozark Mountains, Fly Oz aims to make Northwest Arkansas the go-to spot for recreational flying in the country, focusing on exploring backcountry areas akin to those found in Idaho and Montana.
This marked the Texins Flying Club's 4th club-sanctioned flyout in recent years, with each journey pushing the boundaries a bit further. Navigating the 223-nautical-mile flight from KTKI to KVBT presented unique challenges, from complex airspace featuring a Class C and multiple Class D’s to the unique characteristics of KVBT's untowered Class E field. Meticulous planning and communication with club members ensured our readiness for the journey ahead.
Taking Flight: McKinney to Bentonville
The morning of our adventure greeted us with relatively light winds on the surface and high ceilings. Club members met at their respective airplanes and departed between 7-8am. The majority of crews opted for VFR Flight Following, and with 15-20 knot headwinds, our pilots flew at varied altitudes ranging from 5500 ft to 9500 ft. An unexpected wind shift during arrivals flipped the Thaden Field runway from 18 to 36 and added a touch of excitement, all managed well by our TFC pilots.
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| 33C crew | Can't beat this view from 33C |
The trip took 2 to 3 hours depending on the plane and we were very happy to welcome N3QZ back just in time for the trip with a new autopilot installation.
A Warm Welcome and Aviation Adventures Await
Upon landing at Thaden Field, Kelly, the GM of the Fly Oz, and MK, the Director of Operations, extended a warm welcome. They rolled out the red carpet for us, offering unlimited access to the FBO and the exclusive Fly Oz club space, along with discounts on merchandise for all TFC members.
Gathering in the Fly Oz clubhouse, Kelly, MK, and Steve shared insights into the local community, FBO operations, and the Flying Club. They also talked about opportunities for TFC members to explore the network of over 100 backcountry strips in the area and receive instruction on a return visit.
Immersed in Aviation History and Innovation
A highlight of the visit was an intimate look at some of the warbirds stationed on the field. We were able to see the only Super Corsair that is still flying and got a sneak peek into the private collection of the Fly Oz owners (pictures not allowed).
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| Super Corsair | Game Composites Floor |
We were treated to an exclusive tour of Game Composites, co-founded by Steuart Walton (grandson of Walmart founder Sam Walton). Josh, the COO, gave members a glimpse into the cutting-edge world of composite aircraft manufacturing. He guided us through the entire manufacturing process from composites layup to final assembly and test of their flagship Gamebird GB1 (fully aerobatic aircraft capable of +/- 10g’s). To top it off, we also got a look at the Game Composites GB2 that is in early development (again, pictures not allowed).
Embracing Flight and Fellowship
Shortly after noon, we gathered for lunch in the Game Composites picnic area. After enjoying our meal, members returned to the FBO to preflight and prepare for the trip back home. Planes departed between 1-2 pm and all made a safe journey home with our final bird landing just before 4:15 pm.
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| Picnic at KVBT | KVBT FBO | |
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| TFC Train heads home |
This was certainly a day to remember for all TFC members and guests who participated. We all enjoyed the trip and look forward to future adventures.
We are especially grateful for all TFC volunteers who make our club run seamlessly. Special thanks to Scott Kirkland and Gary Cooper who invested countless hours coordinating the trip, flight crews and other details necessary to make this event such a success.