The annual MAOA Fly-In will be held September 12-16, 2018 in Benton Harbor, MI at KBEH. This is the home airport of our President, Ross Warner. He hopes that we will all enjoy this time along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan in September with it’s cooler temperatures, local beaches, wineries, and a great downtown to explore! Two good websites with additional information about the area are www.michigan.org (search St. Joseph) and www.swmichigan.org.
Tips for flying in: South Bend, IN (KSBN) is about 20nm to the south for those who wish to avoid the class B airspace in Chicago. The KSBN approach controllers are very nice to work with. KBEH has two runways: 10-28 and 14-32. A north/south taxiway that was previously a runway is available for landing in an emergency wind condition–caution is advised! The airport has limited ramp parking–please bring tie downs just in case.
For those flying commercial, the nearby airline served airports are: South Bend, IN (KSBN) which is a 30 minute drive to KBEH. Grand Rapids, MI (KGRR) is a 1:30 drive. Chicago O’Hare and Midway Airports (KORD and KMDW) are about a 2:20 drive and Detroit, MI (KDTW) is a 2:30 drive.
Hotel Reservations
Our host hotel will be the Inn at Harbor Shores www.innatharborshores.com which features a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, marina, spa, art gallery, and Plank’s Tavern on the Water restaurant. This hotel is a popular resort destination, therefore, please book your rooms early–we don’t want anyone to be left out! Rooms may be booked by calling the hotel direct at (269) 983-1111. Please mention that you are with the Meyers Aircraft Owners Association at the time of booking to receive our negotiated rate of $149/night. This rate is good for two days preceding and two days following our Fly-In. Reservations may be cancelled up to 72 hours before check-in. Meals are not included in the room rate. Discounted green fees are available the adjacent Jack Nicklaus golf course www.harborshoresgolf.com. Kayak rentals are available near the hotel through www.thirdcoastpaddling.com.
Our preliminary schedule includes:
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Arrivals at KBEH and event check in with welcome refreshments. Shuttle service from the airport to the hotel will be available. Those who wish to book their own car may do so through Enterprise car rentals. Dinner will be guest’s choice at the hotel or local restaurant–time to relax and meet and greet old and new friends!
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Breakfast at the hotel or local cafe
1:30 p.m: Leave hotel for museum tour and cruise on the tall ship “Friends Good Will” www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org/friendsgood will. Please arrive by 2:45 for a cruise time of 3:15-4:45. The ship will accommodate 28 passengers and we have reserved the entire ship for our group. The cost of the cruise is $35/person.
Other activities for the day will be at leisure with another option being a beach dune ride www.saugatuckduneride.com
Dinner will be group’s choice
Friday, September 14, 2018
Breakfast at the hotel or local cafe
9:00 a.m: Fly out to the Waco Factory (www.wacoaircraft.com) at the KBTL airport, which is a 54nm flight, for a tour scheduled at 10:00 a.m.
Lunch: Fly to KAZO (14nm) for the Air Zoo Aviation Museum www.airzoo.org. Return to KBEH for dinner.
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Breakfast at the hotel or local cafe
10:00 KBEH: Maintenance meetings on site at the airport.
Afternoon at leisure
6:30 KBEH: Banquet on site at the airport. Dinner will be catered with a self-serve bar. Awards and auction will take place after the meal.
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Breakfast at the hotel or local cafe
Departures
Please message Karen Wade on this site if you have any questions or special requests. More details about the Fly-In will soon follow via email including information on the landing fee and event R.S.V.P.’s. Safe travels to all and we look forward to seeing you in Michigan!
