Civilian pilots learn about Grissom Published Nov. 6, 2006 By Senior Airman Ben Mota 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- Grissom's runway is no stranger to military aircraft landing and taking off, but in October, it wasn't refuelers, fighters, or cargo aircraft the ones that were coming and going. More than 100 people traveling in 49 privately owned aircraft came to the base to participate in a "Civilian Fly-in" to promote flying safety and to help civilian pilots who fly in the region Activities that were featured include: tours of the KC-135R Stratotanker and F-16 Falcon aircraft, safety briefings, presentation by the Federal Aviation Administration, and transportation to the Grissom Air Museum's Festival of Flight. "The purpose of the fly-in is to promote flying safety between civilian pilots and flying units at Grissom," explained Capt. Gloria Hatcher, a KC-135R pilot with the 434th Air Refueling Wing and one of the planners of the event. "Midair collision avoidance is the main focus of our program," she said. "We plan to exchange techniques to avoid midair collision and inform them of our normal flight paths. Informing the public of Grissom's flying activities creates a safe flying environment." Sandwiched in between the briefings was snacks and lunch for all of the visitors, and they were given an opportunity to visit the festival of Flight at the Grissom Air Museum to see displays from the 434th Air Refueling.
