Smoky Hill EAA Chapter 1127 will host its 28th Annual Cow Town Fly In Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Ellsworth Municipal Airport.

The event starts with a free fly-in pancake breakfast for all pilots and passengers at 7 am. Local people that wish to experience Airport Pancakes may do so by making a donation.

According to Dale Weinhold, one of the event organizers, members expect anywhere from 30 to 50 airplanes to be on the field.

“It is all dependent on the weather”, Weinhold said. “If it is a nice day we will see a big crowd, if not we could have nothing. Heat really doesn’t bother the pilots; they like to get out early in the morning anyway. Thunderstorms and wind — that’s a different story.

“This is our 28th year of hosting the fly in, and all of our members look forward to the event and hosting other pilots and EAA members as well as sharing our flying passion with the public.”

Organizers expect a number of home built aircraft to be on the field as well as production models. The event has also attracted War Birds in the past. Anyone is invited to attend and view the aircraft; however, pilots don’t like you touching their craft. So “Look But Don’t Touch”. Members will be on hand to answer questions from the public.

This year along with the fly-in, the chapter will host “Careers in Aviation” starting at 9 a.m. in the pilots lounge. The forum is for youth ages 15-21. The event will be moderated by Keith Houghton, a retired airline pilot from Tipton and a chapter member.

“There are so many opportunities for our young people in aviation, I just want to get the word out,” Keith said. Interested youth need to report to the EAA meeting room in the terminal building by 9 am. There is no cost.

Smoky Hill EAA membership is open to anyone who loves airplanes. You don’t have to be a pilot to belong. The chapter meets monthly on the second Sunday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at the airport.