Acme Aero will host a fly-in at the Little Mountain Airport on November 21st.
The event will begin at 1:00 PM and will continue “until the bonfire burns out.”
A fly-in is an aviation meet, where pilots and other aviation enthusiasts gather to socialize and enjoy aviation-themed events.
Events at the fly-in will include a STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) competition, during which pilots will compete to takeoff and land their aircraft at the shortest possible distance. The winner of the competition will receive a $1000 prize.
The fly-in will also include a pumpkin drop, during which pumpkins will be dropped from planes and helicopters with the intent of hitting a target for a $500 prize.
A $500 prize will also be awarded to the “fan favorite” aircraft and pilot.
The fly-in will also feature foodtrucks, a stand from a local brewery, a bounce house for children, onsite camping for both tents and RVs, and a bonfire. A flier for the event also advertises paid helicopter rides.
Matt McSwain, founder of Acme Aero and the American Helicopter Company, has coordinated several fly-ins at the airport.
This year, the fly-in will also feature a gift drive for local underprivileged children.
“If everybody wants to bring a brand new Christmas present for a child, we’re going to help support a local orphanage and give back,” McSwain said.
The event is free and open to the public. Pilots can register by emailing info@acmeaerofab.com.
“If y’all just want to come and hang out, bring a cool car [or] motorcycle, and just hang out with your community and give back … [or] if y’all want to learn about helicopters and airplanes, man, this is the time to do it,” McSwain said.
Acme Aero is a locally-based aircraft component design and manufacturing company, specializing in suspension and landing gear.
“Whether it’s a complete suspension system for tailwheel-style aircraft … or custom landing gear for a UAV, Acme Aero leverages our talents and manufacturing capabilities to create quick, cost-effective, high-performing products, all made in house,” the company’s website reads.
The company purchased the Little Mountain Airport in 2022 and renamed it the Acme Aerodrome, according to reporting from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
McSwain and Acme stated that they wanted to take the airport in a new direction.
“[The airport] has been completely private and gated for so long, so we wanted to open it up to the general aviation and local communities,” McSwain said in 2022, according to the AOPA. “We want people to have a place to come hang out on the weekends.”
Little Mountain Airport (The Acme Aerodrome) is located at 3524 Airport Rd in Denver, NC.
For more information on Acme Aero, visit their website at acmeaerofab.com, or contact them on Facebook and Instagram.