Colorado Regional Airport hosted the community on Thursday, August 15. Here, airport visitors can get an up-close look at a Black Hawk helicopter flown in by the Colorado Air National Guard from their home base in Eagle. Photo by Jan Wondra

A large crowd of aviation enthusiasts and private pilots, curious families, retired and active military personnel, local business owners and local officials gathered at the Central Colorado Regional Airport in Buena Vista for an open hangar barbecue event on Thursday, August 15. Many drove, others biked and pulled child trailers into the parking lot, some walked, and quite a few private pilots flew in to participate in the event.

They were accompanied by several members of the Colorado Air National Guard units based in Eagle, Colorado, who flew both Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters to the airport. The event allowed the public to get a glimpse of them and see them in operation. People flocked to the helicopters on the runways and children crawled into the seats while National Guard pilots stood guard and explained the history and role of the aircraft type and how it works – from range to capability.

Two-year-old Bailey was allowed to sit in the belly of a Black Hawk helicopter while his parents Benjamin and Kyle Breeze watched. Photo by Jan Wondra

While the adults listened intently, the children, many of them wide-eyed and most of them fighting for a seat on the helicopter, could be heard exclaiming, “Wow,” “Cool,” and “It’s really big!”

Not to be outdone, a collection of restored vintage cars was parked at the airport, while several private planes were lined up just south of the hangar.

Many of those attending the event had never been to the regional airport before, including many locals who were surprised by the size of the main hangar.

Some of the event’s participants, Benjamin and Kyle Breeze, had traveled from as far away as Flagstaff, Arizona, to attend a race in Leadville that weekend. When they heard about the event at the airport, they brought their two-year-old son, Bailey, to check out the helicopters.

Airport manager Jack Wyles (ready to BarBQ) said this community event, designed to educate the public on the importance of a regional airport, is getting bigger every year. Photo by Jan Wondra

The airport is a vital part of this region’s transportation infrastructure. Two locals (Ted, who turned out to be a former fighter pilot, and Scott, a local who took flying lessons and then bought his own plane) both said they were very aware that the runways of the two airports in Chaffee County actually function as a single flight system. The Central Colorado Regional Airport’s runways run north-south, while the Salida Airport’s runways run east-west because the terrain allows it.

Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly, so two-way runways are part of the safety precautions. A little-known fact: Central Colorado Regional Airport also has the longest high-altitude runway in the state, which is one reason it is often used as a host site for military training and test exercises.

Airport manager Jack Wyles, who started the event several years ago to help educate the public about the airport’s importance, was busy handing out burgers and greeting people. “A great turnout,” he said, describing the day, before turning away to talk to more of his guests.

Among those marching across the tarmac to get a closer look were Buena Vista Trustee Gina Lucrezi, former Trustee Sue Cobb and Mayor Libby Fay. Photo by Jan Wondra

Central Colorado Regional Airport, looking west toward the main hangar. Photo by Jan Wondra