2012 Cracker Fly-In Pictures

I have no idea whose idea it was to begin the Cracker Fly-In 44 years ago, but it was a stroke of genius.

As John Pittman — President of Chapter 611 of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc. (EAA) in Gainesville – told me, it is the aviation community’s way of saying hello to the folks of Gainesville.

And a fine “how do you do” it was, let me tell you.

The crowds at Lee Gilmer airport on Saturday, July 7, 2012 were large enough to impress everyone, but not so large as to get in anyone’s way.

Ever heard that saying, “He who dies with the most toys wins”? Well, it’s game-over after seeing the amazing flying machines these men and women have built from the ground up. Way up.

This isn’t my first Fly-In, but one lesson finally sunk in: hearing your wife say, “Honey, why don’t you build an experimental airplane and take it for a ride over Lake Lanier?” might not be a bad sign for your marriage after all.

Here’s another tip: If you build an airplane in your basement, be sure you can get it out when it’s finished.