37th Annual International Cessna 195 Club Fly-In Wichita, Kansas -- "Air Capital of the World" September 20-23, 2007
Hosted by Marvin & Stephanie Huckins
"Bring them home to Wichita"
Summary and Agenda
Wichita, Kansas, is the jewel of America's heartland right at the point where the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers meet. The famous majestic statue, the Keeper of the Plains, created by former Wichita artist Blackbear Bosin, now sits to watch over this historic site named for the Wichita Indians who settled at various times in the area. Wichita is a city of wonderful native culture situated on a vast expanse of some of the most beautiful land in America.  Savvy aviation entrepreneurs moved to Wichita to take advantage of the benefits of a prosperous oil industry, agreeable climate and wide vistas perfect for building and testing these new aeronautic equipment. Aircraft pioneers like Lloyd Stearman, Walter Beech, Clyde Cessna, E.M. Laird, J.M. Mollendick and George Weaver were responsible for establishing this specialized industry in the area. Mollendick and Laird started the Swallow Airplane Company which would produce the Swallow airplane that had its origins in Chicago. Beech, Stearman, and Weaver all worked for Laird and Mollendick until each went on to establish his own aircraft company. Stearman's company later was purchased by The Boeing Company of Seattle. Wichita earned its name of "Air Capital of the World" through the establishment of Beech (now Hawker Beechcraft), Cessna and Learjet.  Wichita became a center of entrepreneurship in other industries as well beginning with W.C. Coleman, who produced his first Coleman lantern in 1914 and whose name is now synonymous worldwide with camping and outdoor recreational equipment. Enterprising Wichitans would put the bite on the fast food industry with the launch of White Castle hamburgers and Pizza Hut restaurants. Koch Industries, the second largest privately held company in the U.S., is Wichita's success story with the production of refined products, chemicals, crude oil services, gas liquids, energy services, chemical technology, minerals services, agriculture and capital services.
Wichita has surely grown up since its early trading post and cowtown days and has matured into a booming city with one of the best economies in the nation. Come to Wichita, the "Air Capital of the World" and get ready to soar!
 In 2007, Wichita will be the site of many significant aviation-related activities. Chief among them will be the celebration of industry leader Cessna's 80th anniversary. There will be events throughout the year to mark this milestone for the world's most successful aircraft manufacturer. The International Cessna 195 Club has also chosen Wichita as the venue for its 37th Annual Convention and Fly-In, scheduled for September 20-23, 2007. The theme for the Convention is "Bring Them Home to Wichita!" This is a special milestone year for us, too. It is the 60th birthday for the Businessliner; Cessna's first to enjoy widespread commercial success as a corporate aviation business tool. Our past Conventions have yielded 30+ beautifully restored aircraft from throughout the US, Canada and Mexico. Given the significance of these converging milestones we anticipate an even greater showing of airplanes, owners and enthusiasts. The event is sure to draw local and national media attention and trade journal articles. Register Now! Stearman Field (1K1 -- www.bentonairpark.com) the home base for this convention, is a very welcoming airstrip! Be sure to bring your own tiedowns and anchors. The airport is located 14 miles from the hotel. We will have shuttles available. If you'd like to reserve a rental car, call Tom Leach with Hertz at 316-945-1777 or 316-946-4860 and advise him of your arrival date and destination. Make your hotel reservations online at: www.marriott.com/ictwe using the group code ICCICCA. You can also call the hotel's reservation department direct at 1-800-610-0673. The cut-off date for reservations is September 5, 2007. A block of 150 rooms have been reserved. Be sure to mention that you are with the International Cessna 195 Convention. Traveling by airlines? Mid Continent Airport (KICT -- www.flywichita.com) will be your arrival destination. Marriott provides a shuttle between Mid Continent and the hotel.
We encourage early arrivals. If you have the opportunity to fly in early, you may consider stopping for lunch or staying overnight at the Beaumont Hotel (www.hotelbeaumontks.com). The Beaumont Hotel is a homing beacon to all pilots and travelers who want to touch down for a cold drink, a hot bath, a great meal or a restful night's sleep. The hotel has a 2,600-foot north and south grass airstrip so airplanes can taxi right up to the hotel's front door.
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Register Now! If you have questions or need additional information...
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Feel free to contact either Marvin or Stephanie.
Marvin (Eddie) Huckins
Stephanie Huckins |
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