2023 Short Wing Piper Convention
LINKS TO REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE
Convention plans are shaping up for next year! For those that have not heard, the location for 2023 is Elizabeth City NC. Where is that you may ask? ECG is in the far northeastern corner of North Carolina, very close to the Atlantic Ocean. Why? Because 2023 will the 120th anniversary of powered flight by the Wright Brothers. Elizabeth City is the town that Orville and Wilbur arrived in and sourced supplies before traveling down the Pasquotank River to Kitty Hawk. We plan to fly out to First Flight (KFFA) one of the days and walk the very ground where the Wrights first flew. A “poker run” is scheduled as part of our flight to KFFA. See details in another article.
Elizabeth City was founded in 1793 as a commercial port town on the Pasquotank River. If you are a history buff there is plenty to explore. Just ask GOOGLE. www.VisitElizabethCity.com
The convention begins with arrivals on June 26th and a welcoming social hour(s). After four fun days we will depart on Friday, the 30th. Of course, you always have the option to arrive early and stay late. Rooms can be reserved at the Comfort Inn (252.338.8900), ask for the Short Wing rate. Remember this is a summer vacation town so do not wait till the last minute to make reservations. They can be cancelled if your plans change.
Also, our plans include tours of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station located on the airport and TCOM, a local company that manufactures aerostats for commercial and military customers. Their facility is in a 300,000 sq ft blimp hangar constructed during WWII. Fascinating history!
Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is the only university in NC offering a four-year bachelor’s degree in Aviation Science. The campus has offered to provide a planetarium showing and the opportunity to fly one of their Redbird simulators. Let’s see if you are up to the challenge.
We are hoping for a big turnout and great weather. Check the location and if you are within 500 miles it will be an easy flight in a Short Wing. That is a lot of real estate! If you are further away, just more flying and country to enjoy. For those that chose to fly in a big metal tube, the nearest commercial airline service is Norfolk VA; about an hour’s drive from Elizabeth City.