Cactus 67 Fly-In 2025

Overview

Once again Mother nature prevailed causing restrictions for aircraft arriving Friday evening March 7^th; high winds, rain and mountain-top obscuration. By Saturday morning the front had moved through and the 67^th Cactus Fly-in took-off with great success. KCGZ was visited by over 100 aircraft and 1000 non-flying patrons. At least 40 antique and classic aircraft appeared on the ramp for a glorious Arizona Saturday; wind was calm, temps in the low 70’s, with clear blue sky. A very diverse collection of 25 rare cars filled the auto display area nestled between a suite of food vendors. The Civil Air Patrol provided information at their display on the flight line along with aircraft simulators positioned inside the airport terminal for aspiring pilots. Specialty food vendors were also on site. The Arizona Pilots’ Association displayed information on their mission for preserving general aviation across the state. Aircraft marshalling was enabled by the team effort of the Christian Motorcycle Association, the Phoenix 99’s and the Chandler EAA Chapter 1445. The Casa Grande Municipal Airport staff provided service from their fuel truck at reduced rates. Camping and RV parking options were reintroduced for “fly-in/Drive-in” patrons—a feature that is planned for future Cactus Fly-in’s

Choreography

The Fly-In was officially launched on Friday afternoon March 7^th. Friday evening the annual Cactus Cocktail Hour was hosted by the Classic Airplane Association of Arizona in the TCB hangar. Food and beverages were provided with lots of conviviality between old friends reunited after a six-month interval since the previous-September AAA fly-in at Blakesburg, IA.

Saturday morning March 8^th saw a hornet’s nest of inbound traffic. A fleet of various aircraft including an SNJ, Stearman’s, a PT-22, a Fairchild 24R, a CJ-6, etc., descended on the field with many of these ships in “flat-pitch”. The City was awakened. Aircraft parking was provided by the usual suspects under the guidance of Joel Sidell, Steve Hulland, the Phoenix 99’s and the Christian Motorcycle Association. Thanks to airport staff, James Carter, Marco Esquivel, and Mel Perez, the ramp was wide-open to receive antique/classic aircraft and autos and to provide convenient truck refueling service. The “Iron City” and
“Adrenaline” off-road vehicle business donated the use of three large ATV’s which served as transportation on the ramp for handicapped and for emergency medical staff. No incidents were reported but a lot of smiles were observed. The Pinal Lodge Masons and three food trucks were situated in the auto display area along with available seating for food service.

Keith Kossuth of Chino, California flying his 1929 Travelair biplane added the thrill of an “open-cockpit” flight opportunity. Expectant riders were lined up all day Saturday and Sunday giving Keith and his beautiful aircraft a serious workout. Smiles and cheering were abundant on the ramp.

At 10:00am Saturday March 8^th, in the nearby TCB hangar, a picnic lunch was provided to all airplane owners and volunteers. Seen in the crowd were many “old timers” to Antique aviation including Brent and Marcy Taylor, Jim and Anne Rezich, Curtis and Chrissy Clark, Ben Hawkins, David Erickson, Cliff VanVleet, Marty Fleischhauer, Tom Snider, Carole Cooke, Mark Rebholz, Bill Lewallen, Julie White, Mike Evans, Joe Griffith and Carol King, and many, many more—too numerous to mention. The CAAA is deeply appreciative of the long-standing support of these folks and the vision that they have shown to introduce CAAA/Antique Aircraft to the next generation of pilots who visited the fly-in.

At 4:00pm on Saturday a semi-formal Banquet was presented in the Airport Terminal by the new “Runway 5 Café”. Café owner John Loepsinger is an excellent chef who satisfied the palates of 50 diners. After the meal those in attendance were treated to a wonderful presentation by guest speaker Larry (call-sign “Hoss”) Pearson, Captain, USN retired. Captain Pearson briefly described his flying career from his undergrad years at University of Texas, then as a Vietnam A4 pilot with 158 combat missions and 820 carrier “traps”. After his combat tours he was honored to be flight lead for the “Blue Angels” 1985-1986 and then on to earn his Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School at Monterey, CA. He commanded the Air Test Evaluation Squadron at Miramar Naval Air Station. In “retirement”, using 13 A4 Skyhawks acquired from the Israeli Air Force, Capt. Pearson founded “Advanced Training International, Inc.” His company became the basis for military aggressor training in the Southwest. CAAA President Rusty Gavagan counted the “Pilot’s Choice” and “People’s Choice” ballots for displayed aircraft. This year’s awards were gift certificates generously provided by Aircraft Spruce Company. Winners are, for Pilot’s Choice the spectacular Fairchild F24R flown by Michael and Michele Luzar from Belen New Mexico. People’s Choice was awarded to Mike Evans for his immaculate, red Citabria. Longest-Distance-Traveled Award was presented to Jim and Anne Rezich for their rare and excellent Culver Cadet having been brought (for the winter) from Rockford Illinois. “Youngest Pilot” award was presented to Megan Haywood, a PHX 99 and fly-in volunteer.

Future Look

Mark your calendars for March 7^th 2026 when the CAAA will joyfully stage the 68^th Cactus Fly-In at Casa Grande Municipal Airport. Looking to the future expect some “format” changes that the CAAA anticipates will be necessary to insure the event stays focused on airplane owners and pilots—a mission that has been the theme of the Antique Aircraft Association since inception. Expect on-airport RV parking and camping for pilots flying-in. CAAA directors are actively exercising ideas for guest speakers and an increasing base of “partners” to enhance the fly-in experience for aircraft owners.