80th FTW hosts civilian "Fly-In" Published June 3, 2013 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 80th Flying Training Wing Safety office here hosted its annual "Civilian Fly-in" event for civilian aviators June 1. The main purpose of the event is to educate the civilian aviation community about flight safety and mid-air collision avoidance. During the event, civilian aircraft were able to land and takeoff on the 13,000 foot runway and pilots enjoyed a burger burn, simulator rides and static displays of the T-6 and T-38. Major Cameron Curry, 80th Flying Training Wing safety officer, feels the annual civilian fly-in provides an opportunity to interface the different cultures within military and civilian aviation. "For active duty personnel," he said "the real excitement is all about getting to talk to civilian pilots and check out their aircraft." Glenn and Bonnie Beavers of Beavers Aircraft Management, Wichita Falls, fly their aircraft between Colorado and Wichita Falls. Glenn Beavers has been a pilot for 35 years and the couple heard about the fly-in at the local monthly flying safety briefings. They took advantage of coming to the civilian fly-in last year and plan to come to the base any chance they can. "It took us 12 minutes from Kickapoo Airpark and almost that long to taxi to the ramp once we landed," said Mrs. Beavers. "We feel it is important to support private aviation owners in the city and more importantly, to support Sheppard. We are a military family. Our son retired from the Air Force, the other is an Army pilot and our grandson served in the Navy. We will do anything we can to support the base." Among the activities and static displays, the pilots were also given an educational briefing before they departed for a tour of the tower and Radar Approach Control facility.