By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – It was truly a multi-generational experience as children, parents and grandparents – all equally fascinated by helicopters, airplanes, military vehicles and parachute jumping – participated in a day of fun at Marlborough Airport Aug. 15.
“All are welcome to experience the world of aviation right here in the city,” said owner Sandra Stetson in inviting all to “A Day at the Airport.”
“More than 1500 people came throughout the day and they all left smiling,” said Stetson. “The children were so happy seeing the planes up close and sitting in them or riding in a helicopter. The vintage midget race cars attracted many children and adults who had a slow ride in the colorful vehicles, waving to family friends. It was all so exciting.”
Throughout the day there were lines of people waiting to take a helicopter ride. Bob Cloutier, chief pilot with C.R. Helicopters of Laconia and Nashua, N.H., headed up the service.
“I like helping Sandy and watching everyone enjoy the rides,” he said. “Our objective is to have everyone walk away with a big smile.”
A local grandmother, Pat Russell, in line waiting to take her first helicopter ride, said: “It is so exciting. I can’t wait.”
Two Stetson family members were mingling with guests and assisting Sandra as needed. Her granddaughter, Amelia Kinney, a student at the Advanced Math and Science Academy (AMSA) Charter School, who has grown up around airplanes, said she will definitely explore opportunities in the aviation field in choosing a career. Father-in-law Robert Stetson, who lives across the street from the airport, was taking pictures and helping direct visitors to the many booths and other activities.
“I don’t fly,” he said. “I prefer maintaining the property and assisting a mechanic or other workers if needed.”
The oldest privately owned commercial airport in Massachusetts that began in a cow pasture in 1922, Marlborough Airport has maintained a friendly small airport environment with its many neighbors through the years. Most of the pilots who use the airport are homeowners in the area. The limited usage airport has not spoiled the “country” atmosphere within the city as there are no runway lights or rotating beacons to intrude during the evening.
Don’s Flying Service offers fixed-wing and helicopter flight instruction, tie-downs and hangar space, and major and minor aircraft repairs at the local airport.
There is also a flight training school and repair shop to service the airplanes and an active group of local pilots who are attracting new interest in flying. They participate in a program called Young Eagles, which offers young people, ages 8 to 17, a free introductory airplane flight, provided by nearly 30,000 volunteer pilots from throughout the country, said Stetson.
“We have reached the million kid mark and are inspiring a new generation to explore the exciting world of aviation,” she said.
