Back country pilots fly-in to airport

By PHIL FAUVER Staff Writer

There were exciting times at the Huntington Airport Oct. 9-10 with planes, powered parachutes, powered hang gliders, vintage cars and horseback riders arriving to participate in the activities. The Utah Back Country Pilots annual fly in at Huntington airport took place under the direction of Leon Defriez Emery County Huntington Airport manager.
Some of these pilots call themselves the Cedar Pass Air Force or the Cedar Pass Air Farce depending on the day. They usually fly out of the Cedar Pass Airport. While in Emery County they enjoyed flying along the Price River to Woodside, flying to the Buckhorn Wash, flying to Mexican mountain and flying over the San Rafael Swell. Small tents were put up for sleeping at the Huntington Airport on the grassy areas close to their planes. Some pilots camped out overnight at other airstrips like Cedar Mountain and Mexican Mountain.
The Utah Back County Pilots President Steve Durtschi from Bountiful Sky Park said, “This is a unique event because there isn’t an airport that is so cooperative and so welcomes pilots like the Huntington Airport. I have flown from Mexico to Alaska and have never seen an airport or a county that is so welcoming of aviation as Emery County’s Huntington Airport is and specifically Leon Defrieze the airport manager. Nothing compares.”
One pilot said there is freedom here in Emery County at Huntington Airport as compared to Salt Lake International Airport where it seems you are in a prison with high fences and armed guards. When they were not out exploring the San Rafael Swell, the Buckhorn Wash. the Wedge Overlook and Mexican Mountain. Many of the pilots enjoyed just sitting in groups telling stories of their flying experiences.
For two days Emery County hosted pilots visiting from as far away as Anchorage, Alaska, Lander Wyo; Albuquerque New Mexico, Brigham City and Grand Junction Colo. enjoying the scenery and this exciting event.
Kent Price a certified Powered Parachute flight instructor took time from his flying to give Bruce Funk and his grandson Ty Funk some additional flying lessons on Friday. Bruce is now the proud owner of two powered parachutes.
On Saturday the Darcy Guymon family rode horseback from their ranch to the airport to see what all the excitement was about. The young ones wanted to trade riding a horse for a ride in a powered parachute. Pilot Keith Haggard was kind enough to accommodate them with rides out over the country away from the airport. They were thrilled with the birds eye view of the countryside, the hills, the valleys, roads and farms. Keith said it was fun for him to see their excitement.
Scott Whittier the pilot and owner of a red powered parachute drove from the Orem Utah Airport hauling his aircraft in an enclosed trailer to participate in this event. Scott said his powered parachute uses 5 gallons of gasoline per hour and travels at a speed of under 30 miles per hour flying low and slow. He said some powered parachutes could be purchased for as little as $7,000. Others have been home built for less. Before flying a powered parachute or a plane a course in flying instruction is required.
Commissioner Paul Cowley, his wife Cathy and their grandchildren attended a few of the meals and spent time visiting with the pilots.
Tony Turinsky a pilot from Anchorage Alaska cooked pork loins and steaks for the Friday evening dinner. He was an invited guest of Dennis Bleazard. This steak dinner included salads, slices of cantaloupe and watermelon.
The caterer for this event was Ralene Larsen from R-Pizza of Castle Dale. The Emery County Commission, Leon Defriez, and donations from the Utah Back Country Pilots paid for the meals provided.
On Saturday the Vintage Car Club led by Tory Killian arrived to show off their shining restored vehicles. Scott Miller came with his Kenworth truck, Kurt Killian had a green Dodge, Tory Killian drove a red convertible, Jimmy Lucas drove a white over red Desoto, and Thomie Lucas came with a maroon Fire Bird.
Saturday afternoon when the wind increased the powered parachute pilots packed up and left the airport for home. Powered parachutes do not handle wind very well.
The remaining backcountry pilots enjoyed a good lamb fry dinner. When the dinner was over they gathered around the campfire to tell stories before bedding down for the night.