There is a board next to the clubhouse at the airport listing all the aircraft from members of the airport that have won awards. These are without fail, all labors of love.
Some are antiques, restorations laboriously done with hours of research to flesh out the entire story.
Others are more personal, a restoration of a family member that has been a partner in crime for decades.
They all share the desire to make their project the best aircraft they can produce.
The latest aircraft to join their ranks is a Hatz named Hazel. It is as at home tucked into the ageless hangars of our little airport as the crowded flight line adjacent to the brown arch at Airventure.
Named after the aircraft-builders mother, the project began as the pair got married. Finishing this last spring with the airport getting to know Hazel as she began testing of systems and putting time on the new aircraft.
Resembling a small Waco, the aircraft builders, became immersed in the craftsmanship of an earlier era demonstrated in projects completed as they made progress on their labor of love.
The paint scheme, chosen by the wife, was inspired by a Grand Champion Waco Cabin based on the field.
As a new arrival to the airport, I have enjoyed getting to know the projects and people behind them. Saying hello while heading to and fro; getting little snippets of their project provides insight into the person as well as the project.
In the weeks leading up to Airventure, we ran into one of the aircraft builders modifying Hazel’s cover with the help of a mutual friend and her sewing machine.
The wife mentioned her mom’s support over the project with a slight quiver in her voice. She’s proud of you regardless of the outcome.
There was a buzz around Hazel, would she be as appreciated by home builders as the vintage and antique aircraft caretakers that inspired her creation?
Walking down the paved road north of the brown arch, I thought of my dad holding my hand as we walked these places years before. Stopping to wipe a tear from my eye, I looked up to see Hazel just off of the road in front of a photo perch.
Grass leading up to their tie-down lay trampled, as did a path around it.
Built of wood and fabric amongst those made of metal and fiberglass, she beckoned a closer look.
I didn’t see her creators around but did stop to take a look at their board and really should have taken a look at their book too.
The restorer and the other restorer had made their way past while judging a vintage aircraft parked in warbirds but had not had a chance to look at it closer.
Saturday morning, time finally allowed for a visit. Tears filled my eyes as I saw a prop card announcing Hazel had been awarded something.
Getting a wave from the husband and wife, the restorer congratulated him on the project and heard what had happened from his perspective. I gave the wife a hug and experienced the excitement of the week through her eyes.
Not long after they had arrived the previous weekend, they were greeted by a columnist from EAA and asked to schedule a photo flight during the week. The wife and their pilot were up for a chilly morning flight which no doubt set the vermillion paint aglow in early morning rays.
The wife had tears in her eyes, happy for whatever they were awarded. We wished them luck and looked forward to hearing their happy news afterwards as we would be at the vintage awards ceremony being held at the same time.
Walking back to our campsite afterwards, the restorer relayed he felt they would be very happy with the award they would bring home.
The next day as we returned to everyday life from Pilot Christmas, I searched for word on Hazel and her creators.
The online version of the show newspaper held the happy news; Grand Champion Plansbuilt – a Gold Lindy!
Welcome, Hazel, another example of the craftsmanship and skill at our little home field.