Flying season is in full swing, and with each break in the weather, the airport crew is out chasing horizons. From grass strips to fly-in restaurants and anniversary celebrations, this past weekend offered a poignant reminder of how aviation connects the past with the present in unexpected ways.
A Goodbye on the Horizon?
One of our favorite destinations—Mount Victory—may soon be only a memory. The charming grass strip nestled beside the restaurant has been sold, and word around the field is the new owners are likely to close the runway.
It’s a disappointing, if understandable, change.
Mount Victory holds a special place in my heart.
One of my very first Cub flights was up to that field (read about that Cub flight here), and it was also one of our early adventures with Sis, our Bonanza, after moving her from Moraine to New Carlisle.
Years before that, I flew in with my dad and a childhood friend. Returning there over the years, to that quiet runway and warm plates of comfort food, has always felt like coming home.
Volunteer Saturday and a Golden Anniversary
The first weekend of the month means Volunteer Saturday at the restoration shop—at least through June before we break for the heat of summer.
This past Saturday, the shop was bustling. But the real buzz was just down the ramp, where the Grimes Flying Lab team celebrated the 50th anniversary of their lighted Beech 18’s appearance at the 1975 Paris Air Show.
The event was both a cookout and a celebration flight.
Rosie, now an apprentice mechanic working under the supervision of the Flying Lab curator, and her husband were already on hand, assisting with preflight preparations.
During a lull at the shop, Peppermint Pam, another volunteer, and I walked over to lend our support.
The day wasn’t just about barbecue and takeoffs—it was about honoring a piece of aviation history.
The 1975 Paris Air Show introduced a pre-production Concorde, wearing dual liveries from Air France and British Airways, and featured the YF-16’s first European appearance.
Among the legendary aircraft on display was the Grimes Flying Lab Beech 18—an unforgettable moment for the small but mighty team from Urbana.
There’s a black-and-white photo from May 31, 1975, signed by the photographer with a wistful note: “Oh how I wish I had been taking color photos.”
That kind of longing is something any of us who love aviation can understand—we’re always trying to capture just a bit more of the magic.
The Flight Continues
The Grimes Flying Lab was developed to test and demonstrate aircraft lighting in real-world conditions. It’s a flying classroom and laboratory, still airworthy and inspiring, thanks to dedicated caretakers like the Flying Lab curator. Read more about the Flying Lab here.
As Canadian wildfire smoke dimmed the skies and reduced visibility, the ramp at Urbana was still lively.
On good weather days, it fills with pilots heading for a bite at the airport restaurant, maybe peeking into one of the museums before heading back into the wild blue yonder.
On this particular day, there may have been fewer planes, but no less enthusiasm.
We stood by and watched the preflight. Rosie and her husband carefully pulled the propellers through, under the watchful eye of the Flying Lab curator, who observed each step. With a fire extinguisher in hand, Rosie stood ready as the beacons lit up and the engines roared to life.
As the Beech 18 taxied toward the runway, I looked back at Rosie. I thought of the little girl she once was—watching that very same airplane take flight, dreaming of where it might go. Now, as an apprentice mechanic, she’s helping ensure it continues to fly.
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