Shiflet Field Fly-In and Drive-In provided fun for aviation enthusiasts, all ages

The second annual Shiflet Field Fly-In & Drive-In in Marion took place Saturday, Oct. 24. The event gave the public an opportunity to meet the aviation community and explore both the airfield’s history and its role in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The 3,340-foot grass runway at Shiflet Field has long served private pilots and aviation enthusiasts in McDowell County. Located at 2654 Airport Road, Shiflet Field became known as Marion’s small airfield where owners of various aircraft could take them up into the sky and also store them in the various hangars on the property. Some of the owners live on the site as well. Shiflet Field is owned and operated by the Marion Airport Commission. During Hurricane Helene, the airfield was submerged under as much as 12 feet of floodwater. Yet in the storm’s aftermath, volunteer pilots used aircraft capable of landing on its muddy runway to bring in essential supplies for nearby communities. The free event on Saturday was hosted by Carolina Aviators Network and the Guns Garin Memorial Foundation. There were displays of antique aircraft, vintage cars, music and food trucks during the celebration. Mark Benedict took photos of the event using his drone, which flew high over the airfield. Michael Tedder with Vertical Vision Media captured images of the airplanes, the ultralights and the other aircraft as they flew over McDowell County. Ron Stamey provided a video of Saturday’s fun events.