| You don't realize just how big the U.S. is until you are trying to find a small flying site hosting a "TrikeFest." While the directions said that Cushing Field was just just 60 miles south west of Chicago in Newark Illinois, it proved a little more difficult to find than I expected. The saving grace was that I spotted a number of trikes flying along, they seemed to know where they were going so I just kept them in site and sure enough they lead me to Cushing Field. The TrikeFest is put on by Mike Hudetz of A & M Airsports. Mike has been flying trikes since 1990. In 1997 he purchased his own trike and became an instructor in 1998, and a dealer for the AirBorne Australia line of trikes in 2000. He then proceeded on to get his Sport Pilot examine/instructor rating. Cushing Field is outside of the Chicago air traffic control, and yet is within easy driving distance for over 10,000,000 people. A & M Airsports is a full service trike outlet offering, introductory flights, flight training, aircraft storage, airframe and engine parts, service, and accessories. Currently over 25 trikes are based at Cushing Field. An additional drawing card is that a number of other aviation businesses are located at the field. For those transitioning into Lightsport Aircraft A & M has conducted a number of the 16 hour courses so that those registering in the new ELSA category can do their own annuals. This is the 3rd year Mike has put on the "Pre Osh - TrikeFest."  The first year drew over 30 trikes the second over 40. This year close to 60 trikes dotted the grounds. Some like P & M Aviation of Georgia flew in just for the TrikeFest, while others like Tampa Bay Aerosport dropped in on their way to Airventure. But the TrikeFest isn't just a stop off before heading to Airventure. Many pilots take part in the fly in breakfast held at Prairie Lakes Resort and Golf course a leisurely 20 minute flight from Cushing Field. Here the pilots land on one of the courses driving ranges, and then the group heads up to the restaurant for a buffet style breakfast. They also participate in a number of friendly competitions, including a balloon drop, where the pilot tries to drop a balloon onto a target. Spot landing contest, where points are awarded for landing closest to a line, and a take of and landing contest where you take of and land in the same spot as many times as you can in a given time. Then in the afternoon everyone is invited to a corn roast and barbeque. For more information contact:
A & M Airsports Ltd.
Cushing Field Airport
Newark IL
630-879-6568
www.airsportster.com | 
