The Aviation Migration
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An iconic J-3 sets the tone for the field. -
This year, there was a challenge between Cubs and Champs, based on pre-sale of T-shirts (Team Cub or Team Champ designs were available) as well as the number of aircraft that actually showed up. The Cubs won overall, but it was neck and neck the entire time. -
Looking up at one of the many proud Aeroncas on the field. -
Visitors checking out a Cub Crafters Carbon Cub SS. -
An immaculate USMC L-16, another one for Champ category. -
A Super Cub noses out of the lineup. -
One or, actually, three of the highlights of our visit were these beautiful and spirited homebuilt Rose Parrakeets. They’re owned and flown by Rod Fisher (blue), Mike Shade (cream), and Scott Cox (red). -
Rod Fisher brings his bright blue Parrakeet gently down to the grass. -
Mike Shade’s lovely cream-colored Parrakeet cruising over the lush forests of southern Indiana. -
Scott Cox tucks his striking red Parrakeet in tight. -
This beautiful red 1940 Bellanca Cruisair Jr., powered by a 90 hp Ken Royce radial, is one of only two flying examples in the world. -
Another triple-tail Bellanca, this one a classic 14-19 Cruisemaster. -
Three cheers for the red, white, and blue. -
This classic 1957 Cessna 172 was impossible to miss from anywhere on the field. -
Lee Bottom Flying Field is well served by local mass transit. -
The schedule said “Relax and enjoy the day…” What better place to do that than under the wing of a classic Cessna 140? -
Taking it easy at a Stinson campsite. -
How (Bellanca) Vikings do laundry. -
Blue skies, green grass and trees, and a red, white, and blue Citabria. -
Airport signage. -
Thankfully, the view wasn’t obstructed by the corn for long, as this pretty little yellow Taylorcraft came in on short final. -
A stately Waco Classic YMF-5 just about to touch down. -
Shooting the breeze down by the Seabee. -
A Seabee selfie, of sorts. -
The wonderful Re-Piet, a beautiful Pietenpol loaded with fascinating details. -
The Re-Piet’s “hood ornament,” a surprisingly elegant flying pig. -
A Starduster Too, complete with bubble canopy. -
A bold, red and white Husky on touchdown. -
There was a little bit of everything at Lee Bottom, but one common thread ran through it all: a love of flying for flying’s sake. -
Ginger and Rich Davidson, gracious (and tireless!) hosts, and owners of the breathtaking Lee Bottom Flying Field.
September 24, 2015 - Nestled between a rolling, tree-covered hillside and the mighty Ohio River, Lee Bottom Flying Field is 4,100 feet of grass-roots aviation heaven. The private, public-use airport is located near Hanover, Indiana, but you fly the downwind for 18 in Kentucky, or nearly so. Owned by Rich and Ginger Davidson, the strip is home to an annual fly-in now called the Aviation Migration. The fly-in is probably best summed up by one of the top items listed on the schedule on their website: Relax and enjoy the day. It’s open to aircraft of all types, and, over the years, has seen everything from brand new LSAs to a lumbering DC-3. We made our first visit this past weekend and came back with two things: First, a desire to go again next year, and second, a bunch of photos. Here are 30 of our favorites.
