Planes, Pancakes & Parachutes: Abilene's Annual Fly-In & Pancake Feed
Updated: 2 hours ago
There is something pretty special about a Saturday morning in Dickinson County when you can enjoy a plate of pancakes, watch airplanes take off and land, and see parachutes floating down from the sky.
That is exactly what I experienced on Saturday, October 24, at the 28th Annual Abilene Fly-In & Pancake Feed at the Abilene Municipal Airport.
The event brought together aviation enthusiasts, families, pilots, skydivers, and community members for a morning filled with excitement, conversation, and a little adventure.
But what I discovered was that this annual tradition is about much more than pancakes and airplanes.
It's about sharing a passion for aviation, inspiring young people, and bringing our community together.
Pancakes with a Purpose
One of my first conversations was with Kelsey Briand, who was busy behind the counter serving pancakes to hungry visitors.
Kelsey explained that the money raised from the breakfast goes toward scholarships for Dickinson County students interested in pursuing aviation.
I love that! What seems like a simple community pancake breakfast is actually helping young people explore opportunities that might someday turn into a career.
The event, hosted by Abilene Flying Service and the Abilene Aviation Association, is a wonderful example of how local traditions can make a lasting difference.
Taking the Leap
Of course, one of the biggest attractions of the morning was watching members of the K-State Parachute Club jump from airplanes high above Abilene.
I had the opportunity to visit with Brad Burr, president of the skydiving club, as he was getting suited up to take a first-time student on a tandem jump.
For those unfamiliar with skydiving, a tandem jump is when a student is securely connected to an experienced instructor who guides them through the entire experience.
Brad shared that people travel from all over to learn how to skydive right here in Abilene.
When I asked him what he loved about the sport, his answer surprised me. “It’s like therapy, almost every weekend free-falling.”
Now, I don't know that jumping out of a perfectly good airplane would be my first choice for relaxation, but after talking with Brad, I could understand how the combination of freedom, focus, and excitement could be something pretty extraordinary.
I also visited with Hudson, a student who had recently earned his skydiving license.
He explained that earning a license requires completing at least 25 jumps, along with ground training, skill development, and testing.
With his license, Hudson now has the opportunity to jump at skydiving locations across the country.
He also talked about how fortunate we are to have a skydiving location right here in Abilene, rather than having to travel a considerable distance to participate in the sport.
But what really stuck with me was his description of the experience.
He talked about the thrill of knowing your life is in your own hands.
That is quite a perspective, especially from someone who has chosen to pursue a sport that requires so much training, confidence, and personal responsibility.
And here's something else I learned: the K-State Parachute Club has been operating since 1964. According to the club's website, it is the only collegiate parachute club in the country that owns its own airplane and operates its own drop zone.
How remarkable is it that this unique opportunity is located right here in Abilene?
A Family Tradition
Not everyone came to the airport to jump out of an airplane.
Some were simply there to enjoy a fun morning with their family.
I had the chance to visit with the Hudson family from Abilene and asked their young son what he liked most about the event.
His answer was simple: "Pancakes and parachutes!" Mom quickly chimed in, "We love the planes too!"
I think that pretty much sums up the morning.
Sometimes the best community events are the ones where families and people can come together, experience something a little different, and make memories.
The Freedom of Flying
Another highlight of my morning was visiting with Ron Grieve from Manhattan, shortly after he landed his two-seat airplane.
When I asked Ron what he loved most about flying, he gave me an answer I won't soon forget.
"I love the freedom of flying. It's like being in a fifth dimension."
What a wonderful way to describe it!
Ron also shared that he has taken more than 150 young people flying through a youth aviation program.
The Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program introduces children ages 8 through 17 to aviation by providing free introductory airplane flights with volunteer pilots.
Just imagine being a young person climbing into a small airplane for the first time, looking down at the fields, farms, and communities below, and discovering a whole new perspective of the world.
That experience could inspire a future pilot, aircraft mechanic, engineer, or aviation professional.
And it all starts with someone like Ron who is willing to share his time and passion with the next generation.
More Than an Airport
As I drove away that morning, I found myself thinking about how fortunate we are to have these kinds of opportunities right here in Dickinson County.
Our airport is more than a place where airplanes take off and land.
It is a place where people from across the region gather, where students can discover new interests, where experienced pilots share their knowledge, and where visitors experience a little bit of what makes our community special.
From an economic development perspective, these are the kinds of assets that deserve recognition.
One thing that makes the Abilene Municipal Airport especially valuable is its 4,100-foot concrete runway. That is an important asset for a rural community our size because it can accommodate certain corporate jets and business aircraft.
Think about what that means for Dickinson County. Corporate executives, prospective businesses, investors, and other visitors may be able to fly directly into Abilene without having to land in a larger city and drive the rest of the way.
For a county with strong manufacturing, agriculture, and business connections, having this kind of access is a real advantage. It helps support our existing businesses while strengthening our ability to attract new investment and economic opportunities.
In fact, the Kansas Department of Transportation classifies Abilene Municipal Airport as a Business Airport, recognizing its role in supporting local business activity.
Aviation brings visitors to our community, supports local activity, creates opportunities for young people, and connects Dickinson County to a much larger world.
Not every economic development opportunity comes in the form of a new building or a major business announcement.
Sometimes it looks like a volunteer flipping pancakes, a pilot giving a young person their first flight, or a skydiving instructor helping someone take a leap they never imagined possible.
And sometimes, the best reminder of what makes Dickinson County so special is found right above us, in our own backyard sky.
Thank you to Abilene Flying Service, the Abilene Aviation Association, the K-State Parachute Club, and all the volunteers, pilots, and participants who made this year's event possible.
You certainly made it a Roadmarkable Day!
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