Lincoln Airport open house flies high

Last Saturday, families began arriving to the Lincoln Regional Airport at 7 a.m. for the hot air balloon lift-off and the traffic never slowed down until after 1 p.m. More than 4,000 visitors were at the 2022 Lincoln Airport Open House Day last Saturday, enjoying the crystal-clear weather and soaking up a visual feast of unique airplanes and an array of automobiles from classic to exotic. Sixty-five aircraft ranging from home-built experimental aircraft to World War II War Birds to sleek modern aircraft to powered parachutes and gyrocopters (and real helicopters) were on display for the free public event. The open house was sponsored by the city of Lincoln and staffed by the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association. The dawn rise of three hot air balloons and the tethered balloon that gave rides until its propane was exhausted at 11 a.m. were perhaps the day's highlights. There were flight simulator experiences for the youngsters and the eye candy of great examples of airplanes and automobiles for the adults. Three awards were given out for various classes of airplanes and two classes of automobiles. The Best of the Best was a Beech Staggerwing biplane and a new Ferrari. The event's goal was to showcase the Lincoln Regional Airport as an important asset to Lincoln and the south Placer County region. The airport is at 1480 Flightline Drive, Lincoln.