Braden Airfield in Forks Township held it’s annual ‘Movie at the Airpark” recently with a showing of Disney’s “Planes” which was followed by a fireworks finale. The event was presented by the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA) in cooperation with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chap 70.

A new addition to this year’s celebration was the offering of free airplane rides to children ages 8-17 provided by the EAA before the film.

“We wanted to elevate and add elements to the event.” explained Colin Riccobon, director of public and government relations for LNAA.

The flights, lasting approximately 15-20 minutes, circled over Forks Township, giving young explorers a bird’s eye view of the quilting landscape surrounding the airpark. LNAA decided to add them in hopes of promoting careers in the aviation industry as a response to the current shortage of pilots and aircraft mechanics.

“You never know who’s going to walk out wanting to be a pilot,” said Riccobon.

“Introducing aviation to a younger audience might spark an interest in learning to fly and setting them on a future career where the sky is the limit. Right in their own backyard, a rejuvenated Braden Airpark is the perfect place for that dream to takeoff,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, LNAA executive director.

The added attraction was successful in its objective to raise awareness of avionics with over 100 kids of all ages taking flight by 6 o’clock. Pilot Jody Pysher, who was signing them up and wrangling them in line thought his count was up to 120.

After their flight, children could enjoy free bouncy houses and face painting provided by Fun Affairs while waiting for the film to begin. There were also food trucks on hand for refreshments. The evening ended with a fireworks show over the airfields of Braden Airpark.

Braden Airpark opened in 1938 and is one of three airports owned by the LNAA. The authority had once considered selling Braden, the smallest of its properties which had fallen into disrepair over the past two decades and lacked basic amenities that attracted tenants, resulting in drastically lowered revenue. The LNAA instead chose to renovate the airpark and focus on improving it by reinstating features such as a flight school and aircraft maintenance mechanics. “The airport authority has made a significant commitment to Braden Airpark,” Riccobon said. “We want it to be successful.”

In 2017, the Airport Authority received a $325,000 grant from the PennDOT Bureau of Aviation for construction of a new terminal building. Since then, with the financial support of the LNAA and Northampton County, more than $500,000 in improvements has rejuvenated the airpark.

ProFlite Aero Services and SpiritWings Aviation, LLC, both of Easton, joined Braden 2018 to assist the authority in achieving its goal of revitalization and growth. ProFlight offers plane rentals and a flight school, while SpiritWings will provide aircraft maintenance and annual inspections.

“Our goal is delivering affordable service and a friendly customer atmosphere, but equally as important is being educators of the importance of general aviation in this fantastic community, said David DaSilva, Owner, SpiritWings Aviation, LLC.

“What are we going to do to elevate Braden to the next level?” Ed Lozano, chairman of the airport authority’s board of governors, asked. “(The terminal) is not where we’re going to stop ... . This is the beginning of where we’re going with general aviation.