Will Rogers/Wiley Post Fly-in

Will Rogers never made plans, according to his wife. Betty Rogers wrote in her book “Will Rogers” that “he knew life was uncertain and when he wanted anything he wanted it right away.” Will touted flying as the fastest way to get anyplace as far back as 1926.

Will and Wiley Post, pilot and fellow Oklahoman, started a journey that led to their deaths Aug. 15, 1935, when Post’s plane crashed into a lagoon near Point Barrow, Alaska, killing both instantly.

The two – Will an aviation promoter, and Wiley a pilot with two record round-the-world flights — were in search of a mail and passenger air route from the west coast of the United States to Russia.

During the past three decades, small plane pilots, family and friends have marked the anniversary of the deaths at the Will Rogers & Wiley Post Fly-In on the 2,000-foot grass strip on the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch near Oologah. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, August 13.

Pilots start landing shortly after daybreak and spend the morning visiting fellow pilots and showcasing their antique and classic planes. Spectators walk among the planes, talking to pilots and lifting excited children so they can see into the cockpits.

The Fly-in started with a simple program held in the shade of the house where Will was born on Nov. 4, 1879 and a dozen or so planes. It grew from 50 in 2004 to a record number last year of more than 130 pilots. The event quickly outgrew the parking and a part of the ranch pasture is now designated parking.

A kids play area was added along with classic cars and motorcycles. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

The “2016 National Day of Remembrance ” will be celebrated for the second year to honor any pilot and passengers who have died in a small plane crash. A lapel pin, with a picture of Will from a famous Tamburini portrait of Will in a flight jacket, has been designed to pay tribute to flyers.

A gold circle surrounds the photo of Will with a Will Rogers quote, “She’s a beautiful day and we are flying high.” It will be presented to a family member of a deceased pilot or passenger. Additional pins are $5 each. Names of deceased pilots or passengers will be honored on the website willrogers.com, if so requested.

The 9:55 a.m. memorial service, dedicated to Will and Wiley and other pilots who have died in crashes this past year, will be broadcast live on RSU Radio 91.3 FM or streaming on their website at rsuradio.com.

In 1922, Will Rogers was referred to as the “number one air passenger and patron saint of aviation.” By then, Wiley had flown around the world twice, once with Harold Gatty, one time solo. He was also attributed with design of one of the first pressure suits and discovery of the jet stream.

Will never mentioned learning to fly. He was content to hop a plane with anyone and counted among his friends many pilots, including Charles Lindberg, Amelia Earhart, Jimmy Doolittle and Willie Mitchell.

Will and Wiley are enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame and Oklahoma Hall of Fame. The major airport in Oklahoma City is the Will Rogers World Airport. Wiley Post airport, a feeder airport, is just a few miles away.

There have been several special Fly-In guests. Pearl Carter Scott was a student of Wiley Post and at 13 was the youngest pilot ever licensed. Others have been astronauts, military officials and Rogers’ family members, including a great great grandson.

Among the most popular guests are Will and Wiley. Lester Lurk, a Will look-alike from St. Genevieve, Mo., and Joe Bacon, pilot and will Rogers Memorial Museum Roper (docent) roll down the runway and up to the front gate to cheers of kids and adults alike.

The deets:

Will Rogers & Wiley Post Fly-In
Saturday, August 13
2,000-foot grass strip
Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch
9501 E. 380 Road, Oologah, OK 74053
Airport Identifier OK37; CTAF: 122.9
Gates open at 7 a.m.
Bring your lawn chair
Classic car and motorcycle show, activities for children and food vendors on grounds
Sponsors: Cherokee Nation, Lakeside State Bank, CamGuard and RSU Radio
Admission is free, donations encouraged

Birthplace Ranch and Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas and Monday and Tuesday from Veterans Day through February. Visit www.willrogers for information regarding group visits, tour guide, and admission.