ASC KIMO Nationals &

Michigan Gyroplane Fly-In

31 Aug. - 03 Sep. 2001

Brooks Field, Marshall, MI

Once again, PRA/ASC Chapter 63, the Central Michigan Gyroplane Club, LLC, is hosting the Annual Michigan Gyroplane Fly-in as part of the ASC KIMO Nationals. The KIMO Nationals, one of the premier ultralight gatherings in the country, will be held over Labor Day weekend (Aug. 31-Sep. 03, 2001) at Brooks Field just south of Marshall, Michigan. The Gyroplane Fly-in is scheduled for Saturday (01 Sep), although some gyros will certainly be present for most of the event. While this is billed as a Michigan fly-in, any and all gyroplane pilots are welcomed and encouraged to attend!

Whether you come for the day or stay the entire weekend, admission is FREE! Listed below are just some of the attractions:

If it flies at the light end of the aircraft spectrum, you can probably see it at KIMO!

Flying, both for pleasure and competition, is continuous and the air is constantly filled with a colorful array of aircraft. Anywhere between four and six parallel sod runways will be in use, plus the paved GA runway at the airport. No matter what your ultralight/microlight interests, KIMO is the place to see everything from old standards to the latest innovations, flown by some of the best pilots in the country! In addition, there will probably be sailplane operations from the GA runway and several parachute drops during the course of any given day.

Competition is a big feature of KIMO, with national ranking points to be earned in various events for fixed and flex-wing aircraft and powered parachutes. Check out the KIMO Competition page on the ASC web-site for details on the various competition events.

If you or anyone among your family or friends has ever wanted to see what it's like to fly any of these machines, KIMO is the place to be! Introductory instructional rides are available in most aircraft categories at prices you can afford. Here's the chance to give a spouse or child an experience they will never forget!

KIMO is also the place to attend forums on a variety of subjects, talk to dealers for many of the major manufacturers, and shop for used engines, parts, and even entire aircraft.

Camping is available on-site and the local area features a range of motels, hotels, and bed-and-breakfast accommodations to suite any taste and budget.

It's pretty easy for family and friends to lose interest at a typical fly-in, but there is so much going on that this is much less of a problem at KIMO. If they tired of activities at the field, historic Marshall is just up the road. Fantastic shopping in town, quality restaurants, and a fascinating range of Victorian homes are just a few of the attractions Marshall has to offer. In short, there is something for everybody in your group!

If you are planning on flying to Marshall, you can download the complete Michigan Department of Aeronautics airport guide (.pdf format) for Marshall, Brooks Field from the Michigan Department of Aeronautics airport directory web page. Use the paved GA runway for your arrival (even by ultralight) until you can get a pilot briefing describing the arrangement and operation of the multiple sod runways on the south side of the field. If you arrive by air, the ultralight patterns are incredibly busy, but very well-coordinated. The GA runway is little used by comparison (but watch for traffic!!) and is easier to negotiate until you learn how the rest of the runways work.

Marshall is located in the south-central Lower Peninsula of Michigan with excellent Interstate connections via Chicago, Indianapolis, Toledo, and other points in the Great Lakes region.

Marshall is located at the junction of I94 (E-W) and I69 (N-S) with access to the business district in the center of town via the I94 Business loop from either I69 or I94. Take the business loop to the center of town, where you will encounter a traffic circle. Take the SOUTH route from the circle and Brooks Field will be on your right just a mile or so out of town. Drive past the main airport entrance and you will see the entrance to KIMO on your right. A few hundred brightly-colored aircraft will mark the site, but there are signs as well!