Pilots and motorcyclistsshare a common bit of knowledge: Poker runs are a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. These informal fly-outs are held by clubs, EAA or Ninety-Nines chapters, as a means of raising money for scholarships and other worthwhile causes. The concept is simple: Pay a modest entry fee, then fly to four or five airports and pick up a playing card at each stop. Can’t get to an airport? Some groups will let you pick or purchase a card at the terminus to round out your hand. The pilot with the best hand wins a prize. There may be refreshments at the terminus, but unlike the $100 hamburger run, the food is beside the point—which is to get into the air, and then hang out with some new pilot friends when you’re finished. And all for a good cause.
Checklist...
- EAA and Ninety-Nines poker runs are open to all pilots, not just those who belong to a specific chapter.
- Use AOPA’s Airports Directory to assemble information in handy kneeboard format.
- No poker runs near you? Maybe it’s time your pilots’ group sponsored one.
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