Many private plots find general aviation to be the perfect way to support their favorite team at whatever level. This may not come as news to those who visit local airports on game day. Usually there is a fleet of private jets at any such event, including ballgames, NASCAR races, and major sporting events such as the Kentucky Derby.
Why should jets have all the fun? Take that Piper Archer or Cessna Skylane along and beat the traffic getting in and out of town. Most FBOs roll out the red carpet no matter the size of the aircraft, and you can take advantage of the special services they provide. You can’t do much about vehicle traffic around the stadium, but at least you won’t be worried about missing your flight.
If it’s a small airport, and you plan ahead, you may even get the airport courtesy car. Failing that, most airports have rental cars available. After the game, just think of all the unlucky fans sitting in airport terminals or stuck on the major highways leading out of town.
Games are set for certain dates at certain times; the weather may be on a different schedule. That might interrupt plans two or three times during the season, but the majority of time you will benefit from being a pilot. Obviously, you’ll want to avoid the temptation to see the stadium from the air during a game, given that lingering in such areas is forbidden, and may already be crowded with banner-tow aircraft or police helicopters.
You’ll enjoy letting fellow fans know you flew yourself to the game and will be home before they will. You might interest yet another prospective pilot to learn to fly.
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