“The Flying Firebirds” of Texarkana College placed second in the Regional Airmeet held at Texarkana Municipal Airport Nov. 16 and 17. Louisiana Tech was the first place winner with Northeast Louisiana University third, and Henderson State College was the fourth place winner.
Steve Winner of Texarkana College took several of the top awards, including Top Male Pilot, first place in the power-off landing event, second in the power-on landing event and preflight safety, and third in the navigation event.
Art Purdy of TC placed fourth in the Power-Off landing event and third in the power-on landing event.
Ray Cambra received first place in the division of preflight safety with Jim Blackard and Larry Gordon placed third and fourth respectively in the flight instructor power-off landing event. Joe Purdy was named the fifth place winner in the Power-off landing event.
The top woman pilot award was given to Tawana Littleton and the First Timer Female Award was won by Chloe Rochelle. Friday was filled with registration, practice flying, and static displays and aircraft by the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marines. The U.S. Navy brought its Recruiting Van and both — a miniature 18 foot replica of “Old Ironsides” and a T-34 brought in from Little Rock. The Marines brought their huge CH-53 helicopter from Dallas and thrilled about 75 people Friday afternoon with two demonstration rides.
Contestants, directors, judges, checkpilots, and working committees gathered for breakfast at the Texarkana Municipal Airport at 6 a.m. Saturday, and the first competitive event was airborne at 7:30 a.m. Lunch broke the heavy schedule and competition was resumed until 6 p.m.
A group of the Ninety-Nines (the International organization for licensed women pilots) flew in from Shreveport for a luncheon at El Chico Restaurant. They came to meet with interested women pilots who were encouraged to form a local chapter of the Ninety-Nines, Inc.
The highlight of the Airmeet was the Awards Banquet at the Ramada Inn with Les Eugene Abrahamson, master of ceremonies, who called on the judges and local sponsors of the awards to assist in the presentation.