Every year during the Memorial Day Weekend, the Black Pilots of America gather at Grider Field in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Members participate in competitive flying events and other activities. One of the most popular events is Operation Skyhook. During this event, pilots, at their own expense, in their own aircraft, provide airplane rides for local kids. This is a truly unselfish and honorable tradition demonstrating commitment and positive leadership from the organization and its members. These pictures show a few glimpses of the 2008 event.
All content © Joe Dempsey 2008
Site design and hosting by Joe Dempsey Communications Co. • Pine Pluff AR 71611
Kids and parents are interviewed by a reporter / camerman from KATV in Little Rock.
Prima facie evidence of the event's popularity
Local pilot and manager of the Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility, Ken Johnson, and the passsengers he has just flown, stand in front of Johnson's Mooney Statesman.
A visting pilot gives an animated pre-flight briefing to his passengers, the two boys to the left and the girl immediately to the right of the pilot.
Pre-flight smiles abound.
This is a repeat performance. These girls rode with the same pilot in the 2007 event. Nothing like coming back for more of a good thing,
Ibadee, Ibadee, Ibadee, that's all folks.

Thanks for dropping by.