UPDATE July 8, 2020: The event has been completely canceled. Refunds will be issued to everyone that registered. If you do not receive a refund email OR a posting to your credit card (meaning you should check your email and on-line credit card statement first) by Friday July 10th please send me an email at t34website@gmail.com Posting to your credit card could take between 2 - 60 days dependent on your card issuers policy - not ours.
UPDATE July 5, 2020: Due to ongoing concerns regarding COVID, The T-34 Association has decided to withdraw support from this event and cancel the planned membership meeting on Sunday July 19th. The intention at this point is to transition this to a non-sanctioned FLY-In event for those that would like to attend and do some flying. If you plan to attend please be aware of COVID risks, restrictions and best practices. You need to make your own decision if this event and the possible risks are right for you.
The T-34 Members Meeting & Fly-In, Topeka Kansas (FOE)
Oshkosh has been canceled but we still intend to hold a mid country Fly-in.
Come join us for some fun, flying, story telling, formation practice (if your so inclined)
Where?
We have chosen Topeka, KS for our gathering this year. Topeka Regional Airport (KFOE) is the near geographic center of the United States and is the site of the former Forbes AFB at which bombers and tankers of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) were based. The Kansas Air National Guard still fly's KC-135 Tankers from FOE and there is also an Army Aviation unit on the field. We chose Topeka to draw folks from the North, South, East and West so no excuses (Troy from Australia excluded).
We hope to have the largest gathering of T-34 Association members ever.
According to the National Weather Service the average weather for July in Topeka Kansas is around 88°F, rarely falling below 80°F daytime or exceeding 99°F. Average rain fall in July is 6 days. Daily low temperatures are around 70°F, rarely falling below 61°F or exceeding 78°F. For reference, on average July 19, the hottest day of the year, temperatures in Topeka typically range from 70°F to 90°F, while on January 6, the coldest day of the year, they range from 22°F to 40°F. These are similar temperatures to Oshkosh.
When?
Arrival day is Wednesday, July 15, 2020 and departure day is Sunday, July 19, 2020.
This event will primarily be a Fly-In but we will also conduct a Formation Clinic for all levels of experience and proficiency.
We plan to fly every day as the weather allows and there are three (3) aviation museums on the field to visit if you tire of flying.
You are welcome to attend all or part of the event. A tentative schedule is listed below.
Wednesday 7/15:
Arrivals throughout the day
Hotel Check-in
Lunch & Dinner on your own
Thursday 7/16:
0900 Formation Ground School - If you are working on your formation patch don't miss this opportunity to attend formation ground school.
0900 First flight briefings will begin at 9am for those not attending Ground School
1230 Lunch on site
1800 Dinner on site
Friday 7/17:
0900 First flight briefings
1230 Lunch on site
1800 Dinner on site or on your own
Saturday 7/18:
0900 First flight briefings
1230 Lunch on site
1800 Dinner on site
Sunday 7/19:
0900 Event Ends
Cost:
Advance registration for the event is $125.00 for members and $50 for member guests.
We would appreciate that you register early which will help us immensely with planning, etc... Why wait?
After July 1st online registration increases to $150 for members and $75 for member guests.
On site registration is $200 and $100 for guests.
Registration covers the cost of food, drinks, limited ground transportation to and from the hotel and smoke oil. The FBO is providing a generous discount on 100LL (price TBD)
Price is the same for four days or two days.
Click the "Register Now" to the right, (be sure you are logged in and your membership is current).
Host:
American Flight Museum, Robert Rice (President) has been gracious enough to host our event. We will operate on their ramp and use their hangar for our briefings, meetings and meals. Tiedown fittings are being upgraded as we speak. Bring your own ropes!!
There are hangar options available for those who desire to park inside.
You will need to personally coordinate in advance directly with the FBO.
Million Air Topeka 785-862-0950 (https://www.millionair.com/locations/foe/)
Severe weather in July is rare however there is enough hangar space set aside for everyone in the event of a weather emergency.
Hotel:
Super 8 Forbes Landing: We have a block rate available of $69 a night at the Super 8 by Wyndham and it is practically on the field. This is a newer property and very well appointed for a Super 8. Cutoff for the block rate is June 23rd or 30 rooms which ever comes first. Breakfast is included. Make your reservation early, you can cancel if you need to. Walking distance from our location is ~1.2miles, drive is ~1.5miles. You have to call for block rate (785) 862-2222 and ask for the T-34 Association Block Rate.
Topeka Super 8 Forbes Landing (Sold Out - Some single night rooms available)
Marriott Courtyard Topeka: We have a block rate available of $74 a night. Grab-n-Go breakfast included, parking fee waived. This hotel is located approximately 10 miles from the airport and you will have to arrange your own ground transportation. Cutoff for the block rate is July 8th or 20 rooms, which ever comes first. Please call the hotel directly to book your room (785) 271-6165. Ask for the T-34 Association Block rate. Marriott Courtyard Topeka
There are other hotels available in the Topeka FOE area (5-10 miles) but you will have to make those arrangements and ground transportation on your own.
Transportation:
We will have several vans available to make the trip between the Super 8 and the airport.
Individual rental cars can be arranged through the FBO (Million Air) or by calling the rental car company directly.
Food/drink:
Lunches and dinners will be served at the hangar. Water and sodas will also be available. You are on your own for breakfast (free at the Super 8).
Additional Document and Reference Material:
Here are several additional reference documents to assist in getting ready to fly at our Topeka Fly-In/Formation Clinic.
Miscellaneous Information:
https://www.americanflightmuseum.com/
http://www.combatairmuseum.org/
http://www.kansasguardmuseum.org/
(Bonus museum
http://evelknievelmuseum.com/ about 10 miles away)
Please check back to this page for updates and additional information. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or if you want to volunteer or add sponsorship to this event please contact Jim Clark at
t34website@gmail.com
COVID NOTE: We are COVID aware. We are constructing the meetings, briefings, meals and ground transportation, etc. to work within the new realities of the COVID environment.
According to current stay at home schedule and health department guidelines we will be well within the timing and constraints of a gathering like this.
Your awareness of COVID and basic common sense will help. Maintain proper separation (on the ground and in the air), wash your hands, don't attend if you are feeling sick, etc...
We will not hold the event if it's not prudent but otherwise please mark it in your calendar and plan to join us. We will continue to monitor and update as appropriate.