The T-34 Members Meeting & Fly-In, Topeka Kansas (FOE)
Come join us for some fun, flying, story telling and 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). According to the National Weather Service the average weather for May in Topeka Kansas is excellent, rarely falling below 60°F daytime or exceeding 80°F. We hope to make this a regular meeting and to have the largest gathering of T-34 Association members ever.
When?
Arrival day is Thursday, May 13, 2021 and departure day is Monday, May 17, 2021.
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.
Thursday 5/13:
Arrivals throughout the day
Hotel Check-in
Lunch & Dinner on your own
Friday 5/14:
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
Saturday 5/15:
0900 First flight briefings
1230 Lunch on site
1600 BOD Meeting (BOD members only)
1800 Members Meeting & Dinner on site
Sunday 5/16:
0900 First flight briefings
1230 Lunch on site
1800 Dinner on your own
Monday 5/17:
0900 First flight briefings
1230 Snacks on site
1400 Event Ends
* Schedule subject to change.
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 May 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 Super 8 motel and smoke oil. The FBO is providing a generous discount on 100LL (price TBD). Registration 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. Tie down 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 May 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 $79 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 April 29th 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
Marriott Courtyard Topeka: We have a block rate available of $75 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 April 29th 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 or click this link to book online. 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. We would prefer you book in one of the above hotels if possible.
Transportation:
We will have a van 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 both hotels).
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 continue to monitor and update as appropriate.