For those that don't know about
Homer Bell's Helicopter Roundup, it will be held
July 18-20 this year. This 19th annual event is held at Homer's place (Bell-Air Ranch) near Hillsboro, OH. This will be my 5th year to attend this fly-in and, as a helicopter pilot or enthuiast, this is the fly-in you want to attend. While it is dominated by RotorWay helicopters, there are many certified helicopters there as well, and usually 2 or 3 Brantly's. Last year broke the attendance record with 52 helicopters, most of which are flying around throughout the 3 day event. Many ships actually start arriving on Wed or Thurs, but Saturday is the biggest day. Most people start packing up Sunday morning and by Sunday afternoon there's only a dozen or so die-hards left. There are many flying activities and games to participate in and many helicopters to look at and pilots to talk to. The cost is by donation only to help Homer cover the costs of putting on the event. Space is available for campers, but no electric, water, or sewage hookups. Hillsboro or other small towns are 20-30 minutes drive with hotels/motels available also. Last year I took my RotorWay 162F and I can tell you that the flying there is incredible! I'm planning on flying my B-2B the 245 miles to the event this year. Hope to see many of you there.
Here's a map of the area, from the
Rotorheads Newsletter
You can also look at pictures that I've taken the last 4 year's at Homer's here at
my website.
Let me know if you have any questions about the event, activities, places to sleep or eat, etc. If you are interested at all in helicopters, it's highly unlikely that you will be disappointed. Once you go to this fly-in one time, you'll want to make it there every year, as I now do.
Ron
