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Council approves Rod Trowbridge Memorial Fly-In at Augusta Airport for May 2026, pending FAA and safety approvals
Summary
The council granted approval for the Rod Trowbridge Memorial Fly-In at the Augusta Airport in May 2026 and discussed coordination with the FAA, public-safety oversight, possible fireworks, common-consumption area permitting, and overnight security; staff emphasized remaining approvals and that the council's vote was an initial step.
The Augusta City Council approved the 2026 Rod Trowbridge Memorial Fly-In at the Augusta Airport and heard from event organizers and city staff about logistical, safety and regulatory coordination required before the event occurs.
Airport staff said the event performed well in its prior year and organizers asked to return for a second year. Event organizer Randy described planned elements including concerts, Young Eagles flights for children, an anticipated breakfast, and outreach with local partners. "We actually flew 53 children last year," Randy said, noting that the Young Eagles program is sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association and provides flights for children, typically ages 8–14.
City staff and organizers outlined outstanding approvals and coordination steps: - FAA requirements: The organizer must provide reports to the Federal Aviation Administration, and the airport must comply with FAA approvals for flying events and any temporary flight operations. - Common-consumption area and public safety: The event will seek to reuse the city's year-long common-consumption authorization for the date, and staff will work with public safety on a consumption area permit, security and crowd control. - Fireworks: A fireworks display was discussed as a possible finale, but staff and the chief advised that additional approvals, funding and sponsorship would be required; nothing was finalized. - Parking and overnight security: Organizers plan to secure overflow parking with neighboring property owners where available and said they will provide overnight security to monitor aircraft on the ramp.
Randy told council the event organizers planned to move the date slightly to avoid conflicts with graduation ceremonies, and that they would start FAA and common-consumption permitting earlier than in the prior year. Council approved the motion to hold the fly-in in May 2026; staff noted the council's approval was an early step and further approvals remain required from FAA and public safety before final event activities are confirmed.
