WV Fun Flyers

Introduction: The West Virginia Fun Flyers (WVFF) is a club dedicated to the enjoyment of all forms of aviation. It was started in 1984 as a group to promote the recreational aspect of flying in West Virginia. Organized at Leon Airport, this 3000 foot grass strip has remained the home base of the WVFF. The member base spreads far and wide with members from WV, OH, TN and KY. While “ultra light” flying is enjoyed by many members, general aviation, classic, home built, ballooning and model aviation round out the interests of our others members. WVFF club members span the generation gap with adolescents to oldsters participating in the fun. The club membership is approximately 115 and is continuing to grow. There is no requirement to be a pilot to join. Any one who enjoys aviation is welcome in our ranks.

History: In the beginning WVFF “host” and airport owner, Henry Upton and his wife Savanna moved to Mason county to build a life and airport. Henry built the airfield from riverbank and mud in 1976 for his personal use and it wasn’t long before flyers began to filter in to call the place home. Various flight activities took place including hang gliding and early ultra light flights from 1975 to 1984. By then a regular group of flyers had settled in and the club was formed as a gathering place for fellow flyers in the mountain state. Although Mr. and Mrs. Upton have made their last heavenly flight and are no longer with us, the airport continues in the family through their son, Jim Upton. For more than twenty years the club has continued flying for fun in West Virginia.

Risk: How dangerous is aviation? It, of course, is a multifaceted question but the bottom line is that it is safer to stay on the ground and away from things that fly than to do otherwise. The risks vary with the type of flying machine and conditions but there is always a risk of injury or death with things that fly and the environment around them. Each of us has to assess the amount of risk/danger/harm we are willing to take in our lives. Although aviation is a risk, many of us feel the risk is worth taking.

Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.