04/28/2026
We finally have our final review of the 68th Cactus Fly-In from March 7, 2026 and everything came together very well.
Overview
KCGZ was, on the weekend of March 6-9, 2026, blessed with spectacular weather giving arriving pilots and local aviation enthusiasts something to brag about. Airport manager Bryan Gieszler with his staff of Marco Esquivel, James Carter, and Mel Perez had the airport prepared for aircraft and auto arrivals by early morning March 6th. The Classic Airplane Association of Arizona (CAAA) along with all patrons of the Cactus Fly-In are grateful for collaboration with the City of Casa Grande for maintaining this almost historic event.
As can be seen by photos and video links included in this missive, over 100 aircraft and 40 classic autos arrived. Approximately 1500 local citizens also participated through admissions donations. Best of all, many youth were seen consulting with pilots, and with volunteers from the Phoenix 99’s, Christian Motorcycle Association, Zonta (women’s civic association), EAA Chapter 1445, and volunteers from the Casa Grande Police Department.
Three food concessions were very active supplying their fare to attendees including “Skyhigh Coffee”, Pinal Mason’s Lodge #32, and “Fry’s Kettlecorn”.
Near the flight line space was provided for RV’s and tent camping.
Many local vendors also presented their wares; among them were The Arizona Pilot’s Association, Banner Health, Girl Scouts, the VFW, Pinal County Sheriff’s, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Casa Grande Family Dentistry, Casa Grande RC Flyers, the Casa Grande Art Association, Adrenalin Off-road, and M2 Aviation Solutions.
The CAAA benefits greatly from support of local businesses. Generous donations were received from World Fuels, Aircraft Spruce, Gosshawk Aviation, Al and Riley’s HVAC, Adrenalin Motorsports, and Mi Amigo Ricardo Restaurants.
Choreography
Friday afternoon March 6th found about a dozen early arrivals to KCGZ. Among the early arrivals were Keith Kossuth and his Travel Air from Chino CA and Ted Miller in his world-travelled Debonair from Santa Rosa California. Evening snacks and beverages were available for all arriving aircraft. Keith set up his concession for providing open-cockpit flights for patrons starting on Saturday morning—he was a busy guy. Most travelers from distant locations found ample, comfortable lodging at the Casa Grande downtown Radisson Inn.
By 0700 on Saturday March 7th the airport was a beehive of activity with inbound display aircraft, classic display autos, local citizens, food concessionaires, and local business displays. Volunteers were hard at work parking drive-in patrons, fly-in aircraft, Classic autos, and helping vendors set up their displays. Volunteers enjoyed a very complete taco bar presented by airport manager Bryan Gieszler staged in his office!
Formation fly-overs commenced at 9:00 am featuring Classic warbirds such as a PT-22, several PT-17’s, AT-6/SNJ-6 and other fine aircraft. In honor of the recent passing of Gene Irvin, an original Cactus Fly-In founder, a very “moving” missing-man formation-flight was staged by Danny Don (PT-22), Joe Sotille (L-19), Kurt Gearhart and Larry Dustman (PT-17’s), and Lee Maxson (N3N); see the included YouTube video link.
Rutledge Airborne aircraft were also on display and conducting fly-by’s providing an exciting complement to the exceptional aviation diversity at the fly-in.
While some local aircraft departed in the late afternoon, many pilots were able to remain for a banquet dinner and presentation on Saturday evening. The Big House Café provided an excellent Italian buffet dinner which was very reasonably priced including an assortment of beverages. About 45 people attended the evening banquet which was highlighted by keynote speaker Budd Davisson. Mr. Davisson is World renowned for his experience training all types of pilots but with special concentration on aerobatics. Among those in attendance at the banquet included Brent Taylor, president of the Antique Aircraft Association and Jodie Newell from the Pinal Central Dispatch Newspaper. There was a “lively” question and answer period following Budd Davisson’s “Talk”.
At the close of the evening awards were announced (but not presented) for “youngest pilot” Gabrielle Thommen, Farthest Traveled Jim Rezich, People’s Choice aircraft John Todhunter (PA-12), and Pilot’s choice Rusty Gavagan (Stinson 10A). Rusty’s beautiful Stinson 10A was just finished prior to the fly-in after an 8 ½ year restoration from a basketcase.
Finally, it should be noted that a very robust collection of vintage and classic cars were also on display. Among the owners of these autos special thanks needs to be extended to the Tucson Model A club and their lead man Andrew Neal. It was a great feat for the 20+ Model A’s and T’s to make the 80-mile trip to Casa Grande for the Cactus Fly-In!
Future Look
Plans are already underway for two events to be staged by the CAAA. In the Fall of 2026 CAAA is looking forward to hosting a repeat of the Fall 2025 aerial co****le contest in which 12 planes participated. Cactus #69 is planned for March 5-6, 2027. While the Fly-In format will likely be a repeat of this year’s (2026) event the CAAA does anticipate some reconfiguration at KCGZ as the City of Casa Grande is planning expansion of private hangars in the area previously used for drive in autos. There is, however, ample space on the airport campus for drive-in autos and R.V.’s and there will be efforts to provide shuttle service from the new airport auto parking areas to the nearby aircraft ramp. Look, also, for more flying demonstrations in the future. Many antique aircraft owners have projects underway and are eager to reveal their machines at forthcoming fly-in’s!
