Patchy thunderstorms didn’t hinder the attendees of the annual Learn to Fly Day in Pence Springs on Saturday, May 25. Interested locals and flight enthusiasts gathered at the Hinton-Alderson Airport for a picnic lunch and to discuss local aviation.

Flight instructor David Hersman celebrated the 35th anniversary of his flight career that same day, and told stories from his years of flying to the visitors. The airport building and hangar still credit James H. Tolley as the operator, despite his passing in 1961. Tolley founded the airport in 1931, and it is currently managed by his son Michael Gwinn.

Learn to Fly Day is sponsored by Hersman’s business, Eagles’ Wings Flight Training. Anyone wanting to learn more about flight instruction, or local aviation in general, can visit eagleswings.net, or contact Hersman at david@eagleswings.net.