Since the early days of aviation, aeronautical activity has been of high interest to a large segment of the population. Indicative of this is the gathering of large crowds to any unusual event, whether an air show, the spectacle of an unfortunate crash, or the sight of an unusual aircraft. Even in the current time, since the transportation and utilization of aircraft has become so commonplace, the occasional stopover of the Goodyear or Bud Lite Blimp at the airport draws a large crowd. With the visit of the Collings Foundation’s beautifully restored and flyable B-17 and B-24 World War II bombers to the local airport, a huge contingent of visitors could be viewed in attendance, even though this visit occurred five times in the last decade.
There are abundant stories of youngsters through this land who would bicycle or hike to the local airfield, simply to observe the flying machines in action. Many of these kids and young men would, after contact with a friendly pilot, perform menial tasks in return for their first airplane ride. This served as the beginning point for many a current day aviator – washing a dirty old aircraft, pumping gas, or performing a variety of tasks simply to be rewarded with that first ride in a flying machine, or even to obtain a first instructional flight leading to a private pilot license. A multitude of these eager youngsters, boys and girls, have gone on to advanced commercial piloting endeavors.
The art of flying, even though less than one hundred years old, has been and continues to be a source of attraction to so many. There is a term that applies to those who continue to be fascinated by activity at air fields, those that are young and old, but still find these sites so enticing and alluring. That term, Airport Buffs (some may use the term Airport Bums), is used not as a name of ridicule, but rather as a term of endearment for those who continue to make their presence a part of small and large airport activity.
Most of these individuals are older and routinely visit aerodromes to exchange pleasantries with others of the same ilk, to tell bygone tales of aviation, to have a cup of coffee, to relive past piloting experiences, to participate in ‘hangar flying’, or to simply come to watch airplanes arrive and depart. They also serve as the most dedicated of those frequenting and supporting the local airfield food eatery. Some may come to participate in a friendly game of Chess, their minds perhaps enhanced by the overhead sound of an aircraft engine that helps determine their next strategic move. There are a few among this group who, it should be acknowledged, would not want to get airborne and defy gravity even if offered the opportunity – they just like to look at flying machines.
In England in the 1960’s one could observe, at any given British commercial airfield or military air base, individuals who would hang around the field perimeter observing the various types of aircraft that were on station. In their hands would be a camera or a set of binoculars or in many cases both, and their fixation was on the flying, taxiing, and parked aircraft. This, one supposes, was somewhat of a carryover from the days of World War II, when Britain had official Aircraft Observers, as part of the Civilian Civil Defense operations. Their function was to observe any aircraft movement and to better alert the proper authorities of any noted incoming enemy aircraft.
These British observers of aviation could be compared in rough similarity to Bird Watcher Clubs in America – dedicated to the task in fair and foul weather, to observe and record. They both use cameras and binoculars in their efforts and seem oblivious to any surroundings. In wartime Britain, undertaking such an activity might well have led the individual, peering through the chain link fence and snapping photos through the small square section, to be suspected of having been on a spying mission for the dreaded Nazi regime.
These individuals, common and dissolute, can still be observed at air fields in the United States and other countries doing what they enjoy at their leisure. They are not members of any group or formal organization. Even if offered the opportunity to join such an organization, most would readily decline, preferring to simply continue doing what they wish to do, unencumbered by any schedule.
In any case, Airport Buffs are a fixture that, it can be said, enhances the surroundings of any given airport. The Greater Cumberland Regional Airport, previously known as the Cumberland Municipal Airport, as well as the Mexico Farms Airfield, have had and continue to have those who are endearingly known as Airport Buffs. If you are considered one of them, do not be ashamed. Rather, be proud of whom you are and what you do – your interest in aviation is fondly noted and appreciated by all.
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Wings Over Cumberland 