(Boone, IA) -- Hundreds of visitors from both the ground and sky attended the annual Boone fly-in breakfast on Saturday morning. Dozens of aircraft lined the ramp, including several antique models. A few classic automobiles were also on display. The pancake breakfast was held in the hanger.
Boone Municipal Airport Commission Chairman Joe Pundzak says it's part of a general growth the airport has seen in recent years.
"We've had more students, more graduates, [and] more private pilots in the past five years, than we've had in the past twenty."
He attributes the growth to airport administrator and instructor Dale Farnham. He also says the Boone Municipal Airport tries to stay updated, but still accessible, to many pilots.
"There are approximately 114 airports in the state," Pundzak said, "we're trying very much to stay ahead of the curve from the standpoint of technology, at the same time, embrace the culture of what aviation used to be, the golden years."
The Iowa Department of Transportation estimates that 88 percent of all flights in Iowa are general aviation in nature, including the many types of flying besides military and commercial passenger operations.
Those interested in flying can find more from the Iowa DOT or about the Boone Airport by visiting in person or at the Farnham Aviation website.