Spooky Season Is in the Air

Even the aircraft were outfitted in their Halloween best for the “Hallowings” trunk-or-treat event. [Credit: Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority]

The Downtown Island Airport (KDKX) transformed into a Halloween haven on October 22, as it hosted its first "Hallowings" trunk-or-treat aircraft event. More than 1,200 enthusiastic visitors flocked to the Knoxville, Tennessee, airport to witness the impressive display and take part in the fun as 15 private aircraft owners decorated their airplanes for the event.

Rob Voyles, the director of general aviation at KDKX, expressed satisfaction with how the event turned out

"This event was a huge success for us,” Voyles said. “We believe Knoxville is a general aviation destination, and support from the local community is a big part of what makes DKX great."

Flight schools based at KDKX, including Fast Track Flight Training, Knoxville Flight Training Academy, and The CAVU Pilot, along with the Knox County Sheriff's Aviation Unit, actively participated in the Hallowings celebration. Pilots distributed treats to costumed kids and parents.

A wide array of aircraft graced the occasion, including the sleek Cirrus SR-22, the experimental Van’s RV-10, the rugged Super Cub, and an agile American Champion 7GBC Citabria. The Knox County Sheriff's OH-58 helicopter also drew attention.

"It was a lot of fun getting to meet people that might not have known they had an interest in flying,” said Eric Dragonetti, the founder of The CAVU Pilot flight school. “Getting to talk to people and further their interest in aviation is an awesome part of an event like this."

The resounding success of Hallowings has paved the way for KDKX to make it an annual community event. The heartwarming response from the Knoxville community has reinforced the belief that aviation holds a special place in its heart.

Editor's Note: This article first appeared on Plane & Pilot.

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Amy WilderEditor

Amy Wilder is managing editor for Plane & Pilot magazine. She fell in love with airplanes at age 8 when her brother-in-law took her up in a Cessna 172. Pretty soon, Amy's bedroom walls were covered with images of vintage airplanes and she was convinced she'd be a bush pilot in Alaska one day. She became a journalist instead, which is also somewhat impractical—but with fewer bears. Now she's working on her private pilot certificate and ready to be a lifelong student of the art of flying.