Roy E Ray airport is one of the few airports in Alabama with a subdivision located on the field. The airport, established in 1962, now consists of about 20 homes, with hangars and taxiway access to the 2640 ft grass runway. Based on the field is a collection of WW II aircraft, one T-6 and four Stearman, including one of the original Tuskegee Airman trainers. Other based aircraft include several Homebuilt, Ultralight, Light Sport, and an assortment of factory built planes like the J-3, PA-18, Stinson, Ercoupe, C-170, C-172, C-180, and C-182. The airport is located in south Mobile County, just north of Bayou La Batre of Forrest Gump fame.
Roy E Ray Airport- 5R7
Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 416 was established in the early 1980s and has been hosting a fly in the first full weekend in May ever since. EAA members, traditionally offer Young Eagle rides to kids, ages 8-17 each year. These rides are typically in a Stearman, Jabiru, C-172, or C-182. Usually about 50 aircraft participate in the fly-in. Camping is allowed and there are a few RV power and water hook-ups available. This years event is May 4-6, 2012.
10 year old Karen strapping into Lance Pohlman's Stearman by Ben Summerall, preparing her for a
Young Eagles flight. Image Paul Moses
Original Tuskegee Airman Stearman Trainer owned by Billy Ross. Image Paul Moses
Hooter's girls serve chicken wings at a Welcome Party in Hangar R on Friday evening, arrival day. These young ladies, excited to be at the fly-in, always get a Stearman ride. During Saturday, the chapter sells sandwiches, soft drinks, and homemade ice cream made in an antique freezer powered by an old John Deere "hit and miss" engine. Of course, like all fly-ins, there is a lot of looking at the different airplanes arriving and departing and a lot of "Hangar Flying".
Ice Cream Machine - Powered by antique John Deere "Hit and Miss" engine. Image- Paul Moses
On Saturday night, in the larger hangar, is a BBQ and Shrimp or Crawfish dinner with live band entertainment and dancing.Sunday everyone leaves to fly home, usually commenting they will be back next year.
Powered glider departing Roy E Ray. Image- Paul Moses
Saturday and Sunday of the fly-in, St. Margaret Catholic Church in Bayou La Batre conducts their Blessing of the Fleet. The parade of boats on the bayou starts at 2 PM on Sunday. People coming to the fly-in can attend the fleet blessing after the fly-in starts winding down. - Special to Alabama Aviator, FMI: See Events