Draft:Triple Tree Aerodrome

Comment: More sources that aren't from the company themselves are to be desired. A lot of the article is also totally unsourced in general. Beachweak (talk) 10:41, 10 January 2025 (UTC)

NOT READY FOR REVIEW!!

Triple Tree Aerodrome (TTA), located in Woodruff, South Carolina, is a 400-acre 501c3 non-profit aviation facility ^[1]. Established by aviation enthusiast and businessman Pat Hartness in 1997, Triple Tree is home to a 7,000-foot grass runway, camping facilities, hangars, educational classrooms, and various aviation-related resources.

History

Founding and Development

Pat Hartness, a lifelong aviation enthusiast with roots in the Civil Air Patrol, began hosting radio-controlled (RC) and general aviation events at his family's property in Greenville, SC in 1983. This first event, called the Big Bird Fly-In, grew in popularity over time. As a result, Hartness began to search for a larger venue in the Southeast to accommodate the increasing number of attendees. He found a 400-acre property in Woodruff, South Carolina, purchasing it in 1997 and beginning to develop what would become Triple Tree Aerodrome.

Over the years, the site was transformed to include a grass runway, camping facilities, a main hangar, and educational classrooms. In 2012, Hartness and his wife, Mary Lou, donated the land to the non-profit organization he had established, Triple Tree Aerodrome, as a gift to aviation. Hartness' vision was to create a place where people of all ages could learn about aviation and experience the joy of flight.

Joe Nall Fly-In

One of the key events at Triple Tree is the Joe Nall Fly-In, a week-long gathering for RC enthusiasts held annually in May. This event, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2022, draws approximately 20,000 to 25,000 people from across the US and internationally.

The fly-in is named in honor of Joseph T. Nall, a close friend of Pat Hartness who shared his passion for aviation. Nall was an instrument-rated pilot, Certified Ground School Instructor, and a member of the National Transportation Safety Board. He also served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Giant Scale Fly-In, the precursor to the Joe Nall Fly-In, held at Hartness Field from 1982 until his death in 1989. Following Nall's death in an aircraft accident, Hartness renamed the event in his memory as a tribute to his friend's dedication to aviation.

Events

Triple Tree Aerodrome (SC00) hosts several events each year, including radio-controlled aircraft events and general aviation events. The events serve as fundraisers for Triple Tree and its programs. More than 80,000 people attended events at Triple Tree in 2023.^[2]

Radio-Controlled Aircraft Events:

Joe Nall Week: This week-long event is the largest event held at Triple Tree Aerodrome. It is named in honor of Joseph T. Nall, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board, and celebrates radio-controlled aircraft. It draws approximately 20,000 to 25,000 radio-controlled aircraft enthusiasts from all fifty states and several foreign countries. Joe Nall Week was held May 10-17 in 2024 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Frosty Dog: This is the first radio-controlled aircraft event of the year at Triple Tree Aerodrome

Nall in the Fall: This is the last radio-controlled aircraft event of the year at Triple Tree Aerodrome.

General Aviation Events:

Triple Tree Fly-In: This week-long event is the second largest event held at Triple Tree Aerodrome. It draws hundreds of aircraft and thousands of pilots. It is so popular that Triple Tree is one of the busiest airports in South Carolina during the Fly-In. The Triple Tree Fly-In was held September 23-29 in 2024.

Chilly Chili Fly-In: This is the first general aviation event of the year at Triple Tree Aerodrome.

Camp N Fly: In addition to the radio-controlled and general aviation events listed above, Triple Tree Aerodrome also hosts "Camp N Fly" events in the summer. During a designated week, visitors can fly radio-controlled aircraft or fly in their general aviation airplane. They can also camp on the property, which includes 400 acres and amenities like a lake for water landings.

Other Events: Triple Tree Aerodrome also hosts events for other groups. For example, in February 2023, the aerodrome hosted the state championship for AviCom, a statewide aviation program for high school teens involving simulated flying.

Aviation Centered Education (ACE)

Triple Tree Aerodrome provides a range of aviation education programs for people of all ages. These programs are part of its Aviation Centered Education (ACE) program, which includes:

Reader Program: This program, for students in grades K-5, introduces young students to aviation principles and history through a curated reading list.

Radio Control Program: This program provides virtual classroom instruction and in-person flying lessons for first-time radio-controlled aircraft pilots.

Summer Camps: Triple Tree offers both Radio Control and General Aviation summer camps for middle and high school students.

Inreach Program: Schools can use Triple Tree's facilities for field trips that supplement their existing lesson plans.

Outreach Program: Triple Tree volunteers can visit classrooms to supplement existing lesson plans or to give aviation seminars.

Experienced Program: This program, held in partnership with AOPA, is for pilots who want to start flying again after a break.

Teacher Program: Triple Tree hosts teacher professional development workshops where teachers are given STEM lessons to use in their classrooms.

Scholarships: Triple Tree offers several scholarship opportunities, including scholarships for individuals who have yet to complete a solo flight in a powered aircraft.

The ACE program is supported by donations and revenue from the aerodrome's events.

Volunteers

Triple Tree Aerodrome relies heavily on volunteers. In 2023, a group of volunteers, including Triple Tree founder Pat Hartness and his 100-year-old uncle, John Hartness, contributed more than 500 hours of their time to Triple Tree. Volunteers play a critical role in maintaining the facility and supporting events, demonstrating the "volunteer love and support" that makes Triple Tree special