Event Schedule

The Bensen Days Event schedule is generally very fluid. As such, this is a general overview of things you may expect based on events of the past and overall expectations. Use this information as a guide, but do not be at all surprised if extra features are added at the last moment or expected events are moved or cancelled without notice. People come from all around the globe to Bensen Days, and travel arrangements can alter expectations even at the best of times.

This schedule will outline expectations for the event from its “official” opening on Wednesday through the official closing Saturday evening. However, many people arrive early or stay beyond the event. This is especially true of people seeking gyroplane instruction. After Wednesday, effective instruction is not really practical due to the traffic on the airfield. As such, some instructors arrive as much as two weeks early to provide dual instruction for those who may not have a gyroplane certified flight instructor in their area or just prefer to learn at Wauchula to bundle instruction into their event plans. It is best to make arrangements with an instructor prior to arriving at the Bensen Days Event for such plans.

Beginning Thursday, there will be a pilot briefing at 9:00 AM for anyone planning to fly at the event.

We encourage you to wander around the campground at night; potlucks and campfires will be going on. This is a favorite as you get to hear the best “How did you get involved in gyros stories” and make new friends.

The general flow of the event is as follows:

Wednesday: Arrival and setup day. The bulk of those camping at the airport will be arriving. The food vendor will be up and running, and it is generally a good day to fly, as the overall airport traffic will be light.

Thursday: Most of the vendors and campers will have settled in. Excellent day to fly, or watch as pilots get used to the airport and area. This is probably the best day to get a ride or “introductory lesson” because the crowd is fairly light.  Weather permitting, The Old Fart’s Flying Club may all fly in for lunch, arriving about 11:00 AM. It is a treat to see all of their beautiful aircraft. If they do, we will have a “Dealer Showcase” for them around noon. 

Friday: This is one of the main days of the event. Though some may still be arriving late in the day for Saturday, most of the gyroplanes will already be on site and available for up-close viewing and pictures when they are not flying. Weather permitting, the airport will be buzzing all day with gyroplanes, helicopters, and even powered parachutes and other non-rotorcraft. There will be plenty of activity in the hangars, in the camping area, and on the field. 

Saturday: This is the busy day. The general public, along with the last of the pilot/aircraft stragglers, brings the event up to capacity. There is a great deal of flying in the morning, but around midday, the bulk of the gyroplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft of interest are put on display in the main aircraft tie-down area for the public’s benefit. At noon – the crowd favorites:

• • STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) Demo
  • Manufacturers’ Showcase: A fly-by of a variety of makes and models of aircraft.
  • SLALOM RACE Specialty flying exhibition
  • EGG DROP Specialty flying exhibition
  • SPOT LANDING Specialty Landing exhibition

6 pm:  Closing Banquet & Awards Presentation Around dusk on Saturday evening, participants with reservations gather at the event tent for the closing banquet and presentation of awards, prizes, and honorable mentions.

Sunday: Those who have not done so already will pack up and head out. Some fly a bit in the morning, while a few hang around, especially if they have made arrangements for instruction or just plan to seek other adventures in the area.