Photo and text by Tom Pawlesh
From June 26–29, 2025, the National Waco Club hosted its 66th Annual Reunion at Wynkoop Airport in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Established in 1958, the club began when a small group of Waco aircraft owners recognized the need for a community where enthusiasts could come together to share knowledge, support restoration efforts, and celebrate the legacy of the Waco Aircraft Company. The first official fly-in took place in 1959 at South Dayton Airport, and after moving locations several times, the event found a permanent home at Wynkoop Airport in 1989—where it continues to thrive.
The Reunion kicks off each year with a complimentary early bird cookout on Thursday evening. Attendees enjoy a spread of hamburgers, hot dogs, garden-fresh salads, fruit, corn on the cob, and more. Throughout Friday and Saturday, a variety of owner-operator forums take place, covering topics like restoration techniques, aircraft coverings and materials, engine overhauls, and vintage aircraft maintenance. Each morning, members participate in breakfast fly-outs, and a special group fly-out to Waco Field in Troy, Ohio offers the chance to visit the Waco Museum.
Evening festivities include a Friday night BBQ and a formal banquet on Saturday, which is followed by a fundraiser auction supporting the club’s continued activities and preservation efforts. Wynkoop Airport, a picturesque grass airfield operated by the Wynkoop family since the late 1940s, serves as the perfect setting for this nostalgic gathering. Although weather conditions prevented many members from flying in this year, about a dozen Wacos of various models were still able to attend.
This was my first time at the Reunion. Despite not owning an aircraft myself, I was warmly welcomed into the group. Wanting to give back, I offered a complimentary night engine-run photo shoot to Waco owners on Thursday and Friday at sunset. With help from volunteers marshalling aircraft into position and returning them safely to their tie-downs after dark, we captured some unforgettable moments. The four Wacos that participated looked absolutely stunning—lined up on the grass, engines running, and lit dramatically by six strategically placed LED lights.
The National Waco Club holds the distinction of being the oldest aircraft “type club” in the United States. Membership is open to anyone with a passion for Waco airplanes—whether you’re a current or former owner, a restorer, a past employee, or simply an admirer of these beautifully crafted aircraft. I’m proud to say that I’m now counted among their members. For more information about the National Waco Club, visit www.nationalwacoclub.com
