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Petit Jean 2023 is .... ON!

B

BillSchlatterer

Well Known Member
Sponsor
Petit Jean 2023 is ....on ! ROOM UPDATE !

ROOM UPDATE ..... Just letting everyone know we are really having great responses and expecting a record turnout. Helium balloons are going to be in short supply :rolleyes:

Camping is wide open, looks like we will have a crowd under tent but we're ready :)

The Rockefeller Center was sold out but we had a couple of cancellations today. As of this moment, we have 4 rooms in the Meadows for Fri / Sat only and we 2 rooms in the Orchard for Thursday thru Saturday night.*

  • Presidents Lodge is full
  • Grove is full
  • Houses are full
  • Studios are full
  • Orchard is full with 2 rooms open Thur - Sat
  • Meadows is full with 4 rooms open Fri / Sat

We are turning over booking duty to the Registration Desk at the Rockefeller Center. Please call here to confirm or cancel your reservations. 501 727-5435.

Can also recommend Mather Lodge as well. 501 727-5431 They do have some openings and we will run shuttles there as well. It's a beautiful place and that is where the Thursday night early arrival dinner will be.

We're cutting grass and setting up Sunday. Thursday early arrival set up should be a breeze and a really fun day on the Mountain. See you there!

Bill & the Petit Jean Indians

Please let us know if you are coming ... Click here for the OnLine Registration https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PetitJean2023


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The 2023 RV Gathering is ON ON ON. :) We will be gathering on the Petit Jean Mountain KMPJ on October 6-8 with an early arrival day on Thursday the 5th. Usual great dinner at Mather Thursday night. Everything else is at the Rockefeller Center or on the ramp. From just hanging with old friends, to walking some amazing nature trials, and even taking a shot at some of those dastardly Petit Jean Trained Balloons with your fighter RVs... it's just going to be an awesome all RV Easy weekend on the Mountain. So yes.. It's all RV and it's happening on the RV Mountain at Petit Jean. Ask around ... a couple hundred of your closest RV buddies and buddettes can't be wrong ;) Rooms are already scarce...

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Check out Paul & Beth Duffs video from 2021 and then book it tonight!

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https://www.youtube.com/embed/ngGA2U6iyZQ

What do I do now Welllll.... how about you can check out all the details at www.PetitJeanFlyIn.com and use the Reserve My Room process on the Registration Page of the website. For some detailed reading on the RESERVE MY ROOM process you can check out the link to this PDF http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view...d=8274391&da=y

Remember, everything we use has to be hauled up to the mountain so planning is really big for food and transportation. Even if you don't need rooms, we still need you to register so we know you're coming. If you don't do anything else, please fill out the online registration form if you're planning on coming.... and then just let us know if you're not!

Click here for the OnLine Registration https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PetitJean2023


We're hard at it... planning, packing, and getting ready just so you can have that special RV Easy weekend on the mountain. All your Petit Jean friends, lot'sa great food, great flying skills great trails, more green slushies , and whatever else entertains you! Hope you can make it to the RV Mountain ... bring a friend, make a friend, leave with a forever friend ....we'll be looking for you...75 miles out

Sponsored by EAA 165, Pres. Jerry Homsley and all the Petit Jean Indians! Please let us know if you're coming Thursday, that's always a scramble but we got you covered!

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__________________
 
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I hate the ones with the smirk .....

Ya know, I often wonder where they all go after they have had a near death experience ..... do you think they are all gathered up someplace plotting revenge ? :rolleyes:
 
Just wanted to throw in a bit of info for those who might like to come to the RV Gathering on the Mountain and camp. We have a great camping area with electric and water near each site, lots of shade, views of the lake and the runway. Restrooms and showers are in the camp area. There are still some rooms available if you would prefer, just follow the link in Bill’s post above. Early October is great in Arkansas and we make it RV-EZ. We will supply all meals, drinks, snacks and even as Bill mentions, some green slushies, but please register so we have a better idea of how many to plan for. Looking for another record number of RVs, so y’all come….. we got plenty of room!! 😎
Jerry
 
Registered Airplanes

So, at about a month out, we have 80+ airplanes confirmed and bringing their best buddy or buddette to the RV Mountain. Thought it might be interesting to show the make up based on the registrations.

Looks like the RV7a is leading the pack ... so far! And where is that RV15? Is it real or just a figment ?? :rolleyes:

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Based on current registrations, we're expecting another big year on the RV Mountain. Get that magic carpet tuned up, and plan on being on Petit Jean Mountain Oct 6-8. BTW, we have over 20 airplanes planning on being on the Mountain Thursday for fun and set up. We always have a great dinner at Mather Lodge Thursday night for the early arrivals and can promise you won't go hungry.

We'll be confirming all the room reservations later this week. We are still waiting on the RCC to release some Thursday night rooms but don't worry, if you show up on the Mountain Thursday, we'll find you a roof! :)

Holler or email if you have any questions. Answers are cheap :D

Bill
 
Fuel is not available on the Mountain, however we have worked a deal with the nearest other airport for discounted fuel at Morrilton Municipal, bout 10 miles away KBDQ.
 
If you are coming to Petit Jean, consider coming on Thursday to assist with set-up. We will have trailers to unload, water hose and electric wire to stretch, clean-up, put up small tents (we leave the big circus tent to the elephants), set up tables & chairs and lots more. We could use your help, then we will all go to beautiful Mather Lodge for dinner. Y’all come on!! Call the AirBoss on 122.9
Jerry (Homie)
 
Homie said:
If you are coming to Petit Jean, consider coming on Thursday to assist with set-up. We will have trailers to unload, water hose and electric wire to stretch, clean-up, put up small tents (we leave the big circus tent to the elephants), set up tables & chairs and lots more. We could use your help, then we will all go to beautiful Mather Lodge for dinner. Y’all come on!! Call the AirBoss on 122.9
Jerry (Homie)
Click to expand...

Jerry
What time will the airboss be up and running on Thursday?
Figs
 
Room Confirmations

We are still waiting on the Center to release some more rooms but it looks like everyone who did the Reserve My Room process is covered for Friday and Saturday and we think Thursday somewhere is no issue.

Just keeping everyone up.

Bill
 
ROOOM UPDATE 9-28-2023

ROOM UPDATE ... Just letting everyone know we are really having great responses and expecting a record turnout. Helium balloons are going to be in short supply :rolleyes:

Camping is wide open, looks like we will have a crowd under tent but we're ready :)

The Rockefeller Center was sold out but we had a couple of cancellations today. As of this moment, we have 4 rooms in the Meadows for Fri / Sat only and we 2 rooms in the Orchard for Thursday thru Saturday night.*

  • Presidents Lodge is full
  • Grove is full
  • Houses are full
  • Studios are full
  • Orchard is full with 2 rooms open Thur - Sat
  • Meadows is full with 4 rooms open Fri / Sat

We are turning over booking duty to the Registration Desk at the Rockefeller Center. Please call here to confirm or cancel your reservations. 501 727-5435.

Can also recommend Mather Lodge as well. 501 727-5431 They do have some openings and we will run shuttles there as well. It's a beautiful place and that is where the Thursday night early arrival dinner will be.

We're cutting grass and setting up Sunday. Thursday early arrival set up should be a breeze and a really fun day on the Mountain. See you there!

Bill & the Petit Jean Indians :)
 
Just a quick update! Weather looks like the best we have had in a couple of years. Trails should be in great shape, even better you should see the menu the EAA Cook Team is laying out.

Rooms have been turned over to the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute for booking. We think but not sure there may be a couple of Fri / Sat rooms left in the Orchard, which is a fun place to be. There are Thursday rooms at Mather Lodge but none are available at the RCC. See previous post.

EVERYTHING IS COVERED :) .... Remember all meals, transport, state fees, ramp fees, food, drinks, are covered in your registration fee depending on your arrival time. All you need to consider bringing is a personal beverage of your choice if you don't like our usual frozen lime slushies, and barley and oats vegetable drinks :)


Just a reminder :rolleyes: HAVE YOU ACTUALLY PERSONALLY CONFIRMED YOUR ROOM(s)? :eek: You should have received at least two emails in the last week reminding you how to do that. If you think you have a room reserved at the WRI / Rockefeller Center and have not personally confirmed with them at the number in the post above .... get on it or that room will be turned back to open reservations.

Thursday lunch .... just come on! :) You're going to love it if you come early. Friday will include breakfast at the campground which is the guaranteed best EAA breakfast in the country ... bar none! :)


BALLOON Busters .... :cool: We have four flights of balloon busters and we have been able to secure helium which is actually on allocation. It's good to know people that know people :rolleyes: This should be really fun on Saturday afternoon

Trail People :D .... come prepared to hike. :D We have the transport to all trails and waterfall walks, Mather Lodge Falls is real easy and pretty. It should be great hiking so plan on it.

TIE DOWNS ... Don't forget to bring tie downs. All balloon busters will be in the grass area near the east fence line so that we can cleanly expedite the flights. If you are planning on flying some while you are on the mountain, let us know so that we don't double park you on the ramp.

THURSDAY EARLY ARRIVALS .... OK y'all ... it seems like the set up day is now another play day for sure. At the moment, we have 40+ airplanes coming in a day early on Thursday and a couple on Wednesday (Yea Sandra & Roy ... dinner at Does :) Campers, lodgers, be sure you are covered for Thursday night accommodations. At the moment, I "think" we have you all covered but if you have any questions.... you know who to email :eek:

We'll be looking for you on the Mountain! See ya there!

Bill & all of the Petit Jean Indians :)
 
Petit Jean 2023 expected to set records

Weather for the Gathering on the Mountain is expected to be beautiful! Lots of worker bees (or should I say Petit Jean Indians) are coming in early on Thursday to set up. Final grass cutting happens tomorrow, that huge tent goes up on Wednesday. Soooo much has been done in preparation and anticipation of your arrival. Help us set new attendance records, we promise to do our best to make you very glad you came. Fall on Petit Jean is is something you just have to experience. Check it out and get registered now at
PetitJeanFlyin.com
 
In Arkansas

Sandy and I are ready! We spent last night in Bentonville. Louise’s Restaurant on the field at KVBT is excellent! Today we go to Table Rock lake by way of a few FlyOz grass strips. The weather is awesome.
 
Just saw the weather forecast for Pettit Jean. It is looking GREAT, cool and clear for the whole weekend. Count me IN.
 
Anyone know why Petit Jean was NOTAMed closed 9/28-10/1? We had booked a camp site off the end of the runway for those same dates. The heat was too much for us so we wound up in Suches, GA. So no harm no foul, but just curious.
 
marv1121 said:
Just saw the weather forecast for Pettit Jean. It is looking GREAT, cool and clear for the whole weekend. Count me IN.
Click to expand...

Marv
Yeah, right, you say that every year :D
Thursday not looking so hot right now but that happens every year:eek:
Figs
 
KiloWhiskey1 said:
Anyone know why Petit Jean was NOTAMed closed 9/28-10/1? We had booked a camp site off the end of the runway for those same dates. The heat was too much for us so we wound up in Suches, GA. So no harm no foul, but just curious.
Click to expand...

Powered parachute convention? It is a GOOD time to join that group for some old school kmpj camping!
 
Petit Jean… The RV Gathering

The RV Gathering on the Mountain…. There just ain’t nuth’in like it!! Come get you a big ole heaping helping of Southern Hospitality. It’s a lot of work, but it’s even more fun! And what makes it fun is the people. Can’t wait for our reunion on the Mountain…. The Petit Jean Indians are calling your name. Call for the Petit Jean AirBoss when 20 miles out on 122.9. Plenty of camping and some rooms are still available. See Bill’s post for details or go to PetitJeanRVFlyin.com

Jerry “Homie” Homsley
 
I'm not believing the weather until I get home! Too much good luck this year, it has to run out doesn't it?
 
What's the Petit Jean Grub Hub looking like ?

Being on the RV Mountain is a lot of fun but it's also a LOT of work getting meals and drinks and all the other stuff to happen but never fear! :eek: The EAA 165 guys are knocking themselves out this year and the food offerings are going to be over the top good. :D

This year we're doing the World Famous ... really ;)....it is World Famous! :D EAA 165 Fly In Breakfast options each day at the campground plus the spectacular dinners. So here is what you can look forward to this week?

Arrive Thursday (early) before lunch and the guys are doing special Jumbo Daawgs with fresh made potato salad, cold drinks, and always fruit on the back side.

Thursday night will be dinner for 60-70 depending on the weather at Mather Lodge. We're expecting 40+ airplanes if the sun shines all day. This is always fun, it's on your own, open tables of 6-10 seating.

Friday Morning is breakfast at the Campground 8:00 - 9:30 so the RV crowd can head toward the Petit Jean Trails. Breakfast on Friday will be the Old Fashioned Marvins Special Blueberry(or not) Pancake Towers with Petit Jean Smoked Sausage, Biscuits and Gravy, Coffee, Milk and maybe some muffins.

Head to the trails and pick up some fruit and granola bars at the Transportation Tent and see some awesome country.

Friday lunch will be hot grilled ham or turkey sandwiches with some imported Wisconsin Cheese (thanks Ron), chips, and some really special Homie's Honey Vegetable Soup and cornbread which she has been working on all week! You can't miss that, get in line early!

Come to the campgound around 2PM and you're find famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies, fresh Lime Slushies ;) and other cool beverages.

Friday dinner is a gathering at 6:00'ish at the Winthrop Rockefeller Center with heavy and I mean heavy Hors d'oeuvres followed at 6:30'ish by some of the best grilled Suthuurrnn (it really does not have an O in it) grilled chicken, fried shrimp and fried catfish that you have ever had! Of course with all the trimmings. We'll be playing some PJ Tail Number Bingo for prizes and getting in some practice for the ramp games on Saturday.

Saturday breakfast at the campground will feature 40-50 pounds of Petit Jean Smoked Bacon,... Scrambled/Fried Eggs, Biscuits & Gravy, Fruit, muffins and other "stuff".

While you're on the trails, the guys will be smashing 75 pounds of WAGU Angus Hamburger donated by our cattleman, Andy "Driller" Kitchens. It's real WAGU folks, these will be 1/3 pound Smash Burgers with home style beans and greens.

2:00 PM Sharp is the Balloon Killer Briefing, don't be late. First flight of adventurous pilots who have volunteered to defend America from those nasty, evil eyed, Balloonamites take off at 3:00 PM Sharp for the first sortie! I sure hope they make it .... it's something to see ... and you get to watch :D

Saturday Dinner is at the campground and will be featuring BBQ done on site by Fullton Aviation out of Springfield, Mo. He is laying out pulled pork, tri-tips, and chicken, with fried green beans, salad, and a cobbler for dessert.

WOW ... all of that followed by Petit Jean Tail Number Bingo and our PJ Raffle Fundraiser including Zule 3 Headsets, a couple of hand held radios, a battery operated coffee maker for those that worry about the end of the world ... and no coffee:p, airplane batteries, a robotic spouse, and lots of other good stuff you can't live without :rolleyes:

OK, that's the short story. Best plan is to come to the RV Mountain at Petit Jean and see for yourself. KMPJ ... be there! :)

Bill & the Petit Jean Indians :)
 
Room available Fri and Saturdays at Rockefeller

Due to weather between us and Petit Jean, we have cancelled our reservation for Petit Jean. They do not have a waiting list, so if you need a room at the Rockefeller fri and sat, call the Rockefeller Registration Desk at 501-727-5435 and tell them you’re with the Petit Jean RV Fly In group and the group number is 112102.
 
Petit Jean UPDATE!

So here is the last minute update before we pack our bags and head out in the morning. Biggest registration ever ... pushing 200 folks! :) The facility is in great shape, grass is low, holes filled but taxi slow in the grass, and we have 4 large trailers of “stuff” going up in the morning to meet the Early Bird Thursday Arrivals. The weekend weather is really looking excellent. Cooler which is great for hiking and sleeping and dry all weekend. Looking a little wet in the morning if you were planning on the Thursday early arrival but afternoon is looking pretty good to slip in. Still have occasional rooms opening up and filling so call the RCC at 501-727-5435 and take a chance on a really fun weekend.

Talking about the WX at Petit Jean …. The closest good WX reporting on the West side is Russellville KRUE 22 miles away. Russellville is 409' MSL on the North West side but in the river valley. Morrilton KBDQ is 321' MSL on the Noth East side also in the river valley but just about 10 miles away. Conway KCXW with good weather reporting is on the South East Side about 20 miles away but Morrilton is preferred for pickup if possible.

Petit Jean is up on a small mountain with a flat top at 923' MSL. About 1400-1500' MSL is what takes to be able to see the airport from the river valley if you are approaching from the river side (North side). If you get to either Russellville or Morrilton and can’t climb high enough to see the airport in the flat on the top of the Mountain, we can always pick you up by van at either airport. No need to push it if you are uncomfortable. We frequently go pick up and then fly back to get the airplane the next morning.

Current forecast 8:00 PM Wednesday for Thursday is showing 1500' feet at 1:00 PM and rising all afternoon to 4300' just before dark and PERFECT WEATHER (Friday-Monday) FOR THE REST OF THE WEEKEND! ��

Call me if you want a real time ON SITE weather report. we'll be there about 9:00 AM starting to set up! You should have my cell from emails.

Other things to know:

THERE ARE NO WORKING LANDING LIGHTS AT PETIT JEAN …. DO NOT COME IN AFTER DARK. If you get there and it’s too dark, just divert down to Morrilton which is only 10 miles away in the river valley and we’ll come pick you up. BE SAFE! There is no fuel at Petit Jean but Morrilton is just 10 miles away and is offering a discount this weekend.

NO SPINNING ….. EVER! Please do not pull up and try to spin your aircraft under power for parking. We have folks that are in golf carts to direct you and they will help you spin by hand and park your airplane! Just pull up straight ahead in front of your spot … and stop … kill the engine … secure the cockpit… and we’ll help you park and haul gear!

LUNCH …. We will have lunch going tomorrow for early arrivals but don’t push it!

DINNER at Mather Lodge …. Thursday Dinner is at Mather and there is no rush! We will pick up everyone at the airport no matter what time you get in.

BRING TIE DOWNS … Stakes & Ropes …. Most of the airplanes will be tied down in short grass. There is only limited room on the ramp. Also, we are trying to park all of the Balloon Slayers and anyone else who is planning fly outs for Formation or just sightseeing on the East Fence Line so that you can move and run up without abusing another airplane �� Please give us the Exploding Fist sign if you are planning on flying while you are at Petit Jean. If not, we will park you on the ramp close to campsites, based on arrival time. We can move planes later, it’s just easier on the parking crew to do it once on arrival.

BALLOON SLAYERS …. When you arrive at Petit Jean, give us the Exploding Fist sign …. Make a fist and then pop your fingers open…. Repeat a couple of times. That will tell us you are thinking about the Balloon Event, and we will park you so that we can expedite the movement of flights into and out of the pattern. If everything is perfect, it takes 35 minutes per flight start to stop.

CAMPERS ….. Some of you are coming early. Please position your tents around the campsites with the intention that 5- 6 tents will share each main site! Don’t be a site hog ☹�� ! Help yourself to anything that looks like firewood but please keep the fires in the firepits and keep them moderately sized. The electrical should be on, and water should be available at each main site.

We will be running shuttles from the airport to the RCC from mid-day Thursday to Sunday every 30 minutes.

That’s about it! We’re signing off and packing our bags. We will be on the Mountain about 9:00 AM starting to set up and looking for those early arrivals. It’s going to be one of the best years ever and the house is looking full!

Try to keep up on our Facebook Group if you can. PetitJeanRVFlyInGroup https://www.facebook.com/groups/PetitJeanRVFLyInGroup Look there for weather updates and other info. Talk to your friends! Please post pictures ��

For More INFO: www.PetitJeanFlyIn.com

See’ya on the Mountain!

Bill & all the Petit Jean Indians ��
Sponsored by EAA 165, Jerry Homsley, President
 
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PIREP..

An excellent weekend all around.

Easily the best weather of any PJ in memory...70's in the day, severe clear, calm with gusts to 5, and even then generally straight down the runway.

Balloon busting skills have jumped a few notches, to put it mildly. I'll leave that report to Bill. For now, just know the battle went into overtime.

The new BBQ vendor was great, better that the other guy by my vote.

The RRC was, as usual, very nice. They did make us sign a pledge to not bring in outside alcohol...which was amusing given a lots of bags made clinking noises in the lobby. Apparently one of those dry county private club things...

Petit Jean seems to go through cycles as it regards wildlife (and I am not referring to Figs here). Those of us who drive the vans probably see it the most. For example, a few years ago the place was infested with armadillos, and dead armadillos in the roads draw big ornery Arkansas buzzards, which scare the **** out of low flying RV drivers. This year it was deer on the runway, and everywhere else. AirBoss was required to issue regular warnings, and I heard at least one report of a herd dashing through the middle of a formation takeoff, between elements. As a service, I made a DAE* pass Sunday morning. AirBoss reported no more sightings during the next hour.

{*Deer Attenuation Experiment, a program to determine the effectiveness of very loud repeated noises, at a rate roughly similar to a 50 caliber machine gun.)

For those going SE, the excellent conditions prevailed for the whole ride home. The trusty -8 was knocking out 22 MPG at almost 250 mph, thanks to a 38~40 knot tailwind. Conservation at its best, saving the planet. Nobel's for everyone!

I heard 85 airplanes. Could have been more. Mostly RVs of course, but we had visitors as diverse as a nice local Grumman and a Sonex jet. Very good formation displays too. Nothin' better than a cold beer and a lawn chair, watching diamonds with smoke and balloons being abused. Life is good.

Hey Jesse....Mooooooo...
 
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Plane in Paint shop

We drove up from DFW for our first Petit Jean fly in. And the weekend didn’t disappoint. My wife enjoyed the nearby hiking trails which are beautiful. Met a lot of fellow RVers too, so many great people there. Thanks to Bill and the crew that put this event on. Hope to fly up next year.
 

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Apologies to the guys with the tip-up on saturday...

Offering my apology to the guys in the tip-up RV parked on the east side of the runway in the grass about mid-field on Saturday: i was in a hurry to get out right after Echo Flight departed to pop balloons and apparently blew a lot of wind and maybe cut grass your way. i thought i missed you when i spun my plane around, but guess not: sorry!
 
Great event as usual, kudos to the entire team and I second Dan's comment on the BBQ.
The balloon bust was great and I actually got very close to a couple of them and thought I had actual video of a balloon passing through the prop and hitting my windshield without busting but the GoPro camera chose that very moment to stop recording :D

Met some nice new folks and had a great time all around, even got to use my new rating on the Thursday arrival.
Good times.
Figs
 
Another successful family reunion in the books. I brought a friend that had not yet been properly introduced to the RV community. He had an RV grin all weekend.

Fulltron Aviation out of Springfield, MO provided some great BBQ. Make it a third thumbs up. Overnighted with them on the way to Oshkosh this year, too. We got great service and a peek at the paint shop.

We sure appreciate the Petit Jean Indians and the hard work you all put in to make this a must-go event every year.

Just one squawk…Skylar had a few too many green slushies and had to sleep it off.
 

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