Uhler Elected President of Sentimental Journey
Michael Jones | Published on 3/25/2025
New Management Brings Fresh Energy and Ideas
to Lock Haven’s Biggest Fly-in
Preparations are underway for the 2025 iteration of the annual Sentimental Journey Fly-in at the Lock Haven Airport. With only 90 days before the show opens, a large team of volunteers is scrambling to arrange pancake breakfasts, airplane judging, camping facilities, evening entertainment, and all the other details.
The Lock Haven event, now in its 39th year, is American’s most family-friendly fly-in. There are dozens of events for kids of all ages. There will be free airplane rides available on Friday and Saturday for kids ages 8-18, weather permitting. Several dozen pilots will demonstrate their skills with spot-landing contests. There will be educational forums, food vendors, live music every night, and even a spacious “kids zone” with bounce houses and slides.
One important change at the fly-in is a new leadership team. At the December meeting of the Directors, retired Piper test pilot Cal Arter stepped down after serving for three decades. Alan Uhler, Jr. was elected president. Uhler owns a local engineering company and keeps a 1947 Stinson airplane at the Lock Haven airport.
“After 39 years, I think it’s fair to say that the Sentimental Journey Fly-In is an important part of the heritage of Clinton County and aviation in general,” he said. “My goal is to build on the fly-in’s many successes and to grow the event for the future.”
Many members of the newly-elected Board are local residents and all of them share a passion for antique airplanes, including a retired Lock Haven postmaster, an American Airlines captain, and a Master Sergeant in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.
“Airplanes have been part of Lock Haven’s story for seven decades, and keeping that history alive is part of our ambition,” Uhler said. “But even more, we want to showcase aviation to youngsters. We want them to see it’s fun, its affordable, it’s safe, and it’s a pathway to great jobs which they could enjoy for their entire life.”
The fly-in will open on June 17th and run through the 21st. Because of the size of the expected crowds, volunteers are needed to sell tickets, marshal airplanes, and ferry visitors around the airport and even into town and local hotels. Individuals and groups interested in volunteering should call the Fly-In office at (570) 893-4200 or visit the Sentimental Journey office at the airport, 353 Proctor Street, Lock Haven.
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