Photo courtesy George Weller
Elmer Andrews – Grasshopper 009

Local George Weller’s Annual Fly-In to take off for the 14^th time

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

George Weller, a well-known figure in Stanstead’s aviation and farming communities, is preparing for his 14th Annual Fly-In, which will take place on Sept. 14. This event, which has grown in popularity over the years, brings together aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and members of the local community for a day of flying, food, and conversation at Weller’s private airfield. What started as a small gathering has expanded significantly, now attracting pilots from across Quebec, Ontario, and even further afield.

In a Sept. 9 interview, Weller shared how his love for flying started in the 1960s while he was working at a paper mill in Wisconsin. “I started flying when I was in Wisconsin at a paper mill, working for a big company,” Weller recalled. After moving to Stanstead in 1970, he became more serious about aviation. His journey took a significant turn in 1980. “I found a wrecked airplane at Newport Airport and bought it. My wife and I, along with my oldest son, fixed it up.”

That airplane, a 1946 Aeronca Champ, became a symbol of Weller’s passion for aviation. The process of rebuilding it not only rekindled his love for flying but also inspired his son. “He went on [to become] an aeronautical engineer,” Weller said proudly.

Weller’s airfield, located at his farm near Stanstead, has grown over the years, largely due to his own hard work and resourcefulness. “I brought the plane back to my field because I didn’t want to pay rent at the airport in Newport. Over time, it took me 10 years to build [my] airport,” he said. Since then, Weller has extended his runway and transformed the airfield into a hub for local aviation activities.

In an email sent ahead of the event, Weller shared more details about the Fly-In, which has become a highlight of the year for many local and visiting pilots. “In the past, there were about 20 or 30 planes that would fly in. Recently, there’s been around 60 planes,” Weller noted. Visitors can expect a wide variety of aircraft, including certified planes, home-built airplanes, and even gyrocopters. “We’ve had all sorts of planes here—everything from single-engine planes to experimental aircraft,” Weller shared. He recalled one of the more unique visitors to the airfield: a Russian Antonov with a 1,200-horsepower radial engine. “That plane could carry a ton or more,” Weller noted.

Despite its status as a private airfield, Weller welcomes pilots to land at his farm, although they must agree to take personal responsibility for their safety. “People are welcome to come, ” Weller explained, “They have to agree that they’re responsible for anything that happens.” For those who appreciate Weller’s hospitality, a donation mailbox is located on the hangar door.

This year, Weller is expanding the Fly-In to include more community involvement. In an email, he stated, “In the past, I’ve only invited aviation-interested people and pilots, but this year I’m opening it up to the community.” Families are invited to come and enjoy the planes, as well as a lunch that includes sweet corn, Beefalo burgers, and fresh vegetables from Weller’s U-Pic garden. “There’s no charge to attend, but by choosing to attend, people must also choose to be personally responsible for themselves, their actions, and their children,” Weller emphasized. Lunch is available for $25 per person, and children can have fun playing on hay bales while the planes come and go.

Weller’s airfield, which has hosted pilots from as far as Ontario and the United States, is listed on Google Maps under both Weller Farm and Stanstead/Weller Airport. “There are all kinds of planes that come from different places in Canada,” Weller said. However, cross-border aviation participation remains a challenge due to customs regulations. In another email, Weller explained his ongoing efforts to secure Canadian Border Services Agency customs clearance for U.S. pilots flying in from Vermont and other nearby states. “I’ve repeatedly tried to get one or two hours of customs so that little planes from Vermont could attend, but I keep getting refused,” he wrote.

The lack of customs services has been a point of frustration for Weller. During the interview, he recalled how easy it was to fly across the U.S.-Canada border before the heightened security measures introduced after 9/11. “Before 9/11, I could fly [my] Bluebird across the border to Newport, Vermont, and go to EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) meetings in New England,” he said. Weller fondly remembered flying NORDO (without radio communication), relying solely on his map and compass to navigate long distances, including trips to Florida and Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Oshkosh is known for hosting the world’s largest fly-in, drawing thousands of planes and nearly a million attendees each year. “It’s where Burt Rutan introduced his revolutionary aircraft, and I even saw the Concorde there when it was still flying,” Weller recounted.

Weller’s passion for innovation extends beyond flying. As an inventor and tinkerer, he enjoys experimenting with new ideas and technologies. “I’d like to encourage anybody in the aeronautical field to bring their innovations here,” he said. One of Weller’s current projects is a combination drone-airplane, which he has been developing on his farm. “It’s a little ways along, but it could be quite interesting,” he hinted.

While Weller is optimistic about the future of aviation at his airfield, he continues to advocate for a more seamless cross-border flying experience. Drawing comparisons to Europe’s Schengen Zone, Weller believes Canada and the U.S. could benefit from a similar arrangement. “Why can’t Canada and the U.S. eventually establish something like that? Look at the businesses on both sides of the border that are suffering because people just don’t go,” Weller said.

Weller’s Fly-In isn’t just about planes—it’s about community, innovation, and fostering a shared love for aviation. The event, set to take place at 4945 Stage Road in Stanstead, is open to all who are curious about aviation or just want to enjoy a unique day out. For those who wish to get involved, Weller is still seeking volunteers to help with parking, lunch service, and other event logistics. “Volunteers are asked to arrive at 8 a.m. and will receive a free meal for their efforts,” Weller shared in an email. “Planes can start arriving as early as 9 a.m., so we could use some extra hands,” he added.

Anyone interested in attending or volunteering can reach Weller by email at: gweller@ctq2.org or by phone at 819-876-2528. As Weller prepares for yet another successful Fly-In, his dedication to aviation and community continues to leave a lasting impression on the Eastern Townships.