Rotors ‘n Ribs Landing in July

Rotors ’n Ribs, one of the largest gatherings of helicopters in North America, will take place once again on Jul. 7 and 8 at Goshen Municipal Airport (KGSH) in Goshen, Indiana. The free event is open to attendees who have registered on the Rotors ’n Ribs website, regardless of whether they fly or drive to the airport.

Rotors ’n Ribs includes educational seminars, aircraft flight demonstrations, a nighttime drone performance, food (the “ribs” in the event title!), and the opportunity for attendees to attempt to help set a Guinness World Record.

“We’re hoping to set the record for the largest number of civilian helicopters hovering over a field,” says Randy Sharkey, event organizer, helicopter pilot, and manager of Goshen Municipal Airport.

Rotors ’n Ribs began in 2013 as a helicopter fly-in and has expanded into a much larger helicopter event as a way for rotorcraft professionals to build industry camaraderie, network, gain safety education, and share helicopters with the general public.

The event begins at 3 pm on Friday, Jul. 7, with aircraft arrival, followed by a social hour, food trucks, and welcoming remarks. The general public is invited to join the first day of Rotors ’n Ribs to build awareness of and appreciation for rotorcraft.

Friday’s schedule also includes several entertaining helicopter demonstrations, from a Bambi Bucket drop to a pyrotechnics-­filled Army Aviation Heritage Foundation (AAHF) Sky Soldiers performance. The AAHF will provide limited helicopter rides on either a UH-1 Huey or an AH-1 Cobra. The first day of Rotors ’n Ribs will conclude with a drone light show followed by fireworks.

Saturday, Jul. 8, is open to helicopter professionals and enthusiasts and includes breakfast; a BBQ rib lunch; a safety seminar by Bruce Webb, director of aviation education and community outreach for Airbus; educational sessions sponsored by HAI; and the Guinness World Record hover attempt before helicopters begin to fly out at 2 pm.

Sharkey expects that Rotors ’n Ribs will enjoy close to 50 helicopters in attendance over the two days. Fly-in attendees can camp at their aircraft or reserve a hotel-bloc room in the area.

To register for the event, which ensures free entry, parking availability ($20 per car), and access to educational seminars and free meals for rotorcraft professionals, visit rotorsnribs.com.