Gary Vacin

Sun Lakes Aero Club members will have an opportunity to see A-10 or F-16 attack jets in action by attending a field trip to the Barry M. Goldwater Gunnery Range Feb. 20.

The event is sponsored by the Sun Lakes Aero Club (SLAC), which is sponsoring its fourth trip to the gunnery range in recent years. “This has been one of the most popular field trips the club has sponsored,” said Joe Igelmund, club activities director who arranged for the trip. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to make another trip to the range, “The event has gone over so well with club members that many have returned for a second and even a third time.” This event is limited to SLAC members, but non-members may join the club by attending the group’s monthly gathering Monday, Feb. 17, at the Sun Lakes Country Club.

“This is a rare opportunity to see some of our top fighter aircraft in training exercises, bombing and strafing ground targets at close range,” Ingelmund said. The facility is a military-restricted area and can be accessed only by permission from Luke AFB. The event is limited to 20 persons, and advance registration is required. Located south of Gila Bend, the facility serves the Air Force and Marine Corps as an armament and high-hazard testing area; a training area for aerial gunnery, rocketry, electronic warfare, and tactical maneuvering and air support; and a place to develop equipment and tactics.

Now in its 25th year, SLAC sponsors programs the third Monday of each month, November through April, at the Sun Lakes Country Club. Programs begin with coffee and camaraderie at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. The club’s next gathering will feature David Vangsnes who will discuss his years flying B-52 bombers. More information on the club is available from Cannon Hill at 509-539-7857 or Gary Vacin at 480-298-7017.