Mr McCormack flew his hand built replica plane to the George Town Airport on Sunday for the fifth annual Wings and Things family fun day.

Mr McCormack said he “always loved flying”, and it was this that inspired him to get to work building his own plane.

“It’s a replica of a 1929 Pietenpol,” he said. “I built it in the shed at home.”

Mr McCormack said it took him about ten years to build, and “got it running” in 2004.

“I worked on it after putting the kids to bed,” he said.

He chose this particular model because he loves “old things”.

“I built it off the original plans,” he said.

“I knew I wanted to build a two-seater, so that I could take people up in the air with me.

“They’re a pretty popular plane in America, because they’re relatively cheap to build and operate.”

Mr McCormack said the Pietenpol planes were called Air Campers, as people could fly the planes and find somewhere to camp.

During the warmer months, Mr McCormack tries to get up in the air “every week or two”.

“It’s a really nice plane to fly, as long as you’re not trying to get anywhere in a hurry.”

Wings and Things was organised by the Rotary Club of George Town.

Club community officer Rick Sherriff said the day had been “great”.

“We had about 70 cars turn up,” he said. “We also had a good turn out of planes.”

Some of the aircrafts ran introductory and adventure flights throughout the day.

The event also featured motorbikes, model steam engines, and boats, alongside live music and dancing, reptile rescue, and childrens activities.

Mr Sherriff said about 3000 people came through the gates, making it one of the biggest turnouts the club had seen.

“The car park was full all day,” he said.

“It was really great, we’re really happy.”

All funds raised from the event will go toward international and community projects.

“We’d like to thank everyone who turned up,” Mr Sherriff said.

“We’d also like to thank the airport for having us.”

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