Planes and pancakes to 'fly in' for aviation college fundraiser

BATTLE CREEK, Mich.—Battle Creek and breakfast are synonymous with each other, but the Cereal City may become known as much for its planes as its Pop-Tarts given the national stature of Western Michigan University's College of Aviation.

Capitalizing on that stature, the aviation college will be hosting a fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 15, that combines the public's interest in both aircraft and hearty breakfasts. The event, a fly-in pancake breakfast at the college's W.K. Kellogg Regional Airport campus, will kick off the new school year as well as celebrate Gov. Rick Snyder's recently announced Michigan Aviation Month.

To start the day, a pancake chef from the world-famous Chris Cakes will be on hand, flipping flapjacks to hungry patrons. The first pancakes will start flying at the College of Aviation hangar at around 8 a.m. The pancake chef routinely throws his cakes from 10, 20 or 30 feet away. For the less adventurous, pancakes are also served within arm's reach.

In addition to breakfast, fundraiser attendees will be treated to multiple planes flying in. "Although weather dependent, it is not uncommon to have 20 to 50 planes fly in for events like this," says Steve Tkachuk, a College of Aviation lead flight instructor and co-organizer of the fundraiser.

Despite being labeled a "fly-in," Tkachuk notes that many of those attending the event will come by way of car. "Any way you want to come, we'll be waiting for you," he says.

The cost for the pancake breakfast is $6 per person and includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and beverage. The funds raised will help to support six College of Aviation registered student organizations: the Aviation Student Council, the Multicultural Association of Aviation Professionals, Women in Aviation, the Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance, Alpha Eta Rho and the Sky Broncos.

For more information, contact Tom Thinnes at @email or (269) 964-5768.