Several months ago Dwight Guss told a packed room that the annual Experimental Aviation Association Fly-in might not happen after 25 consecutive years because of a lack of volunteers.

Active membership in the association was down to only 15 members and no one was taking the event controls.

So, Guss, who has organized the event twice before, decided to take the controls himself this year.

“I think if I had not stepped up someone else would have,” Guss said. “The fly-in is one of the most fun events the island has. We need to keep it going.”

Always the first weekend in August, the three-day event starts on July 31 and continues through Aug. 1 and 2 with sometimes as many as 100 planes flying into the Port of Orcas. It’s popular among pilots because they can camp at the airport right next to their plane and showers are available nearby. The fire department has a two-day pancake breakfast and someone usually gets a BBQ going.

Even with Guss in the captain’s seat, volunteers are still needed, especially to wing walk and to secure the airport terminal from foot traffic. No experience is necessary. Those interested in helping out should contact Dwight Guss at 317-5970.