Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Updated May 2024
1. Are
only BSA/GSA scouts allowed to camp ?
2. How
many Scouts are able to camp at the Flying Circus?
3. When
do you allow scouts to camp at the Flying Circus?
4. Are
there any times when camping is not available?
5. Is
Potable water available?
6. Are
there real restrooms or just port-a-johns available?
11. Where
can we load/unload all of our equipment?
12. Are
there picnic tables available?
13. Is
cooking permitted in the campsite?
14. Where
can I wash my dishes?
15. What
do we do with the trash?
16. Is
there nearby shelter in the event of inclement weather?
17. Where
is the nearest Hospital or Fire/Rescue) unit?
18. Is
the pavilion available for use?
19. What
activities are available at the Aerodrome during the week or on Saturdays?
20. Can
the scouts get tours of Hangars or Aircraft??
21. Can
we take an airplane ride?
22. Are
there any age requirements for taking a flight in one your aircraft?
23. How
much does an airplane ride cost?
24. What
is the cost if we stay for the Airshow on Sunday?
25. Will
Photography and Video be allowed during the entire weekend as well as during
the air show?
We
use the term “Scouts” as a matter of convenience There a number of
organizations with similar guiding principles that we also recognize (e.g.
Trail Life Scouts, American Heritage Girls, etc.) Please contact the scouting Coordinator (Scouts@FlyingCircusAirshow.com)
if you have any questions.
There
a number of factors, but primarily it is based the unit type (shown below) and
number of attendees:
A. Camporees. Camporees are organized structured events with a
single leadership group that handles registration, camping assignments, and
logistics. Our facility has accommodated Camporee groups of approximately 600
scouts without getting crowded.
B. Troop/Patrol Camping. These are older (age 10-18) scouts, that are
usually more experienced in camping and are used to camping as a unit and
camping around other units. We can
usually accommodate multiple Troops/Patrols, but try to keep it to 1 – 4 units
at a time.
C. Cub Scouts. Camp only as Packs. Because Pack camping is
Family Camping there is a mixture of Cub Leaders, Cub Scouts, Parents, Siblings
and sometimes older scouts. These groups generally have little unit camping
experience and their campsites tend to be very spread out. Due to the somewhat chaotic (but fun) nature
of Pack campouts, we generally limit camping to one or two packs at a time.
Camping is available year-round. However, permission for camping is required.
Camping permission can be obtained by contacting the FCA Scouting coordinator,
(Scouts@FlyingCircusAirshow.com)
Yes, some weekends have been reserved for specific groups or
other special events such as company picnics and scout camporees. Additionally,
during the weekend of the Annual Balloon Festival no camping is permitted.
We are on well
water. Therefore, before the start of each airshow season, we have our water
tested by a state approved lab. This ensures that our water meets the
“Bacteriological standard for safe drinking water” as established by Virginia
Department of Health and US EPA.
There are
several water spigots available, they are located at the corner of the Flying
Circus Staff area located near the ticket booth, at the rear of the snack bar,
and behind the restroom building. Water is only available during the airshow
season (May-Oct). In the off season (Nov-April) the water is shut off when we
winterize the facility. So, you must be prepared to bring your own water supply
during our off-season.
YES, during the
airshow season we have restrooms available, there are also 1-2 port-a-johns
available year round. Scout Units are expected to leave the restrooms in a
clean state (cleaning supplies are located in the equipment room between the
entrance doors)
Note: (1) Restrooms ARE NOT to be used for dish
washing.
(2) During the off season, November thru April, the
water is shut off and the restroom facility is closed & locked.
There are no
showers.
Camp fires are permitted, but they MUST BE in either the
existing permanent fire rings, or in a raised (at least 4” above ground)
platform such as a patio fire pit. No other “in-ground” or “on-the-ground”
fires are permitted. Fires must be
attended at all times, and must be constantly supervised by an adult or a Scout
with the "Fire'em" Chit (or Girl Scout
equivalent). Campers violating this
policy will be asked to leave the property
During dry periods, the Virginia Department of Forestry
(VDOF) may impose burn restrictions (http://dof.virginia.gov/fire/index.htm),
during those periods open fires may be restricted or prohibited.
Virginia Department of Forestry warns against moving firewood
as it spreads Tree-Destroying Insects and Diseases. Any deadfall laying in
the woods, or cut-wood near the fire rings may be used for the campfires.
Units are responsible for cleaning out the ashes from the
fire pit before breaking camp – please contact the scouting coordinator, or see
one of the FCA staff for instructions on how to dispose of the COLD ashes.
That is entirely up to your group, but we do ask that groups
arrive during daylight hours. This is so your group can easily find your
camping area and that you do not disturb other campers. Instructions on
opening/closing of the gates will be provided by the scouting coordinator
during the week preceding your camping date.
During the week preceding your camping date the scouting
coordinator will email your group the campsite assignment. Camping is available
in the large field to the right of the main entrance. Four patrol sized camping
areas complete with picnic tables and fire rings are available in the wooded
area at the back of this field. The scouting coordinator will assign you to an
area based on your needs and the number, size and composition of the groups
camping that weekend. Groups camping
strike camp by 11:00 on Sunday.
Units will be allowed to unload their vehicles on the gravel road
adjacent to the campsite area. All vehicles are required to be moved into the parking lot immediately after unloading. If ground conditions permit (i.e. the ground
is dry and firm). one vehicle may be used to bring a “troop trailer” to the campsite.
The troop trailer may remain at the campsite; However, it
must be unhitched from the tow vehicle (which is then to be parked in our
parking area). During periods where the
ground is soggy due to rain or snow melt, ALL vehicle loading/unloading
(including troop trailers) will be limited to the gravel road (to prevent tire
ruts the camping areas), and supplies will have to be hand carried to the camp
sites.
In the field camping area, no picnic tables are available
(troops are expected to provide their own). However, in a couple of the
“in-the-woods” camp sites there are picnic tables and established fire rings.
Picnic tables are also available for use within the picnic area
NOTE: The moving or “Re-location” of any picnic table or fire ring IS NOT
PERMITTED. Campers violating this
policy will be asked to leave the property.
Cooking is allowed in the campsite; please ensure that all
food and trash is disposed of properly. Please do not dig “grease pits” for
disposal.
As is true in most troop camp outs, cleanup (including dish
washing) is to be handled at the camp site. Please DO NOT wash your dishes at
the water spigots, or in our restrooms.
There is a large green dumpster at the far end of the parking
area (past the restroom building). All trash is to be placed INSIDE the
dumpster (NOT ON TOP! – Yes, every year someone does this!). There are several trash cans around the
facility; these are not to be used to dispose of your unit’s trash from camping. These cans
are set up every Sunday morning by our ground crew in preparation for the
airshow crowd – It is not fair for them to have to clean-up trash left by those
who are too lazy to walk their trash all the way down to the dumpster.
We have a large (30x60) Pavilion that will provide shelter
for a large group.
For any emergency always call 911.
·
The Lois Volunteer Fire Department (12067 Marsh Rd, Bealeton, VA
22712) is located only 1.4 miles from The Flying Circus Airport.
·
Fauquier Hospital (500 Hospital Dr, Warrenton, VA 20186) is 15.5
miles from The Flying Circus Airport.
The pavilion has many picnic tables that can be used during
the campout (if multiple units are camping, please share the facility with the
other units). On Sundays, the pavilion
may be rented out by a group (signs will be place on the picnic tables). If the
Pavilion is rented, you must be prepared to relinquish the facility. If the
pavilion is not rented, then it is open to all who wish to use it.
There are no Flying Circus provided activities on non-airshow
days.
If one of the Flying Circus staff is available, they are
usually happy to give a short tour and talk about the aircraft. It is
preferable that just one of the scout leaders make the request, rather than
have the entire troop show up en-mass. Tours on
Sundays are not always available as we are setting up everything for the
airshow (but it doesn’t hurt to ask)
BSA
requires that each Pack/Troop complete and submit a "Flying Plan
Checklist" to Council. Accompanying the Flying Plan, must be a signed
"Activity Consent Form" for each scout that will take a flight. Links
to these forms are available on the Scout section of the Flying Circus web
site: (http://www.flyingcircusairshow.com/scouts.html). Because BSA rules change often, it is best to
check with your local council for the most up to date rules and regulations.
No. However, the pilot has the final decision on any
passenger flights. Scouts younger than 8-9, will be better off in the Cub or
Champ (closed cockpit), or flying with a parent/leader in the dual passenger,
open cockpit Waco or TravelAir. All others should
have no problem flying in the open cockpit aircraft.
There
are several type of airplane rides available, they include the closed cockpit
Cub or Champ ride, The Standard Open Cockpit Ride (and Double Ride in the
Waco), and an The Aerobatic Ride. Each is price differently, but all prices can
be found on the “Rides” webpage: (http://www.flyingcircusairshow.com/rides.html). Please note that BSA Policy does not permit
scouts to participate in Aerobatic rides as part of a scout event.
Units
and individuals that wish to remain for the Sunday Airshow are invited to do
so. The scout rates will apply to all
uniformed scouts & leaders. Parents and non-scout siblings will pay the
regular rate (http://www.flyingcircusairshow.com/prices.html). Uniforms can be either Class-A (full
uniform), or Class-B (Pack or Troop T-shirt, etc.) depending on you unit’s
policy. Current admission pricing information, along with the scout discounted
rates are listed on the Flying Circus Website (http://www.flyingcircusairshow.com/prices.html)
Yes, and if the pictures turn out well, please send a link to
the Flying Circus Webmaster (webmaster@flyingcircusairshow.com)
and we might even use them on the website.