Airborne tourists land in Gulf Shores

GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) - They have arrived at Jack Edwards Airport. Their mission: to boost the Gulf Coast economy. And they have the right stuff to make it happen: wallets.

"We decided to do something worthwhile this weekend," said Birmingham's Jerry Hoggett. "Get as many people together as we can. Come down here and spread a little business out here."

"We were just talking," explained Johnny Barnes, who helped organized the fly-out. "Four or five of us, ought to fly down to the coast and have lunch. Within a day-and-a-half, word spread through the airport and people were calling us."

Barnes and around 50 other Shelby County residents flew into Gulf Shores as a twist to their $100 hamburger weekend trips, an aviation term.

"That's what it cost. We say we're gonna fly somewhere to get a hamburger. By the time, we crank up, fly somewhere, the gas costs, landing, the maintenance. Nowadays, they can probably change that to $200 hamburger," explained Barnes.

Camille Warren and several other locals welcomed the frequent flyers like only Parrotheads could.

"I know they have a lot of friends who fly. So if we make them feel special because they are, and they're bringing money to our community when we need it, maybe they'll tell other clubs. We're hoping this is just the beginning," said Warren.

The tourists went to Lulus, the beach and other spots along the coast to spend plenty of money. But how much?

"My wife better let me now. I'm just hoping she lets me know!" exclaimed Barnes.

"One drawback to flying - you can't go to the bars!" revealed Hoggett.

Most of the pilots flew back to Shelby County Saturday afternoon. Although some stayed through the weekend. Barnes says he plans to make more trips like this in the future.