Common Questions

Robb Williams shares his knowledge about Triple Tree Aerodrome

By Jay Smith [email protected] | Photos provided by Sal Calvagna

Who owns Triple Tree?

In 2012, Pat and Mary Lou Hartness donated the property to the Triple Tree Aerodrome 501(c)(3), so the property belongs to you! Triple Tree is the Hartness’ gift to aviation.

How did Triple Tree and Joe Nall Week get their names?

Triple Tree received its name when, during the original development of the property, there were three large, distinct trees in the middle of the facility. The idea came to call the facility Triple Tree.

Only one of these three original trees still stands today, in the north part of the facility. However, in 2010, Pat and Mary Lou planted three acorns from the Angel Oak Tree at the mainline gazebo. These acorns have grown and have become the "new" triple trees.

Joe Nall Week was named after Pat’s good friend, Joe Nall. Pat and Joe first met while attending Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. They shared a common interest in aviation, especially their RC modeling hobby. Pat and Joe maintained their friendship throughout the years and continued to share their love of aviation. Joe became a qualified instrument-rated pilot and a certified ground school instructor.

In 1986, Joe was appointed as a board member of the National Transportation Safety Board in Washington, D.C. He died in an aircraft accident while on official business in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1989.

Until his death, Joe served as the emcee of the Giant Scale Fly-In that was held at what was then called Hartness Field, using his aviation and modeling experience, as well as his sense of humor, to entertain the audience.

After Joe’s death, Pat honored his good friend’s memory. In 1990, he renamed the annual Giant Scale Fly-In the Joe Nall Fly-In, later Joe Nall Week.

Does Triple Tree own a P-51 Mustang?

The Triple Tree Aerodrome did own a P-51 Mustang; however, in 2022, the decision was made to sell the P-51 and use the proceeds to form an endowment. The funds for this endowment will be used to ensure that Triple Tree will be able to operate for many generations to come.

What is ACE?

ACE stands for Aviation Centered Education. Inside our ACE portfolio, you will find many programs, ranging from kindergarten age to the experienced aviator. Each of these programs uses RC or general aviation principles to ignite and expand the passion for aviation to all ages!

The Triple Tree Aerodrome offers these programs to our community at a free or reduced rate from the proceeds during our year-round events.

How big is Triple Tree, and how many employees does it take to maintain the grounds?

The Triple Tree Aerodrome is slightly more than 400 acres. That’s roughly 2.5 times the size of Disneyland or equivalent to the French Quarter in New Orleans. This massive facility is maintained with the help of three full-time employees and hundreds of volunteers supporting our vision.

How many people visit Triple Tree annually?

On an annual basis, we have more than 50,000 guests from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries. Events held at Triple Tree Aerodrome generate an economic impact of more than $1.2 million in our region.