Lionels Fly-In

Without a doubt, Lionel’s Fly-In offers the finest flying experience Virginia has to offer. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, the airfield—perfectly groomed and privately maintained—sits among rolling fields, meandering streams, sparkling ponds, fresh cutovers, and gentle hills that rise and fall into quiet valleys. Just eight miles away lies the shimmering expanse of Smith Mountain Lake. Mornings often bring a blanket of fog that settles low in the valleys, letting pilots climb above the clouds as mountaintops pierce through like distant islands on a dreamy sea.

Pilots and their families are welcome to enjoy boondocking-style camping on-site at no extra charge, with water available for those who need it. But the real treasure of this fly-in? That would be Lionel.

More than once, I’ve heard someone say with a grin, “I want to be like Lionel when I grow up!” Let me tell you why—and in doing so, I’ll tell you about the man behind the fly-in that proudly bears his name.

Lionel Reynolds, owner of the field and host of this gathering, has been soaring through the skies for over 50 years. His aviation journey began as a private fixed-wing pilot, traveling across the country with his wife while working as an auctioneer. Later in life, he discovered powered parachutes and never looked back—eventually becoming a dealer and flight instructor. Through the years, Lionel has helped countless dreamers take to the skies, guiding them into the world of flight with patience and passion.

Though powered parachutes have faded from popularity and many of his old flying friends have aged out of the hobby, Lionel—at 81 years young—is still flying. His love for aviation is matched only by his love for the people who share it. Those who refuse to stay grounded, who long for the freedom found only in the open sky—these are his kindred spirits.

Come out to Lionel’s. Shake his hand, pull up a chair in his garage, and crack open a cold one. Hear the stories—of family, military days, wild flights, and a life well-lived. You’ll laugh at his jokes, nod at his wisdom, and find yourself listening to the kind of voice we hear less and less these days: the voice of a generation built on grit, heart, and generosity.

You won’t find a more genuine man. And if you’re lucky, you just might walk away saying, “When I grow up, I want to be like Lionel.”