NATCHEZ &045;&045; Pilot Randy Henderson was worried about keeping the baby out of the sun.

That’s after Henderson climbed out of the plane he’d just taken end over end and landed with no engine power.

The sun wasn’t a problem organizers of Saturday’s first-ever Natchez Air Fair thought they’d have during the week.

Two days of storms gave way to friendly clouds and a few scattered raindrops and put smiles on the faces of the fair’s organizers, who said they were happy with the turnout for the day.

&uot;We are very pleased with the crowd,&uot; Airport Manager Clint Pomeroy said.

Fair organizers Glenn and Wayne Simmons said they expect much larger crowds in the future.

&uot;Next year we are going to have a crowd problem,&uot; Glenn Simmons said. &uot;Our goals were to launch and air show, bring in corporate sponsors and get the Blue Angels within three years.&uot;

The brothers said they envisioned the fair after growing up around the airport.

&uot;My dad built this airport basically without regard to the local budget,&uot; Glenn Simmons said. &uot;He was more concerned about getting things for the pilots. He dedicated himself to building the airport.&uot;

Wayne Simmons said the Air Fair is a means of promoting airport business in Natchez.

The fair committee decided to hold the event on National Armed Forces Day as a way to honor the military men and women, Wayne Simmons said. Mid-May is also early in the air show season, which makes it easier to get pilots.

Wayne Simmons, who started researching air shows in December, said he wanted to get as many local pilots as possible.

Henderson of Texas T-Cart Shows is a Mississippi native and said it was good to be home.

&uot;It’s good ole Mississippi folks,&uot; Henderson said. &uot;I don’t get to come here very often.&uot;

Henderson, winner of several aerobatic championships, said he does air shows because it makes him a safer pilot. He has been a commercial pilot for Southwest Airlines since 1979.

Part of Henderson’s show includes a flight a safety demonstration where he lands the plane with no engine or power.

Henderson said he frequently talks to young children who say they want to be an aerobatic pilot when they grow up.

&uot;They have to pay attention in geometry and algebra class,&uot; Henderson’s wife and announcer Diana said.

Eleven-year-old Randall Price said he would like to fly when he’s older.

&uot;I wouldn’t be scared,&uot; he said.

In addition to four pilots, the Air Fair included an appearance by a Black Hawk and several planes on display.

Walter Willis of Natchez brought his 1943 L2 Taylorcraft to the show.

&uot;It’s one of 70 with active registration,&uot; Willis said. &uot;There have been quite a few people that ask a lot of questions, and some older pilots who knew what it was.&uot;

The Air Fair will continue from noon to 5 p.m. today. Admission is $5 per car.