Magdalena fly-in brings pilots and community together

Each year, the quiet skies over Magdalena buzz with activity as pilots from across New Mexico—and even neighboring states—make their way to the village’s airstrip for the annual Fly-In Breakfast.

However, this past Saturday, inclement weather kept all but two pilots from Belen out of the air, though around 40 people drove in for the festivities.

“Good folks showed up. We had good conversation and good food, and the pilots put on an air show for us when they left,” Mayor and Airport Manager Richard Rumpf said. He added that there is talk of holding another Fly-In Breakfast in the spring for those who missed it this year due to rain.

Hosted by the Village of Magdalena, the event offers visiting pilots a hearty breakfast and a chance to connect with fellow aviation enthusiasts. The tradition has become a highlight on the New Mexico Pilots Association calendar, drawing planes of all kinds—from antiques to helicopters—to the 6,434-foot Magdalena airstrip.

Breakfast began at 8 a.m. with pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, juice, and coffee. The meal was made possible through support from the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division, Bohannan Huston engineering and the Magdalena Chamber of Commerce.

The fly-in reflects the camaraderie of the pilot community, said Rumpf. In past years, pilots have not only come for food but also volunteered their time to help maintain the runway. “One January, 12 planes came in,” Rumpf said. “Those pilots walked the full 6,000 feet of runway picking up rocks. That’s the kind of people they are.”

According Rumpf, Magdalena’s airport, while modest, sees steady use from private pilots, including those traveling between Arizona and Texas who camp overnight on the airstrip before flying on. For many, the annual fly-in is a welcome chance to relax, share stories, and enjoy small-town hospitality.

“We’ve had folks come from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Moriarty, even Truth or Consequences,” Rumpf said. “They’ll be here early—by eight o’clock, planes are already landing. Usually by 10:30 or 11, they’ll start heading home, depending on how far they have to fly.”

Mayor Rumpf also took the time on Saturday to announce that he would no longer be acting as fire chief for the Village.

“Now is the time to turn the fire department over to somebody else,” Rumpf said.

He said that following an injury to his shoulder a few months ago, while moving a patient, he made the decision to move on after 17 years working at the department and EMS.

“I thought it’s my body telling me it’s time,” Rumpf said.