Aviation Appreciation Day is Coming
Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities sent this bulletin at 04/18/2012 11:48 AM AKDT
Public invited to behind the scenes look at Airport A sure sign of spring, aviation is getting ready to take off for the summer at Fairbanks International Airport. An open house, dubbed Fairbanks Aviation Day, will take place on Saturday May 19, providing an opportunity for the public to have a look behind the scenes at the second busiest airport in the state. Early birds will want to take in a pancake feed, organized by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Nana Management Services. Later in the morning young people between the ages of 8 and 17 will be able to take a free flight, as part of a national "Young Eagles" program organized by EAA. For those that really want to take off, a local flight school is planning to offer specially priced introductory flight lessons during the event. Plans call for a dozen or more aircraft to be on display, up close and personal. These will range from vintage aircraft to some of the newest planes available. Inside the hangar at the Sadler Business Plaza will be exhibits with activities for all ages. Try your hand at riveting, a skill used in the aviation maintenance industry. The FAA is bringing a mini-airport, with runways and a simulated control tower to show how they manage the follow of airplanes as they taxi for takeoff. A mini theater will be setup for a series of short presentations on a range of topics, including how to learn to fly and what it takes to be an air traffic controller. A series of special tours are planned for small groups to see aircraft, the Flight Service Station and a "photographer’s view" of the airport. Tours are limited in size, so sign up early at the tour table inside the hangar.
The event is organized by the Airport Operators Council, a group of businesses and organizations that work together on airport related activities. The event takes place at the Alaska Aerofuel’s Corporate Aviation facility at 5904 Old Airport Road. Doors open at 7 a.m. for the pancake feed and exhibits.
Tours, Young Eagle flights and seminars get underway at 9 a.m. and run till 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. Sponsors include Flint Hills, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Alaska Aerofuel, Alaska Airlines, Alaska Airmen’s Association, Alaska Aviation Toxicology, Delcourt Aviation, Evert’s Air, Nana Management Services, North Pole Coffee, Odom Corporation, Petro Star, UAF Aviation Program and Warbelow’s Air Ventures. Contacts: Tom George, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association 455-9000 Event information also available at: www.twitter.com/FairbanksAOC www.facebook.com/FairbanksAOC ###