Press release
SOUTH BEND — South Bend International Airport and Corporate Wings will host the sixth annual Aviation Education Day on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Studebaker Hangar just west of the main terminal at 4817 Lincoln Way West. The event is free and open to the public.
Aviation Education Day offers community members of all ages the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at various aspects of aviation through numerous family-friendly activities, resources and more. Event highlights include airfield tours, two drone demonstrations by 19-year-old drone pilot Brady Ornat, aircraft rescue and firefighting demonstrations, commercial and general aviation aircraft demonstrations, and ground support equipment demonstrations.
Attendees will be able to board a SkyWest Airlines aircraft. In addition, various other aircraft will be on display. Simulated virtual reality experiences will be offered and various representatives from the aviation industry will be present at the career fair and exhibition.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from all communities have the opportunity to earn their Aviation Merit Badge. Boy Scouts must be accompanied by a troop leader, parent or guardian and should arrive by 9 a.m. They have a separate entrance from the general audience. If all requirements are not met during the duration of the event, arrangements can be made to meet them by contacting the community at a later date for a Merit Badge counselor.
A limited number of Young Eagles introductory flights are available for children ages 8 to 17. Participants are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration with a parent/guardian’s signature is required at check-in.
“We look forward to Aviation Education Day every year because we can welcome the public to our airfield and provide behind-the-scenes insights into our industry that many people don’t normally get to see or experience,” said Mike Daigle, chief executive officer and executive director of South Bend International Airport. “It’s a fun day that appeals to the young and young at heart – a perfect opportunity to learn about a fascinating field.”
Junbuggies Authentic Mexican Food, Kona Ice, Sweazy Q Catering and Cheesy Platters LLC will offer a variety of food and beverages for sale.
Parking in the long-term parking lot at the airport will be validated on the day of the event. For more information and the full event description, visit https://bit.ly/3y6o1z3.
Organizations supporting this year’s event include HRP Construction Inc., R&R Excavating Inc. and Visit South Bend Mishawaka.
