Annual Aviation Day events to recognize Purdue alums

Crowds line up to check out the variety of planes flown in for the 2017 Aviation Day. (Photo/Purdue Polytechnic Institute) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue’s annual Aviation Day event will represent the university’s alumni in the various fields of aviation.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (April 14) at Purdue University Airport. Activities will be held at Niswonger Aviation Technology Building as well as the passenger terminal and hangar buildings.

This year’s theme is “Wings of Success,” representing and honoring alumni from the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology.

The event is coordinated by students from the Purdue Polytechnic Institute School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. It is free and open to the public. Attendees may fly in, drive in or walk in to celebrate Purdue aviation.

This is the third year for the event, which returned in 2016 following a hiatus of more than a century. Attendance at the now-annual event has topped more than 2,100 people.

“Purdue Aviation Day is a rare opportunity for the School of Aviation Technology to open our doors to community members, alumni and future students to give them a glimpse into how Purdue has influenced the aviation industry,” said Austin Decker, co-director of this year’s Aviation Day.

“This event is a great opportunity to get up close and personal with so many different aspects of the aviation industry.”

Military aircraft are among the attractions this year.School of Aviation and Transportation Technology alumni Ryan Corbin (2007) and Greg Taylor (2011) will fly in two F/A-18 Hornets from Norfolk, Virginia. The U.S. Army also is flying in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for the event.

Indianapolis-based Republic Airline is the main sponsor for the event and will have one of its aircraft on-site for Aviation Day.

Historical exhibits will be on site during the event to offer a look at the history of aviation and how Purdue has influenced the past, present and future of the industry.

The future of aviation will be represented with exhibits and expert speakers in unmanned aviation.

In addition, aspiring young aviators can enjoy an entire area dedicated to activities for youths.

A fly-in breakfast will be available before the main event to general aviation pilots who fly their aircraft into the event.

A full schedule of events, travel directions and parking instructions is available at https://conf.purdue.edu/pad/.

State Street Redevelopment Project construction is in process. This work is closing portions of Stadium Avenue, McCormick Road, Airport Road and Williams Street and significantly affecting surrounding thoroughfares in West Lafayette.

Writer: Brian L. Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu  

Source: Austin Decker, decker14@purdue.edu