VAN NUYS AIRPORT RE-OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE COMMUNITY AFTER 9/11
Open House Slated for Oct. 19 Features Aircraft Displays, Guided Airport Tours and More
(Van Nuys, CA)- Mayor Jim Hahn and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) continue their commitment to the community by re-opening the doors for a free community open house at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) on Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
After Sept. 11, which resulted in the cancellation of Van Nuys Airport's annual military-focused air show, one of the top priorities for Mayor Hahn and LAWA was to offer San Fernando Valley residents an opportunity to revisit the airport.
"For decades, Van Nuys Airport has played a key role in the rich history and prosperity of the San Fernando Valley, standing as a world leader in general aviation," said Mayor Hahn. "This event will be entertaining and educational for all ages, providing residents an up-close look at the large variety of aircraft and operations at their community airport."
A formation flyover of World War II vintage AT-6 Texans will launch the opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. hosted by Mayor Hahn. Main attractions at the open house will include aircraft displays, educational exhibits and guided airfield bus tours that take participants on a journey through aviation past and present.
A special feature of the open house will be static display of the B-17 "Aluminum Overcast," a vintage bomber that will visit VNY as part of a national tour paying tribute to World War II veterans. Fewer than 100 of these historic B-17 airframes are currently in existence, and less than 15 are still flyable.
The open house will feature over 30 tenant and vintage aircraft displays, such as the B-25 Mitchell Bomber, DC-3, P-51 Mustang, Grumman F7F Bearcat and F6F Hellcat, MIG 17, Sikorsky HH52 helicopter and many others. There will also be food, refreshments and a live disc jockey.
Free event parking and shuttle bus service will be provided from three remote parking lots at Birmingham High School, Monroe High School and California State University Northridge. For more information, call (818) 773-3293 or visit VNY's Web site at www.lawa.org.
