VAN NUYS AIRPORT COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE SALUTES AIR SUPPORT AND RESCUE
Marks Groundbreaking of New Van Nuys Air Operations Facility

(Van Nuys, CA – June 10, 2004) - Van Nuys Airport (VNY) will host a free community open house on Saturday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring public service and vintage aircraft displays, airfield bus tours, educational exhibits and local entertainment.

The event's theme, "A Salute to Air Support and Rescue," will honor Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) helicopter pilots for their ongoing dedication to protecting lives and property, including pilots who battled last year's devastating California wildfires.

An LAFD helicopter flyover will precede opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. when Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn, Los Angeles City Councilmember Tony Cardenas and Los Angeles Fire Chief William Bamattre will break ground on a new $33 million, 15-acre Van Nuys Air Operations and Maintenance Facility at the airport.

"Van Nuys Airport has long served as home base for the Los Angeles Fire Department's vital fire protection and rescue operations and provides a valuable resource for the San Fernando Valley," said Mayor Hahn. "This new helicopter center will enhance the fire department's capability to conduct life-saving water drop, search and rescue, brush patrol and air ambulance missions that will keep Los Angeles safer for all residents."

A special feature of the open house will be static display of the B-17 "Aluminum Overcast," a vintage bomber that flew hundreds of World War II missions. Fewer than 100 of these historic B-17 airframes are currently in existence, and less than 15 are still flyable.

Additional vintage aircraft exhibits will include the F8F Bearcat, F6F Hellcat, B-25 Bomber, Russian MiG 15, Hawker Sea Fury, DC-3, P-51 Mustang, AT-6 Texan and dozens of others. Pilots will be on-hand to answer questions and interact with the public.

The Professional Helicopter Pilots Association, the leading organization of helicopter pilots on the West Coast, will participate in the open house with displays of fire, law enforcement, public safety and electronic news gathering aircraft.

"I'm very pleased Van Nuys Airport is opening its doors to the community, " said Councilmember Cardenas. "This event not only provides an opportunity to honor our air support and rescue personnel, but offers residents a behind-the-scenes look at the many aircraft, businesses and services found at their community airport."