VAN NUYS AIRPORT COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE GEARING UP FOR OCTOBER

(Van Nuys, CA)- Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) will host a free community open house at Van Nuys Airport on Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Guided airfield bus tours, tenant and vintage aircraft displays, and educational exhibits will be among the event's main attractions.

The open house will feature static display of the B-17 "Aluminum Overcast," a vintage bomber that will visit Van Nuys Airport (VNY) as part of its national 2002 Freedom 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.

Following the events of September 11, which resulted in cancellation of VNY's annual military-focused Aviation Expo, LAWA wanted to offer San Fernando Valley residents an opportunity to visit the airport for a different kind of aviation experience. "We're very pleased to offer this event to the community because it's a great opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the rich history, variety of aircraft and many businesses found at our facility," said Selena Birk, Van Nuys Airport manager. "It's an activity that promises to be fun, educational and appealing for all ages."

Free event parking and shuttle bus service will be provided from three remote parking lots. For more information, call (818) 773-3293 or visit VNY's Web site at www.lawa.org.