VAN NUYS AIRPORT INVITES PUBLIC TO AVIATION WEEK EVENTS IN APRIL
Activities Mark the Airport’s 80th Birthday and Provide an Insider’s Look at the World of Aviation
(Van Nuys, CA)- Marking its 80th birthday in 2008 as a leader in aviation, business and community service, Van Nuys Airport (VNY) invites the San Fernando Valley community and beyond to entertaining and educational Aviation Week events in late April, culminating with a Community Day on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To be held at the Airtel Plaza Hotel and co-hosted by the hotel and the Encino Chamber of Commerce, VNY’s Community Day will feature airfield tours that provide an insider’s glimpse into the world’s busiest general aviation airport, static aircraft displays and kids’ activities. Admission is free, and parking is available at the Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal, 7610 Woodley Ave., for $4. A free shuttle will take participants to and from the hotel.
“Community Day and VNY’s other Aviation Week events serve as our way to thank the community for its partnership over our amazing history and to highlight the airport’s community and educational programs that enhance public education, build stronger relationships with our neighbors, facilitate aviation-related career and training opportunities, and much more,” said VNY Manager Selena Birk.
Among the other Aviation Week events, on April 24 VNY will host a free public screening of “One Six Right,” an acclaimed 73-minute documentary about the airport’s storied history. The screening will take place at the Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave., beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, with paid parking charged by the hotel. Seating is limited, so advance reservations are required by calling (818) 909-3529.
For the next generation, Aviation Career Day will be held on April 25 at the Syncro Aviation Hangar at VNY. Presented in partnership with Los Angeles Councilmember Tony Cardenas, Syncro Aviation and the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley, this half-day career fair for Los AngelesUnifiedSchool District high school students will provide interactive exhibits, aircraft displays, high-tech video presentations and VNY airfield tours. Students interested in attending should contact their school counselor to make arrangements.
In addition, on April 22, VNY and the Rotary Club of Van Nuys will sponsor an event to recognize the first annual group of VNY “Young Achievers,” San Fernando Valley middle school students selected by teachers and counselors for excelling in academics, athletics, the arts and community service/ leadership.
“In addition to educating adults about the exciting world of general aviation, we believe these types of programs will lay the foundation for a bright future for today’s youth and enhance the development of an educated, dedicated workforce for decades to come,” Birk added.
VNY was born in 1928 as MetropolitanAirport through the establishment of a corporation by a small group of local citizens. From its origins as a private airport favored by daring young aviators and Hollywood’s famous faces, it has grown into the world’s busiest general aviation airport, averaging close to 400,000 takeoffs and landings annually.
Dedicated to noncommercial air travel, VNY meets corporate, private and government aviation needs – in the process providing vital aviation services, enhancing efficiency at the region’s commercial airports, creating jobs and promoting business. A 2007 economic study showed that VNY contributes more than $1.3 billion annually to the Southern California economy, supports over 12,300 jobs and generates an annual earnings impact of about $707 million.
VNY is one of four airports (including Los Angeles International) owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.lawa.org/vny , and for questions about Aviation Week events, call (818) 909-3529.
Van Nuys Airport’s Aviation Week Schedule
April 24, 2008
· Event: Free public screening of “One Six Right,” a 73-minute documentary about Van Nuys Airport’s fascinating history. Embark on a journey filled with spectacular aerial sequences in this acclaimed film, which celebrates the unsung hero of aviation – the local airport – by tracing the life of VNY.
· Location: Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave.
· Time: 6:30 p.m.
· Details: Free admission. Paid parking charged by the hotel. Reservations required, with a seating limit of 500. Call (818) 909-3529 to reserve a space.
April 25, 2008
· Event: Aviation Career Day, a career fair for high school students presented in partnership with
Los Angeles Councilmember Tony Cardenas, Syncro Aviation and the Economic Alliance of the San
Fernando Valley . Give wings to aviation career dreams with interactive exhibits, aircraft displays, high-
tech video presentations and VNY airfield bus tours.
· Location: Syncro Aviation Hangar, Van Nuys Airport, 7701 Woodley Ave.
· Time: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
· Details: Contact your school’s counselor as soon as possible to make arrangements to attend.
April 26, 2008
· Event: Van Nuys Airport Community Day, co-hosted with the Encino Chamber of Commerce and the Airtel Plaza Hotel. Get an insider’s glimpse into the world’s busiest general aviation airport, with airfield tours, static aircraft displays and fun activities for the kids too.
· Location: Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave. (parking at the Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal).
· Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
· Details: Free admission. Parking available at the Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal, 7610 Woodley Ave., for $4. A free shuttle is available to and from the Airtel Plaza Hotel.
