News Release

SOUTH BEND — South Bend International Airport along with Corporate Wings will present the sixth annual Aviation Education Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Studebaker Hangar just west of the main terminal at 4817 Lincoln Way West. The event is free and open to the public.

Aviation Education Day offers community members of all ages an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at different aspects of aviation through numerous family-friendly activities, resources and more. Event highlights include airfield tours, two drone demonstrations by 19-year-old drone pilot Brady Ornat, aircraft rescue and fire fighting demonstrations, commercial and general aviation aircraft displays, and ground support equipment displays.

Attendees will be able to board a SkyWest Airlines aircraft, and a variety of other aircraft will be exhibited. Virtual reality simulated experiences will be offered, and various aviation industry representatives will be present for the career fair and exhibition.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from all councils will have the opportunity to earn their Aviation Merit Badge. Scouts must be accompanied by a troop leader, parent or guardian and should arrive at 9 a.m. They will have a separate entrance from the general public. If all of the requirements are not completed during the duration of the event, arrangements for completion can be made by reaching out to the council for a merit badge counselor at a later time.

A limited number of Young Eagles introductory flights will be available for children ages 8-17 on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration, along with a parent/guardian signature, is required at check-in.

“We look forward to Aviation Education Day each year as we get to welcome the community to our airfield and showcase the behind-the-scenes aspects of our industry that many people don’t typically get to see or experience,” said South Bend International Airport Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Mike Daigle. “It’s a fun day that appeals to those young and young at heart — a perfect opportunity to explore a fascinating field.”

Junbuggies Authentic Mexican Food, Kona Ice, Sweazy Q Catering and Cheesy Platters LLC will have various food and beverage options for sale.

Parking in the long-term lot at the airport will be validated the day of the event. More information and the full event description can be found at https://bit.ly/3y6o1z3.

Organizations helping to support this year’s event include HRP Construction Inc., R&R Excavating Inc. and Visit South Bend Mishawaka.