Pennsylvania Airports to Host National Aviation Day for Students on August 19, 2014

PennDOT and 11 Pennsylvania state airports are inviting second-to-sixth grade students to participate in airport tours and activities as part of this year’s National Aviation Day celebration.

National Aviation Day, established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is annually observed in the United States on August 19th to celebrate the history of and promote interest in the development of aviation. It coincides with the birthday of Orville Wright who, together with his brother Wilbur, made significant contributions to powered flight.

The day’s activities, designed to meet requirements for Scouting organizations’ Aviation and/or Aerospace Merit Badges, will allow participants to tour the airport, conduct a preflight inspection, and complete other aviation activities while learning about the aviation career field. Students are encouraged to participate in this exciting and interactive experience, though any interested parties may register to attend.

Events will occur on August 19, 2014, unless noted otherwise in the following list of participating airports and their contacts:
•Allegheny County Airport, Rea Mills, 412-466-3026;
•Chester County Airport, Gary Hudson, 610-383-6057;
•Clarion County Airport, Scott Sheffer, 814-226-9993, Aug. 16;
•Connellsville Airport, Dan Schiffbauer, 724-562-0411;
•Erie International Airport, Chris Rodgers, 814-833-4258 x200;
•Heritage Field , Chris Jordan, 610-495-7000;
•Lancaster County Airport, Kim Huber, 717-569-1221;
•Lehigh Valley International Airport, Paula Bonstein, 610-231-5224, Aug. 22;
•Reading Airport, Dave Kalbach, 484-332-0442, Aug. 18;
•Schuylkill County Airport, Bill Willard, 570-544-6002; and
•University Park Airport, Beth Lerew, 814-865-4042, Aug. 9.

The celebration activities are free, though those interested in attending should contact the hosting airport for any registration requirements. All attendees should bring their own lunch and any necessary chaperones.

To learn more about aviation in Pennsylvania visit www.dot.state.pa.us.