University Park Airport will host Aviation Awareness Day from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8.
Discovery flights with Tech Aviation and SnapFlight, tours of aircraft and gliders, demonstrations of radio-controlled aircraft, and fire and hazardous materials equipment will take place throughout the day at the airport, 2535 Fox Hill Road, State College. A pancake breakfast and other food items will be available throughout the day, along with free face painting and caricatures from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can also purchase a ride in a World War II trainer aircraft operated by the Buffalo Heritage Squadron by calling 716-249-0540.
As part of the event, members of Boy Scout Troop 31 and other local troops will have the opportunity to earn aviation merit badges by participating in a day of learning, including tours of the airport, control tower and aircraft displays as well as studying aeronautical charts and the mechanics of flight.
Aviation Awareness Day is sponsored by the Centre County Airport Authority, Avis, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter No. 1327, Enterprise Holdings, GAI Consultants Inc., Mead and Hunt, Pizza Mia, The Shaner Group and the University Park Airport.