Back to school celebration at DuPage Airport

In celebration of a new school year, the DuPage Airport Authority and the city of West Chicago are inviting students to a fun-filled day at the airport from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 2700 International Drive, West Chicago.

Students will have the opportunity to sit inside an airplane cockpit and learn about plane instruments; take a tour of the Federal Aviation Administration control tower; experience Civil Air Patrol flight simulators; climb onto airport fire rescue vehicles and snow removal equipment; and see a vintage Stearman aircraft.

Students also will get to meet West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda, along with air traffic controllers, pilots, flight instructors, representatives from West Chicago Police Department, West Chicago Fire Protection District, Civil Air Patrol Fox Valley Squadron, and Boy Scouts Three Fires Council.

The inaugural Back to School Celebration will offer many opportunities for photos and video, and students will receive a special giveaway. Food, refreshments and music also will be provided.

“DuPage Airport is eager to connect with students and showcase the facility, as well as many of the key elements that are integral to our daily operations,” airport authority Executive Director David Bird said. “The event will offer an engaging and interactive look into the world of aviation.”

Admission is free. For more information and to register online, visit daabacktoschool.eventbrite.com.