Purdue Resurrects Aviation Day
The original event was held in 1911. The next version will take place April 16 at Purdue University Airport.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAn event last held at Purdue University more than 100 years ago is returning in April. Aviation Day will celebrate the historic, current and future accomplishments of aviation at the school.
The event will include interactive activities, historical exhibits and aircraft displays geared for all ages. Participants can drive in, walk in or arrange to fly in. Austin Decker is the event’s operations director and is an unmanned aerial systems major at Purdue. He says "we think this is the perfect way to celebrate the school’s name change, enhance partnerships with industry, show our appreciation for the local community and inspire young aviators." The change he is referring to is the name of Purdue Polytechnic Institute, which used to be known as the College of Technology.
It will showcase a variety of student organizations related to aviation.
Organizers say the first Purdue Aviation Day in 1911 attracted more than 17,000 attendees. The event featured flights demonstrations from two biplanes over a grass landing strip where Elliott Hall of Music is now located.
Indianapolis-based Republic Airways is the event’s sponsor. Plans call for Aviation Day to be an annual event.