Norman residents can tour vintage and modern aircrafts Friday and Saturday during the second annual Aviation Festival at the Max Westheimer Airpark.

“We’re doing this to promote good harmony between the airport and the community,” said Walt Strong, airport administrator.

Attendees will have the chance to get “up close and personal” with the planes, he said. There will also be people available to answer questions and provide information about the aircrafts.

Although there will be vintage DC3s, T-6 Texans and modern aircrafts, that won’t be the only equipment displayed at the festival.

The Norman Fire and OU Police Departments will be showcasing its trucks and equipment.

“Kids love fire trucks,” Strong said.

There will also be activities for children including rocket building. The rockets can shoot about 100 feet, Strong said.

The Sooner Aviation Club is a sponsor of the event.

“The department and club are getting people involved in possibly becoming a pilot or air traffic controller,” said Richard Montgomery, Sooner Aviation Club president.

The club will provide information about how to get involved with the aviation program at OU. Montgomery said some current students are in the aviation program because they saw the club at the festival last year.

“We want to get the word out and make people aware they can participate in aviation,” he said.

Montgomery said he hopes people get more involved in aviation after the festival.

The club will have an air traffic control simulator and also will have free tours of the control tower.

BE THERE

What: Aviation Festival

Where: Max Westheimer Airport, 700 Lexington Ave.

When: Friday, noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free