The 17th annual OU Aviation Festival takes place Saturday at the Max Westheimer Airport, and gives the community a chance to get a close-up of the aviation industry.
The free event is hosted by Lance Lamkin, administrator of the Max Westheimer Airport and adjunct professor of Airport Operations and Management.
The event was founded by the airport’s previous director, Walt Strong. Lamkin said Strong started the event in 2006 with the hope of getting people interested in the aviation industry again after the events of 9/11.
“There was an image problem airports had where we couldn't bring the community out as much as we wanted to, and that's a problem,” Lamkin told the OU Daily. “In any industry, you need to get young kids engaged and active, and there's nothing like doing that than being able to get up close and personal with aircraft.”
A World War 2 plane in a hangar during the 15th annual aviation festival at Max Westheimer Airport on Oct. 2, 2021.
Aircraft of all shapes and sizes will be on display at the festival, including the T-6 Texan model used for training pilots in the U.S. Army Air Forces and Navy during World War 2. Older planes include the New Standard D-25 model, a five-seater aircraft first produced in 1928 for joyriding and agriculture.
Lamkin said he wants the event to spark interest in the aviation industry.
“Come meet pilots, see airplanes, touch airplanes, kind of get a feel for aviation and help really engage and develop that love of STEM, specifically aviation related,” Lamkin said. “We welcome one and all out here on our Aviation Festival day.”
With turnout increasing every year, Lamkin said he estimates this year to have 3,000 attendees.
One of many attendees will be the president of the OU American Association of Airport Executives club at the Max Westheimer Airport, Russell Taylor.
“I would encourage people to come because a lot of people know about the airport but have never really been to see it,” Taylor told the OU Daily. “So I think it's a good way for people to come out and experience what the airport is like and how it connects with the community.”
Plane enthusiast or not, those of all ages are encouraged to attend. The event includes an open house, static airplane displays and an activity area for children. Food will be available for purchase from Chick-fil-A and Wicked Hangry food trucks.
The OU Aviation Festival will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Max Westheimer Airport, at 1700 Lexington Ave.
This story was edited by Emma Blakley. Mary Ann Livingood and Avery Avery copy edited this story.
