Great Alaska Aviation Gathering Celebrates Its 19th Year in Anchorage April 30-May 1, 2016
Anchorage, AK (PRWEB) March 27, 2016 -- Alaska’s premier event for flying enthusiasts and families as well as the state’s largest aviation tradeshow, the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering is held at the FedEx Maintenance Hangar at Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport and offers free admission to the public. The Alaska Airmen’s Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will take place Saturday, April 30th, and Sunday, May 1st.
Nearly 300 exhibitors will showcase state-of-the-art aviation technology, products, safety, innovations and more. The show will feature more than 80 indoor and outdoor static displays of a wide range of aircraft, including light sport, general aviation, experimental, commercial, corporate and military. “We are excited to have our military once again featured at the show. We have invited the huge C17, F22, Blackhawk Helicopter and a US Coast Guard C130,” said Dee Hanson, Executive Director of the Alaska Airmen.
All aviation enthusiasts are sure to appreciate the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering’s aviation only exhibitors, knowledgeable speakers, breadth of vendors, and more; but it is also an ideal free event for families. Children will enjoy this aviation extravaganza with fun, educational hands on activities and a kid-friendly scavenger hunt. There will also be many cockpits to explore and awe-inspiring flight demonstrations to watch. Both FedEx and UPS, world leaders in shipping and transportation, will offer tours of their larger-than-life company aircraft.
“This tradeshow is the Alaska Airmen Association largest community outreach program, and it provides us an opportunity to educate the public about the crucial role aviation plays in Alaska and its importance to the state’s economy,” said Dee Hanson.
If you just love aviation we have special sessions in the conference for you. Listen to a little bit of history as Noel “Merrill” Wien shares excerpts from his autobiography, “Born to fly,” which will be released at this year’s show. Mr. Wien is the son of legendary bush pilot Noel Wien. Experience John Wight’s harrowing story in person as he recounts the seven years he spent in a Madagascar prison as a political prisoner of war when the airplane he was ferrying was forced down in a storm. Have you ever wanted to fly drones for fun? Or, have you ever wanted to know what career opportunities might be available to you in aviation?
The Alaska Airmen will once again be giving away an aircraft at the end of the gathering. Raffle tickets are available now to win a Super Cub refurbished by Above Alaska Aviation, 160HP on bushwheels. A second prize winner will receive a set of Airglas GHL3000 Hydraulic Wheel Skis. Information for purchasing raffle tickets is available on the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering website, and tickets can also be purchased at the event. There are only 7500 total tickets available, so participants are urged to purchase them early.
“Alaska presents pilots and community with endless opportunities,” said Hanson. “The ability to fly freely across the state gives residents and visitors a chance to enjoy the vast, untouched wilderness and experience Alaska in a way that isn’t possible with road travel.”
The Great Alaska Aviation Gathering would not be possible without the support of such generous sponsors as: FedEx Express, and UPS who provide the ultimate venue for this statewide event. Gold Sponsors include Airvan Alaska, Spencer Aircraft, Aerocet, National Business Aircraft Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Textron Aviation, Northland Aviation, Airframes Alaska,Wipaire and Grant Aviation. We also recognize Alaska CargoPort, Shaman Traffic Control, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Mirror Studios, Sprocketheads, Denali Brewing Company, Airline Support, Lynxs Management and others who donate to the show through in-kind and discounted services.
For more information about the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering, including a full conference schedule and details on discounted airfare, hotel and rental car rates for exhibitors and attendees, visit http://www.greatalaskaaviationgathering.org.
About the Alaska Airmen’s Association
The Alaska Airmen’s Association is the largest state general aviation group in Alaska. A non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, the Alaska Airmen’s Association’s sole purpose is promoting and preserving general aviation in Alaska. Established in 1951 as an Alaskan Corporation, the Alaska Airmen’s Association is led by a volunteer board of eight directors. The association currently has 2,200 members. More information about the Alaska Airmen Association is available at http://www.alaskaairmen.org.
Dee Hanson, Alaska Airmen Association, http://alaskaairmen.org/, +1 (907) 245-1251, [email protected]
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