Aviation Education Day

2026 Update:

Aviation Education Day has been paused for 2026 due to scheduled construction at SBN. We look forward to it returning in the future!

Saturday, August 23, 2025

9:00AM – 1:00PM

Aviation Education Day is our annual event that is free, fun, and open to the public for people of all ages. It provides the community with an opportunity to learn more about the aviation industry, experience SBN behind the scenes, and enjoy a day of festivities at the airport.

The event has grown tremendously since its inception, welcoming a number of exciting activities, food options, games and crafts, and even drone demonstrations to the agenda. A career expo takes place inside the hangar, while adults and kids alike can explore various aircraft and airport vehicles on display or even take a tour of the airfield and snap a photo on the runway. Girl and Boy Scouts also have the opportunity to complete the requirements needed to earn an Aviation Badge as well.

Aviation Education Day takes place each year during the summer. It is the perfect way to spend quality time as a family before the school year begins.

What to Expect at Aviation Education Day

Learn the Basics of Flight in a Ground School Session

Ground School at Aviation Education Day introduces kids to the fundamentals of flight in a fun and engaging way. They’ll learn how airplanes fly, what pilots need to know before takeoff, and how weather, navigation, and communication play a role in every flight. It’s a great opportunity for young aviation enthusiasts to start understanding the science behind the skies!

Talk to Working Aviation Professionals at the Job and Career Expo

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in aviation? Get a preview of what it’s like to work in the field from professionals at our job and career expo. Whether you’re interested in a career in aviation or are just passionately curious about how it all works, this is a special opportunity to ask those doing the jobs what it’s really like!

Get an Up Close Look at the Airfield on a Tour

You’ve seen it as you’re flying in and out of SBN, but this is your chance to see it up close and personal! Get a tour of the airfield from our operations team and hear more about the ins and outs of working on the airfield, names of the different parts of the airfield and their uses and more!

Young Eagles Introductory Flights & Scout Aviation Merit Badges

One of the most popular parts of Aviation Education Day are the Young Eagles introductory flights! Flights are available on a first come, first served basis. Registration at check-in requires a parent/guardian signature. We encourage you to get here early if you are interested in a Young Eagles introductory flight! Additionally, Scouts from all councils can take part in activities throughout the day to earn their Aviation Merit Badge. Scouts should arrive at 9:00am and will have a separate entrance from the general public. They must be accompanied by a troop leader or parent/guardian.

See Different Aircrafts on Display

This is a rare chance to see a variety of different aircrafts on display! Get the hands-on experience of exploring an aircraft beyond being a passenger. Talk with crew members about what it takes to fly and maintain an aircraft, peek inside the cockpit to see where the pilots sit and learn all about how an aircraft operates.

We’ll also have a variety of games and arts and crafts at Aviation Education Day as well.