TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation Division of Aviation will host the fifth annual Fly Kansas Air Tour on Sept. 27-29. This includes a stop in Great Bend during Airfest.

KDOT has partnered with the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education (KCAE) to promote aviation and economic growth. A total of 60 pilots have signed up to fly the air tour this year with nearly 50 aircraft. Nine communities volunteered to host the flights and encourage participation from local schools.  

“We introduced the joy of aviation to more than 1,200 children last year and hope to reach even more this year,” said Lindsey Dreiling, President of KCAE. “This is a unique opportunity for Kansas youth to gain insight to a profession that holds great promise for a bright future.” 

This year’s events take place in Wellington, Hutchinson, Junction City, Abilene and Salina on Thursday, Sept. 27; Clay Center, Rooks County and Great Bend on Sept. 28; and Rose Hill (Derby) on Sept. 29. All events are free and open to the public.

“The air tour makes communities aware of opportunities their local airports represent,” said Bob Brock, Director of Aviation. “Services like air ambulance, aerial application for agriculture and regional transport enable access to critical resources for rural communities.”

For more information, visit the Fly Kansas Air Tour page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-fly-kansas-air-tour-tickets-48285926506.