Students in Purdue University's School of Aviation and Transportation Technology are set to host the annual Purdue Aviation Day on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Purdue University Airport. This free, exclusively student-organized event invites the Greater Lafayette community and aviation enthusiasts nationwide to celebrate the past, present and future of aviation.
Aviation through the eras
This year's theme, "Soar Through Time," offers an opportunity for attendees to explore the evolution of aviation. Aviation Day 2025 will feature a range of aircraft, from vintage propeller planes all the way to cutting-edge uncrewed military air vehicles. Interactive exhibits and a unique speaking roster of special guests will provide insights on the tech, the attitude and the pedigree that make aviation special.
Events
Purdue Aviation Day 2025 will have a variety of activities made for attendees across all age ranges:
- Aircraft displays: Get up close with a diverse range of aircraft, including commercial airliners, private jets, and military planes. The range of display craft will span from the 1920s to the present.
- Guest speakers: Hear from esteemed aviation professionals, Purdue alumni and even current students in aviation programs as they share their experiences and insights into the industry's future. (Incl.: Theresa Claiborne and returning guest Laura Savino)
- Youth activities: Younger audiences can get involved with aircraft displays, over a dozen exhibitors plus a flight simulator made to pique the interest of future aviators.
- Live music and food trucks: Enjoy a performance from the all-Purdue band The Skids and savor a variety of culinary delights from popular food trucks throughout the day.
Fly-in + breakfast returns
Back by popular demand after last year’s hiatus: pilots interested in flying into Purdue University Airport (KLAF) for the event are welcome. Attendees arriving early in the day are welcome to a complimentary meal with other fliers. Detailed information on arrival procedures, parking, and other pertinent details can be found on the Aviation Day website. Pilots are encouraged to review this information thoroughly to ensure a smooth arrival and departure experience.
Community, industry collaboration
Purdue Aviation Day is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and exhibitors who share a commitment to advancing aviation education. Attendees can chance to interact with industry professionals, explore career opportunities and gain a deeper understanding of the aviation sector's significance with help from the event’s dedicated sponsors.
This year’s presenting sponsor is Republic Airways. There are over a dozen more sponsors, many of which are long-time supporters of Aviation Day. Event organizers stated: “[Sponsor] support helps keep this special event entirely free of charge for the public. Last year, we were proud to host [over] 12,600 attendees and 220 volunteers, and generate over 1,000,000 advertising impressions, thanks to sponsors like you.”
Plan your visit
For those planning to attend, Aviation Day organizers have provided thorough instructions for getting to the airport or staying locally afterward. For those traveling by car from nearby or far away, relevant details include:
- Location: Purdue University Airport, 1501 Aviation Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
- Parking: Available near the airport and additional areas accessible from Highway 52, opposite the airport entrance.
- Accommodations: Visitors traveling from out of town can find lodging options and additional information on the PAD website.
Attend Purdue Aviation Day 2025
Mark your calendars for April 5, 2025, and join thousands of other aviators and enthusiasts at Purdue’s Airport. Aviation Day 2025 will provide something for everyone, from hobbyists to students to families.
Aviation Day endured a two-year hiatus in 2020 and 2021, but returned in 2022 with over 7,000 attendees. Next year, Aviation Day reached a new record of 8,200 attending; then, last year, the record was again surpassed in leaps and bounds with approximately 12,600 total attendees. In the long view of history, Aviation Day is now over a century old (the first occurred in 1911) and attendees at the modern event will be part of an expanding legacy of Boilermaker excellence in flight.
Additional information