Ryan Fly-in

Ryan Airfield to Host Arizona Centennial Fly-in       

Tucson, Ariz. (May 16, 2012)- Seven years after Arizona became a state, America's first municipal airport opened in Tucson. In 1923, the first nonstop flight across the nation landed in Wickenburg. These are but two examples of aviation's storied history during a century of statehood, and Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) will kick off a major celebration May 19 with the "100 Years of Aviation Fly-in Event" at Ryan Airfield.

The public is invited to attend and learn about Arizona's aviation legacy and view more than a dozen aircraft ranging from vintage planes to the latest models, including an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Partnering in the commemorative fly-in are the Tucson Airport Authority, Experimental Aircraft Association and the Ninety-Nines, an international women pilots' group. Organizations such as the Commemorative Air Force, Pima Air & Space Museum, Pima Community College and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will display informative exhibits.

Following the fly-in, AzAA's spring conference will take place through May 22 at Tucson's Marriott University Park Hotel. The convention has been designated an Official Centennial Event by the Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation and is expected to draw around 160 attendees from Arizona and other Western states. Aviation professionals will learn about the latest industry trends and share their experiences through interactive discussions and networking. The conference is for registered AzAA members and other industry representatives and is not open to the public.

AzAA was formed in 1979 to provide information, expertise and support to all those in the state's aviation industry, and to assist in the future development of air transportation in Arizona. Additional information is available at http://www.azairports.org/.

"100 Years of Aviation Fly-in Event" Details
Saturday, May 19, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Ryan Airfield, 9698 W Ajo Way, Tucson
Free admission

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