Kids get to see airplanes and helicopters up close at DuPage Airport event

Thousands of children and their parents had a unique opportunity to view airplanes, helicopters and support equipment up close on Thursday during a back-to-school event at the DuPage Airport in West Chicago.

The annual event allows the students to visit the airport tarmac, view displays and see what happens at the airport, said Mark Doles, executive director of the DuPage Airport Authority.

Doles said there is more to aviation than being a pilot, and future career opportunities at the airport include engineering, air traffic control, mechanical work, fire fighting, and policing, to name just a handful.

In addition to the equipment, there were play areas, a flight simulator and a free lunch during the event.

“It's nice to get the kids out here and get them interested and excited about aviation and the airport,” Doles said.