Celebrating its past, present and future, Torrance...

Celebrating its past, present and future, Torrance Municipal Airport today is hosting an air fair and open house that will feature more than 80 aircraft ranging from World War II fighters to modern helicopters.

The event is the first such air fair at the airport in nearly 20 years. It is free and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A major attraction will be a display of World War II aircraft, including the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter, which date from the airfield’s days as a flight-training center. Other antique and classic planes include a 1937 DeHavilland Tiger Moth, a 1931 Buhl Bull Pup, and a 1946 Bonanza 35. The Bonanza is the ninth produced and the oldest Bonanza still flying.

While some aircraft will remain earthbound, others will take visitors aloft. The rides, $20 for adults and $10 for children, will be offered by Southwest Skyways and the Long Beach 99’s International Assn. of Women Pilots. Helicopter rides will be provided by ALEXAIR Helicopters and Benbow Aviation for $20 cash or $21 by credit card.

Information booths will be staffed by organizations including the Civil Air Patrol; Angel Flight, a group of volunteer pilots who fly medical missions throughout Southern California; the MCAS El Toro Historical Foundation and the Torrance Air Pilots Assn., which will display computer flight simulators.

Organizers are emphasizing the local theme of the air show, pointing out that most of the planes on display are based at Torrance Airport.

“We want this to be a community-awareness event,” said Carol-Ann Llewelyn of the Torrance airport. “We want to show people that this airport is user-friendly.”

It has become more user-friendly with the dedication of the newly built General Aviation Center. The air fair is being held in conjunction with the dedication of the center, which houses the airport’s offices of administration, operations, and noise abatement, as well as a pilots’ lounge and flight planning center, community meeting rooms and an observation deck.

Eli Alexander, owner of ALEXAIR, is also drafting plans for a hotel and restaurant at the airport, as well as new office and retail space for businesses offering airplane supplies and services.