Taking Flight

All eyes will be on the sky next weekend at the Van Nuys Airport Aviation Expo ’96. Aerobatics, precision skydiving and a radio-controlled model airplane show are a few of the airborne highlights. Even the B-2 Stealth bomber will make an appearance- its first in Los Angeles. Back on the ground, aviation buffs will be able to get a rare, up- close look at more than 50 aircraft.

Ever wonder what it’s like to fly one of those sleek stealth jets? Flight fans can ask the pilots how it feels to guide one of the world’s most advanced aircraft. Other top- gun military jets will be on display ad visitors may climb aboard various aircraft.

The city Fire Department is also in on the action, with water- drop demonstrations. Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs will act as grand marshal for this year’s expo, which is expected to draw 250,000 spectators. Entrance to the expo is free, as if off- site parking. Proceeds from food and beverages sold at the event will benefit 20 area nonprofit youth and service organizations. The show takes place Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Aviation Expo ’96 Layout

Handicapped Entrance

Pedestrian Entrance

Shuttle Buses

Lost and Found

Exhibit Hangers

Big Birds

Fighter Row

Green Hanger

Stage

Air Traffic Control

Facilities: Restrooms, Telephone, First Aid, Food

On Display:

More than 50 fighter jets and vintage and business aircraft will be on display. Spectators can talk to pilots and tour the interior of some of the planes. Aircraft include:

* F-117A Stealth fighter

* B-1 Bomber

* C-141 Starlifter

* E-3 AWACS

* F-14 Tomcat

* F-15 Strike Eagle

* F-16 Falcon

* F/A- 18 Hornet

* KC- 10 fuel tanker

* Cobra, Blackhawk and Huey helicopters

Schedule of Events and Parking

Saturday

10 a.m.: Opening ceremonies; F-1 Falcon formation flyover.

11 a.m.: Flyover by Condor Squadron AT- Texans; Misty Blues All- Woman Skydiving Team; Apache helicopter demonstration; Pilatus Turbo Porter demonstration; L.A. Fire Department hoist- rescue and water- drop demonstration.

2:20 p.m.: Flyover by B-2 Stealth bomber.

3 p.m.: Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Skydiving Team; radio- controlled model airplane show.

Sunday

11 a.m.: Flyover by Condor Squadron AT-6 Texans; Misty Blues All- Woman Skydiving Team; Apache helicopter demonstrations; Pilatus Turbo Porter demonstration; L.A. Fire Department hoist- rescue and water- drop demonstration.

3 p.m.: Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Skydiving Team; radio- controlled model airplane show.

Aviation Expo

A. Monroe High School, 9229 Haskell Ave.

B. Kaiser Marquardt Industries, 16555 Saticoy St.

C. Woodley Golf Course lot, 335 Woodley Ave.

D. Handicapped parking, 8050 Balboa Blvd.

Sources: Van Nuys Airport; Researched by JULIE SHEER / Los Angeles Times