Frederick's annual Airport Appreciation Day is a great opportunity for area residents to visit one of the city's great transportation assets. The airport is home to a number of businesses, including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the world's largest civil aviation organization. Hundreds of local residents work at airport-based businesses, which create millions of dollars' worth of economic activity for the community every year.

The day's activities are free of charge and open to everyone. AOPA will have more than two dozen aircraft on display, and will offer free seminars of interest to local pilots. More than 100 aviation vendors will have their wares on display.

Local residents may notice a higher-than-normal number aircraft circling along Interstate 70 between Mt. Airy and New Market on the day of the event, as well as a much higher number of aircraft landing at the airport. Pilots attending the event will be under air traffic control, and will follow special air traffic procedures developed by the FAA especially for this event.

For those driving, AOPA and the City of Frederick have increased the amount of parking space available, including the use of remote parking lots. Drivers will be directed to available parking, and shuttle bus service will be provided from remote parking areas throughout the day.

For more information, directions, or aircraft arrival procedures, visit AOPA Online, and click on "AOPA Fly-In and Open House" in the right-hand column.