An aviation celebration

Aircraft fanciers can take in the views from the ground or the air at Felts Field Neighbor Day on Saturday.

The event will feature dozens of classic and contemporary aircraft – with pilots on hand to answer questions – along with flyovers and the chance to take to the air.

The event celebrates aircraft and the historic airfield, which served as Spokane’s main passenger airport in the 1930s and 1940s, before Geiger Field – later renamed Spokane International Airport – was named the city’s municipal airport in 1946.

Among the aircraft expected Saturday: a Beechcraft Model 18, the twin-engine, low-wing plane that appeared in 1983’s James Bond movie “Octopussy”; a collection of antique Stearman biplanes; and a British Spitfire, a single-seat aircraft used by many Allied Forces.

The Spitfire “was one of the hottest fighter aircraft in World War II,” said Jack Hohner, president of the Experimental Aircraft Association, an event host.

Also making an appearance: a WWII B-25 bomber, which will pull up next to the airfield’s Skyway Café, Hohner said.

While bomber rides run $450, cheaper seats will be available: The pilot of a vintage biplane will sell rides for $65 a person. And helicopter hops from Felts to downtown and back will go for $60 for two people or $75 for three.

Adrian Rogers