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CARBONDALE — The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) will host its third regional fly-in for 2018 Friday and Saturday in Carbondale, presented by Southern Illinois University Aviation.

“It is a really unique thing. It is the first time it’s ever been in Illinois, and one of only three held in the Midwest,” Gary Shafer, Southern Illinois Airport manager, said.

Shafer said planes are expected to begin arriving at the airport Thursday afternoon. Airport management expects up to 500 aircraft with 4,000 pilots and passengers.

The fly-in begins Friday. Activities will include early-bird workshops from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for pilots of all skill levels. The exhibit hall, AOPA Village and aircraft display will be open from noon to 6 p.m.

“It will be everything aviation. It will be fun for anybody to walk through, and of course it’s free of charge,” Shafer said.

A barnstormers party, presented by Jeppesen, is planned for 6 to 9 p.m. Firday at the airport. Tickets are available at aopa.org.

Activities begin at 8 a.m. Saturday with a pancake breakfast. Seminars will run from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and will include a variety of safety topics.