
Scottsdale skies are usually buzzing with private jets, but come April 20, the tarmac of Scottsdale Airport will be transformed into a bustling outdoor cinema. The city's airport is rolling out the red carpet, not for V.I.Ps this time, but for families and friends to catch a screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" beneath the Arizonan stars. Aviation enthusiasts and movie buffs alike have good reason to mark their calendars.
In what seems to be a bid to engage the community and maybe shake off the elite aura that clings to private airstrips, the event is touted as wholly free—which in today's economy, reads like fiction, but hey, this is the talk and it's not an offer you'd want to let fly by. According to the City of Scottsdale, Aviation Director Gary P. Mascaro was quoted expressing his enthusiasm, "We look forward to welcoming the community to our first movie night at Scottsdale Airport," and completing the sentiment by describing the initiative as "a unique opportunity for families to experience the airport and enjoy a fun evening together."
Now for the nitty gritty—things kick off post-meridian, with gates swinging open at 6 p.m. and the movie starting just a little past twilight at 7:15 p.m. For those not well-versed in the geography of jet-set havens, the address is 15000 N. Airport Drive in Scottsdale, and there will be event signs to lead you in the right direction, as per the City of Scottsdale. Parking is a non-issue, it's free and conveniently located across from the main aviation building, mirroring that no-cost admission promise.
The flyboys and -girls of "Top Gun" will surely stir a need for speed, but ground control mandates attendees bring their own lawn chairs—don't buzz the tower looking for seats, they won't come provided, and while there won't be any MiGs, you can expect a static plane on display and a fire truck for that extra touch of aerospace charm. Volanti is the name to remember for when hunger strikes or thirst looms, considering they're footing the bill for the event along with Atlantic Aviation, Jet Aviation and Signature Aviation, Volanti will certainly be serving up something worthy of a night at the movies so fuel up and enjoy, just remember no pets nor your own popcorn stash are allowed on this flight deck.