For more than four decades, the Good Neighbor Day Airshow and Open House at DeKalb–Peachtree Airport (PDK) has served as a vital bridge between the airport and the surrounding community. As the event enters a new phase of growth, plans are underway to expand it into a two-day aviation celebration featuring enhanced aerial demonstrations and the addition of a dedicated STEM Expo. These initiatives are designed to promote aviation education, support regional economic development, and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.

A Legacy in Flight
DeKalb–Peachtree Airport occupies historic ground that once formed part of Camp Gordon, a U.S. Army training base during the First World War. In 1941, the site was reactivated as a U.S. Naval Reserve aviation base and later became a full Naval Air Station during the Second World II. The facility played a critical role in training Navy reservists returning to active duty, contributing significantly to the nation’s wartime aviation efforts. The first airshow held at the site took place on June 27, 1948, featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Today, the event continues to honor those who served, while also celebrating the rich aviation heritage of an airport that played an important role in America’s defense during a pivotal period in history.

A Thriving Hub of Aviation
Today, PDK ranks as the second busiest airport in Georgia, surpassed only by Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with more than 209,000 annual flight operations. The airport supports a diverse range of aviation activity, including local news helicopters operating from the north end, as well as flight schools, fixed-base operators (FBOs), and private jet services serving students, businesses, and the traveling public. One of PDK’s most popular features is its observation park, located adjacent to the runways. Offering families and visitors a front-row view of daily flight operations, the park has become a cherished community destination, fostering a strong connection between the public and the world of aviation.

Good Neighbor Day: Vision for the Future
What began as a modest community fly-in has evolved into one of the region’s most well-attended aviation events. Building on that success, the vision for Good Neighbor Day is to further expand its aerial programming while introducing a dedicated STEM and Women in Aviation Expo. This addition aims to engage students, young professionals, and families by highlighting career pathways and opportunities within the aviation industry. By strengthening its educational focus and enhancing the overall visitor experience, Good Neighbor Day is poised to become a regional model for how aviation events can promote awareness, opportunity, and meaningful community engagement.