Four-year-old Nathan Conrod of Wheaton got a close-up look at a helicopter during a free back-to-school celebration Thursday at the DuPage Airport in West Chicago. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

Before the new school year gets off to a flying start, the DuPage Airport and the city of West Chicago hosted a celebration on Thursday for students and their families.

Kids had the opportunity to check out airplane cockpits, meet pilots and first responders, explore emergency vehicles and experience flight simulators during the airport’s annual back-to-school event. They also were treated to lunch and music on the tarmac.

A Superior Air Med helicopter hovers as families look on during a free back-to-school celebration Thursday at the DuPage Airport in West Chicago. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyher

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