The village is hoping an upcoming aviation expo will convince some pilots to relocate to the Lake in the Hills Airport. 

Half of the airport's small hangars, known as T-hangars, are currently unoccupied. A T-hangar, which rents for $368 a month, has room for one airplane. 

The Lake in the Hills Airport's Aviation Expo will be held on Aug. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“(The expo is) geared toward creating a buzz in the aviation community,” said Gerald Sagona, village administrator. “We want pilots flying in here to buy gas, grab a burger and enjoy the atmosphere and maybe stick around awhile.”

Another upcoming event meant to generate interest among children in flying will take place on Aug. 13 when a private group of pilots belonging to the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 790 will offer free plane rides for kids. The free plane rides will also be offered on Sept. 17. 

Mike Carzoli, president and owner of Blue Skies Flying Service, said he operates a flight school with eight aircrafts at the airport. He's been in business since 1993.

Carzoli said the airport is a good place to be in business and pointed out that the airport is also home to three aircraft maintenance companies, aircraft sales, a fueling service and a charter service.