Airplane enthusiasts of all ages say they are looking forward to immersing themselves in aeronautical bliss as Fairhope’s Festival of Flight returns to the H.L. “Sonny” Callahan Airport for a second year.

To their delight, the 2007 festival has been expanded to a two-day event, with aerobatic acts, vintage and active military aircraft, general aviation aircraft displays and demonstration flights by more than 50 specialty airplanes.

Throughout the weekend, audiences will have the opportunity to observe the popular acrobatic displays of the Red Star Yak Formation Flying Team, air performances by Phillip Grice and the Greg Koontz Airshows, and visitors can explore more than 50 specialty and state-of-the-art airplanes on display while the air shows take place place overhead almost continuously.

All branches of the military will be represented at the festival, and the Air National Guard based in Montgomery will perform a special fly-over. Tours of a C-130 transport plane — a popular activity at last year’s event — will also be available.

For those stout-hearted pilots-to-be who would like to experience biplanes firsthand, rides will be available with Young Eagle, who caters to youth, and Bird of Paradise out of Gulf Shores.

Young Eagle Aircraft Flights provide free plane rides for children ages 8-17. The planes are piloted by members of the worldwide Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), who donate their aircraft and time free of charge in order to introduce children to the joy of aviation.

Although adults cannot access free rides with Young Eagle, they can, for a fee, enjoy a ride in the Bird of Paradise — a 1928 open-cockpit biplane owned by Bar and Danielle (Dannie) Eisenhauer. The Bird can hold up to two passengers at a time, and rides last around 15 minutes. A spin in the Bird will set you back $40 per person.

“We have taken guests as young as two and as old as 92,” said Dannie.

Passengers often enjoy meeting Bar’s part-time copilot, Satchmo — that is, once they recover from the surprise of seeing the dog outfitted in his old-fashioned helmet and goggles.

Chuck Zunk, pilot and chairman of the Fairhope Airport Authority, said the festival holds something for everyone, and he encourages families to check it out for themselves.

“Bring a lawn chair, enjoy the food and drinks from a variety of vendors and spend a day in the sun enjoying all the activities,” he advises.

Anyone interested in flying or history will not be disappointed, say festival organizers.

“The festival offers visitors an opportunity to see the history and development of aviation,” said Dannie. “It’s progress from where it began to what it became.”

Entry is free, and the festival is open to all ages. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20. For more information, call 929-1466.