Kent State University invites the community to experience aviation history, emerging technology and family-friendly STEM activities at the annual Aeronautics and Engineering Expo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Kent State University Airport.
For more than two decades, the Aeronautics and Engineering Expo has opened the airport to the community for a day that brings together historic and modern aircraft, airplane rides, aviation experiences, engineering demonstrations and activities for visitors of all ages.
“At the Aeronautics and Engineering Expo, our airport becomes a place where aviation history, innovation and education come together,” said John Sankovic, Ph.D., interim dean of Kent State’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering. “We invite the community to experience everything from iconic aircraft and flight experiences to emerging engineering technologies while seeing how today’s students are preparing for tomorrow’s challenges. We hope the day sparks curiosity and inspires the next generation of innovators.”
Aircraft, Flight and Aviation Experiences
This year’s static aircraft lineup spans generations of aviation and includes the B-25 Mitchell bomber “Champaign Gal,” a P-51 Mustang, TBM Avenger, Canadian Harvard aircraft, Piper M700 Fury, Ohio State Highway Patrol helicopter, Ohio Army National Guard Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter and many others. All aircraft appearances are subject to change based on weather, maintenance and operational considerations.
Visitors can take to the skies with airplane rides in Kent State aircraft, available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Flights are $80 per person, $110 for two passengers or $135 for three people. Children 5 and under fly free when accompanied by an adult. Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis, cannot be purchased in advance and are weather dependent. Flight simulator experiences will also be available for $20 per 15-minute session, and hourly tours of Kent State’s FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center will give visitors a closer look at the facilities where Kent State aeronautics students learn and train.
Liberty Aviation Museum will showcase its 1928 Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT, one of the world’s first mass-produced airliners, and offer paid passenger flights during the event. Tickets are $100 for adults and $75 for passengers 18 and under, with children under 2 flying free on an adult’s lap. The co-pilot seat is available for $200 regardless of age.
Explore Drones, Robotics and Engineering
Beyond the flight line, the Aeronautics and Engineering Expo will showcase technologies shaping the future of aviation, engineering, manufacturing and mobility.
Live drone demonstrations will give visitors a look at professional uncrewed aircraft operations, and an indoor drone tent will allow attendees to try piloting smaller drones. Visitors can also experience drone soccer thanks to the Braxton Miller Foundation and Cleveland’s Benjamin O. Davis Jr. High School drone soccer team. The Braxton Miller Foundation is an Ohio nonprofit that creates opportunities for young people through STEM education, sports and mentoring. The foundation uses programs such as drone soccer to introduce students to future education and career pathways in aviation, engineering, advanced manufacturing and other technology-driven fields.
