Ohioans take to the skies like kites take to Spring breezes. We all know that Akron is the home of the Goodyear Blimp, but did you know the guys who painted the Spirit of St. Louis were from Chillicothe, Ohio? Yep, we're aviation heads (and trivia buffs).
News of the OldEarlier this month, a biplane built by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1912 was partially disassembled and carefully moved to The AeroPlane Works in New Carlisle. The plane is said to be in better condition than the 1903 flyer that is displayed at the Smithsonian. After the folks at The AeroPlane Works work their magic of restoration, it will be sent to Kitty Hawk in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Orville and Wilbur's first flight (2003).
Hot Air Balloon Festivals, Gathering As soon as the daffodils bloom, Ohio skies begin to burst with color too, thanks to an active hot air balloon contingency in our state. Flights usually take off in the early morning and early evening when conditions are just right. As you drive through farm country, look up -- you're likely to see passengers above you enjoying a ride that's as gentle as a breeze.
Many Ohio festivals put the Balloon front and center, with races, rides, and "glows."
- Blossom Time in Chagrin Falls, May26-27-28. A 5.25 mile footrace is planned for the 27th; call 440-543-6404 to find out more.
- Ashland Balloon Fest, includes a sanctioned balloon race, June 29 - July 1 Find out more at
http://www.ashlandohio.com or call the Chamber of Commerce at 877-581-2345
- Ravenna Balloon Affair, September 15- 16 call 330-296-FAIR for more info.
- Wadsworth Balloon Race, September 22-23, call the Wadsworth Chamber of Commerce for more info at 330-336-6150
Learn more about ballooning in Ohio from the Northern Ohio Balloon Pilots Association (NOBPA) at
http://www.nobpa.com Airheads to Converge on Akron Akron will host about 300 delegates from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) in the 14th annual Lighter Than Air Convention, July 14 -19. The event may draw as many as a dozen visiting blimps to the area.
Just imagine the parking problems they could have.