Get ready to witness aviation mastery at the Props and Pistons Festival with the incredible Rick Volker, a high-performance airshow pilot whose career is truly exceptional. His unique background as a former competitive athlete has honed his elite endurance and quick reflexes, crucial attributes for precision aerobatic flying. Volker is experienced in flying both vintage planes and state of the art aircraft. His dedication to mastering his craft is evident in every loop, roll,

Purple Heart Day, observed annually on August 7th, is a day dedicated to honoring the bravery and sacrifice of U.S. military personnel who have been wounded or killed in service. Established in 1944, the day commemorates the Purple Heart edal, which was originally awarded to Revolutionary War veterans and later formalized for those wounded in combat. The purple heart symbolizes the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of our service members, serving as a tangible reminder of th

Heritage Flight programs serve as a vital link between the past and present, honoring the legacy of military aviation while inspiring future generations. These flights typically feature vintage aircraft from past eras, often flown by experienced pilots dressed in period- appropriate uniforms, creating a vivid tribute to history. One notable example is the Heritage Flight Program conducted by The United States Air Force, which pairs World War II-era fighters like the P-51 Must

A featured performer at the Props and Pistons Festival will be Patrick McAlee. A seasoned high energy airshow performer. Patrick’s dedication to mastering these maneuvers not only showcases the aircraft's capabilities but also highlights the importance of rigorous training, precision, and safety in aerobatic flying. His performances serve as an inspiration, especially to young aspiring pilots, demonstrating that with passion, discipline, and perseverance, they too can reach g

Celebrate America's rich history of innovation and progress this Independence Day as we honor the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding. The annual Props and Pistons Festival, provides a stunning display of military planes and classic cars that sets a perfect backdrop to reflect on America's remarkable achievements in aviation/mobility technology. From the pioneering spirit of aviators like Charles Lindbergh, whose historic solo transatlantic flight in 1927 captured the

At Inspire Aviation, we hold a deep respect for the sacrifices made by our military personnel past, present, and future. Our commitment to honoring military history and those who serve is woven into every event and activity we undertake. During our Props and Pistons Festival, we hold a special ceremony for fallen veterans. We hold an honorary flight containing burial flags from family members of veterans. The honor guard performs salutes to the flight and the veterans in atte

This Props and Pistons Festival will feature The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association showcasing the iconic Harvards. The single-engine advanced trainer aircraft was widely used during World War II. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial engine, which produces about 600 horsepower and allows the aircraft to reach speeds of approximately 208 miles per hour (335 kilometers per hour). The Harvard holds great historical significance as it served as the primary tra

The upcoming Props and Pistons Festival promises an exciting showcase of aviation innovation, highlighted by the US F-16 Viper Demo Team's patriotic paint job. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the F-16s have been beautifully adorned in red, white, and blue, symbolizing national pride and the enduring strength of American aviation (this was done on their 50th birthday 2024). These aircraft not only serve as impressive displays of technological adva

An ideal Father’s Day treat would be an unforgettable family outing at our annual Props and Pistons Festival. What better way to celebrate the dads, grandpas, and uncles who love all things aviation than with an exciting day full of sky-high fun? Join us as the F-16 team demonstrates their incredible precision and speed, performing daring maneuvers that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Alongside them, the Canadian Harvards will showcase vintage aircraft skill and grac

Flag Day was established in 1916 through a presidential proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson, emphasizing the importance of the flag as a unifying national symbol. It wasn’t until 1949 that Congress officially designated June 14 as National Flag Day. In the realm of aviation, the American flag has played a significant role. Early American pilots and aviators displayed the flag proudly on their aircraft, representing the nation's pioneering spirit and technological advance

We want to give a huge shoutout and heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers who help make our aviation community thrive. Your dedication, passion, and enthusiasm inspire us every day. Volunteering with us is a fantastic way to get involved firsthand. Not only will you gain valuable experience and insights into the world of flight and aerospace, but you’ll also have fun meeting new people from diverse backgrounds. For students aged 16 and over, volunteering here is an

As we approach Memorial Day, a time to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our military personnel, Inspire Aviation stands proud to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. This heartfelt occasion reminds us of the incredible bravery exhibited by our servicemen and women, and it inspires us to continue fostering appreciation and understanding within our community. At Inspire Aviation, we believe in celebrating the rich history of avi

Mothers who worked in aviation have accomplished incredible feats, breaking barriers and expanding the realm of what is possible. Anne Morrow Lindbergh, an accomplished aviator and author, not only shared her pioneering spirit through her flying adventures alongside her legendary husband Charles Lindbergh, but also balanced her passion for flight with her role as a mother to five children. In the same spirit, Dr. Peggy Whitson is an incredible example of tenacity and resilien

Founded in 1984 by aviation entrepreneur Michael “Stache” Grossman, Castle Aviation has grown into a highly respected leader in the aviation industry, known for its dependable cargo transportation and time-critical delivery services. With decades of experience, the company has earned a strong reputation for operational excellence, unwavering safety standards, and personalized customer service. Castle Aviation specializes in providing fast, efficient, and reliable air cargo so

The F-16 Viper Demonstration Team travels to roughly 20 air shows a year showcasing the incredible agility and cutting-edge capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, one of the most iconic multirole fighters in military history. The aircraft is piloted by Major Taylor Hiester, and The United States Air Force team who perform breathtaking aerial maneuvers during airshows around the world, demonstrating the aircraft’s speed, agility, and advanced weaponry systems. The F-16 Fig

Don’t miss Rick Volker’s thrilling solo aerobatic performance in the rare SIAI Marchetti SF.260 at this year’s Props and Pistons Festival, August 16–17 at Akron Fulton Airport. Known for his precision and athleticism, Rick will showcase high-speed maneuvers and gravity-defying aerobatics in an aircraft rarely seen in North America. It’s a must-see highlight in a weekend packed with aviation history and excitement!

Akron, Ohio has played a pivotal role in shaping American aviation—from building giant airships like the USS Akron to pioneering blimp technology through Goodyear. With landmarks like the historic Art Deco terminal at Akron Fulton Airport and a legacy of WWII fighter plane production, the city’s contributions to flight span more than a century of innovation and excellence.

Presidents' Day is a time to reflect on the leaders who have shaped our nation. While most U.S. presidents have relied on Air Force One...

Aviation enthusiasts, get ready for an unforgettable weekend! The Props and Pistons Festival is making history by hosting Ohio’s...

Witness precision, passion, and creativity take flight as skilled pilots push the boundaries of possibility in breathtaking displays.