Akron Executive Airport: A Convenient Aviation Hub

where is the akron executive airport

Akron Executive Airport, formerly known as Akron-Fulton International Airport, is located in Akron, Ohio, approximately 33 miles southeast of Cleveland. The airport covers 1,171 acres of land and is known for its well-preserved Art Deco terminal building, which was completed in 1931 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. Akron Executive Airport has a rich history, dating back to the early days of commercial flight, and has played a significant role in the city's development, particularly during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

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Akron Executive Airport was previously called Akron-Fulton International Airport

Akron Executive Airport is located in Akron, Ohio, approximately six miles southeast of downtown. The airport was originally called Akron Municipal Airport when it opened in 1929. It was renamed Akron-Fulton International Airport, named after barnstormer and airport manager Bain Ecarius "Shorty" Fulton and his son Bain J. "Bud" Fulton. The airport is home to the world-famous Goodyear Airdock, where the first lighter-than-air ships were built. During World War II, more than 130 airships and 4,000 naval FG-1D Corsair fighter aircraft were produced at the airport by Goodyear Aircraft.

In 1948, the US Navy designated the airport as a Naval Air Station, NAS Akron, for use as a training facility for pilots during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The airport also served as a drag racing strip from 1951 through the 1960s. In 1985, the Akron Fulton International Airport was recognised as the 3rd National Landmark of Soaring by the National Soaring Museum.

On August 3, 2018, the City of Akron announced that the airport would be renamed Akron Executive Airport. The airport's historic terminal, the Goodyear Airdock, and newer facilities are located at the north and south ends of the field, respectively. The Akron-Fulton International Airport Administration Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2020, the Akron City Council approved $6 million in upgrades for the airport, including improvements to the lighting system and runway reconstruction to allow for the development of nearby land. The funding came largely from the federal CARES Act due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upgrades included resurfacing the main runway, replacing runway lights with LEDs, decommissioning another runway, and replacing signage.

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The airport is located in Akron, Ohio

Akron Executive Airport has a rich history, initially serving as a naval air station during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, used for pilot training. The airport's original name honoured barnstormer and airport manager Bain Ecarius "Shorty" Fulton and his son, Bain J. "Bud" Fulton. The airport's administration building, completed in 1931, showcases Art Deco architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The airport's IATA code is AKC, while its FAA code is AKR. It features one asphalt runway, 7/25, with dimensions of 6,337 feet by 150 feet. In 2022, the airport accommodated 48,910 aircraft operations, averaging 134 per day, primarily serving general aviation. The City of Akron demonstrated its commitment to the airport's development by approving $6 million in upgrades in 2020, including enhancements to the lighting system and runway reconstruction.

Akron Executive Airport has witnessed several notable incidents over the years. In 1995, a Robinson R-22 Beta helicopter crashed after takeoff due to the pilot's inability to maintain rotor RPM, resulting in a stall. Another incident involved a homebuilt Quickie II aircraft that impacted the ground near the airport during a turn to the final approach, causing an accidental stall and collision. These events underscore the importance of aviation safety and the continuous improvements made to the airport's infrastructure.

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Akron Executive Airport is home to the historic Goodyear Airdock

The Akron Executive Airport, formerly known as Akron-Fulton International Airport, is located in Akron, Ohio. The airport has a rich history, serving as a hub for aviation and technological advancements. One of the airport's most notable features is that it is home to the historic Goodyear Airdock, which played a significant role in the development and construction of lighter-than-air ships.

The Goodyear Airdock was constructed in 1929 by the Goodyear Zeppelin Corporation, specifically for the construction of large airships for the U.S. Navy. The building was completed in less than a year, costing around $2.2 million. It is an engineering marvel, covering an area larger than eight football fields and standing as tall as a 22-story building. The Airdock was designed to accommodate airships with a capacity of 10,000,000 cubic feet, making it one of the largest buildings ever constructed in terms of obstruction-free interior space.

During World War II, the Goodyear Airdock served as an enclosed production area, contributing to the war effort by producing more than 130 airships and 4,000 naval FG-1D Corsair fighter aircraft. The airport itself, designated as NAS Akron, was also used to train pilots during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The Goodyear Airdock later housed the photographic division of the Goodyear Aerospace Corporation.

Over the years, the Akron Executive Airport has witnessed various aviation accidents, with several aircraft being destroyed during takeoff or shortly after. Despite these incidents, the airport continues to be a significant aviation hub, supported by local Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) Summit Air and other aviation service providers. The airport has also received upgrades, including improvements to its lighting system and runway reconstruction, ensuring its ongoing functionality and safety.

The Goodyear Airdock, located at 1210 Massillion Rd., Akron, Ohio, is not open to the public, but its impact on aviation history is undeniable. Its unique design and massive scale have left a lasting legacy in the world of aviation, and it remains an iconic landmark in Akron, Ohio.

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The airport has experienced several aircraft accidents

Akron Executive Airport, formerly Akron-Fulton International Airport, is located in Akron, Ohio. The airport was renamed in 2018 and has a rich history, serving as a naval air station during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and housing the Goodyear Airdock, where the first lighter-than-air ships were built.

On March 19, 2000, a Beech A23 Bonanza departed from the airport and soon crashed into a residential area. Witnesses reported that the aircraft was "barely climbing," and the probable cause was the pilot's decision to operate the plane despite known deficiencies. Over five years later, on February 12, 2015, a Piper PA-46 veered off the runway during landing, resulting in a collapsed nose landing gear. The pilot struggled to maintain directional control during gusty crosswind conditions.

One of the most tragic accidents occurred on November 10, 2015, when Execuflight Flight 1526, a charter flight from Dayton Airport, crashed in a residential neighbourhood near the airport. The aircraft, a Hawker-Siddeley 125 700A, exploded on impact, killing all nine occupants. Investigations revealed that the pilots were fatigued, failed to follow checklists, and violated company procedures, ultimately resulting in an aerodynamic stall.

These incidents highlight the importance of adhering to safety protocols and maintaining proper aircraft control to ensure the well-being of pilots, passengers, and those on the ground.

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The airport has been approved for upgrades and safety improvements

Akron Executive Airport, formerly known as Akron-Fulton International Airport, is located in Akron, Ohio. The airport covers 1,171 acres of land and is home to the Goodyear Airdock, where the first lighter-than-air ships were built.

The airport is an important hub for economic activity in the region, and the improvements are expected to catalyze future job creation and business innovation. The grant from the FAA was provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act.

The upgrade plan and safety improvements are important for the continued safe and efficient operation of the airport, as well as the economic development of the region. The specific improvements that have been approved will help to ensure that the airport can accommodate modern aircraft and handle increased traffic, while also enhancing the safety and security of passengers and staff.

Frequently asked questions

The Akron Executive Airport is located in Akron, Ohio, approximately six miles southeast of downtown.

The airport was originally known as Akron Fulton International Airport, named after barnstormer and airport manager Bain Ecarius "Shorty" Fulton and his son, Bain J. "Bud" Fulton. It was the city of Akron's original commercial airport and is known for its well-preserved Art Deco terminal building, which was completed in 1931. The airport also houses the Goodyear Airdock, where the first lighter-than-air ships were built, and it served as a Naval Air Station during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

The airport has been served by various airlines over the years, including Pennsylvania Airlines, United Airlines, Eastern Airlines, and American Airlines. These airlines connected Akron to cities like Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York, Denver, Miami, and other destinations in Ohio.

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