Lunken Airport’s Aviation Days are a tradition for aviation-loving families as the airport opens up for visitors to explore planes, talk to pilots, and take rides on helicopters!
Lunken Airport’s Aviation Days takes place September 2-3, 2023 with free admission and Warbird rides!
Warbird and helicopter rides come with an additional fee and book quickly! Skip the trip to the sky and stay on the ground with $10 per person or $20 family ground tours.
Ride in a B-29 bomber!
Many aircraft and military vehicles will be on static display, but for those of you seeking a more immersive warbird experience, the B-29 “Doc” and Kestrel Aviation’s T-6 Texan will both be offering rides and ground tours throughout the weekend. Flights sell out quickly so book yours today!
Too book a flight on Doc, visit Take a Ride of a Lifetime – B-29 Doc (b29doc.com)
Too book a ride on Kestrel’s T-6, visit T6 Rides and Training – Kestrel Warbirds Experience (kwbirds.com)
While at Lunken, stop by the Land of Make Believe Playground to burn off some energy!
The History of Lunken Airport
1788
Columbia, now the area occupied by Lunken Airport, became the first settlement in the Cincinnati area.
1921
Dixie Davis begins teaching flying lessons.
1925
Dixie Davis establishes a permanent airfield at Lunken.
T. Embry and J. Paul Riddle found the Embry-Riddle Company.
The City of Cincinnati accepts the land gift of Lunken Airfield.
1927
Charles Lindbergh, a 26-year-old air-mail pilot, makes his historic non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Lindbergh flies his Ryan monoplane, the Spirit of St. Louis, from New York to Paris in 33 hours and 29 minutes.
Lindbergh lands at Lunken airfield to and from New York to refuel where he is mobbed by well-wishers.
Embry Riddle Co. (located at Lunken) is awarded one of the earliest U.S. air mail contracts.
The Sikorsky S-29A, “The Flying Cigar Store” is a frequent visitor to Lunken selling cigars, watches, razors, lipsticks, etc.
Cincinnati purchases 870 acres through a bond issue. Lunken now occupies approximately 1000 acres.
1928
Embry-Riddle, operating 10 aircraft at Lunken, became a subsidiary of AVCO, a parent of American Airlines.
The Flamingo, one of the first all metal monoplanes built in America, is produced at Lunken by Metal Aircraft Company.
1930
Formal dedication of Lunken Airport takes place. A three-day celebration includes notables such as Howard Hughes, Jimmy Doolittle, Freddie Lund, Cincinnati Air Corps Reserves and Jean Harlow.
Lunken Airport is dedicated as the largest municipal airport in the world.
1937
The new terminal is completed and serves as an active airline terminal until January 1947.
1940s
American Airlines is born at Lunken Airport.
1964
The Beatles arrive at Lunken Airport for their concert at Crosley Field.