Aviation buffs can mark June 18 on their calendars. That's the day the air show will land at the Akron Fulton International Airport.
The show -- dubbed ''Aero Expo 2005: Defenders of Freedom Air Show'' -- will span two days and feature a wide range of performances by military and commercial aircraft. The show will include the East Coast debut of the Navy's newest fighter jet, the F/A-18F Super Hornet, which is replacing the F-14 Tomcat.
Joseph Chevraux, executive director for MAPS Air Museum, which hosts the show along with the city of Akron, said he is particularly excited about a performance by Michael Hunter.
Hunter, the only insulin-dependent aerobatic pilot in the world, will perform his ''Flight for Diabetes'' show. Hunter's exhibition benefits children with diabetes by increasing awareness of the ailment and promoting educational programs.
The show will also feature the U.S. Air Force Reserve car that has a jet engine and can accelerate from zero to 300 mph in 7 ½ seconds.
Chevraux said there will be flyovers by the B-2 Stealth Bomber, the F-117 Stealth Fighter and a B-52 Stratofortress.
Billed as the third-largest air show in the state, the event is expected to draw a crowd of about 42,000. It will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day with gates opening about 8:30 a.m.
Discounted presale tickets will be available starting May 28 at all ACME stores, the MAPS Air Museum at the airport, and the 356th Fighter Group restaurant at the Akron-Canton Airport. The discounted rate is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children under 5 with an empty Coca-Cola can.
Admission at the gate will be $10 for adults and $7 for kids. Children under 5 are still free with an empty Coke can.
Chevraux said proceeds from the recycled aluminum cans will be donated to Akron Children's Hospital.
