2026 Tompkins County Airport Day & Preparedness Expo
Mark your calendars—Airport Day & Preparedness Expo is back at Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM! This free, family-friendly event brings together the best of aviation, community preparedness, and local fun.
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, interested in safety education, or just looking for a unique day out with the family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Event Highlights
Runway 5K – 8:00 AM
Kick off the day with our one-of-a-kind race down the runway. Registration opens at 7:00 AM.
👉 Pre Register here – T-shirts available while supplies last, registration includes East Hill Flying Club Pancake Breakfast.
Pancake Breakfast – 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast hosted by East Hill Flying Club. $12 for adults, $7 for kids ages 3–10.
Scenic Flights – Starting at 9:00 AM
Experience a bird’s-eye view of Tompkins County with $65 scenic flights from East Hill Flying Club.
Hot Air Balloon Rides – 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Take a tethered ride with Southern Tier Balloon Tours for a sky-high view of the event. $20/Adult, $10/Child
National Warplane Museum C-47 “Whiskey 7” Rides – 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM
Take a ride on the historic WWII-era C-47 “Whiskey 7” for a once-in-a-lifetime flight experience. 25-30 minute scenic flight $190 per person.
👉 Register for Whiskey 7 scenic flights
Tower Tours – 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Take a rare guided tour of the airport tower. Real ID or passport is required (limited capacity – sign-ups begin at 9:30 AM).
Crossroads the Clown – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and balloon animals for kids of all ages.
Paper Airplane Contest – 11:00 AM
Show off your flying skills for a chance to win a $500 ITH travel voucher.
Ice Cream Truck – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Cool off with a sweet treat while you explore everything the day has to offer.
Preparedness & Safety Fair – 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Explore hands-on emergency demos, CPR training, meet local safety teams, and more.
Citizen Preparedness Corps Training – 10:00 AM
Attend this free workshop and receive a Disaster Preparedness Kit.
👉 Register for Citizen Preparedness Training
Red Cross Blood Drive – 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Give the gift of life at 55 Brown Rd (Tompkins County Whole Health).
👉 Schedule your donation at www.RedCrossBlood.org
Aircraft Displays – Throughout the Event
Get up close with a variety of aircraft and talk with aviation professionals on the tarmac.
Parking & Admission
Admission is FREE
Free parking available in the long-term lot at:
1 Culligan Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850
Event entrance: East Hill Flying Club, 62 Brown Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Participating Organizations
ITH Airport • East Hill Flying Club • Tompkins County Emergency Response • Tompkins County Whole Health • American Red Cross • NYS Citizen Preparedness Corps • C&S Companies • Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office • Tompkins County Amateur Radio Association • CNYMRC • Tompkins County Human Resources • Healthy Neighborhoods • Team Rubicon • Ithaca Coast Guard Auxiliary • Tompkins County Veterans Services • NYS Troopers • Tompkins County Office of the Aging • Office of Fire Prevention & Control • NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services/Office of Emergency Management • NOAA/NWS Binghamton • Cayuga Health Screenings • Gadabout Para-transit • LifeNet • TCAT • Tompkins County Suicide Prevention Coalition • Tompkins County EMS • Bangs Ambulance • REACH Medical • Guthrie • Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence • Mercy Flight • 2-1-1 Tompkins/Cortland • Ithaca Police Department • TSA • Tompkins Weekly • ESPN Radio • Ithaca Salvation Army • Local Fire & EMS Departments • Meg A Moo's Ice Cream Truck • and many more
Join us for a day of discovery, connection, and fun at Airport Day & Preparedness Expo 2026—we’ll see you on Saturday, September 19th!
Support the East Hill Flying Club Community
Following the tragic loss of David Kornreich and Andrew Harrell, a GoFundMe has been established to support their families with funeral costs and other immediate expenses.
David and Andrew were valued members of our local aviation community and the East Hill Flying Club. We encourage those who are able to support their families during this difficult time.