Oakland County International Airport

08/19/2026

✈️ Happy 155th Birthday, Orville Wright!

Born August 19, 1871, was a bicycle mechanic with no engineering degree—just curiosity, determination, and a belief that humans could fly.

On December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, Orville piloted the Wright Flyer on the first sustained, powered, controlled flight: 12 seconds and 120 feet.

Orville also has a special connection to our airport. In June 1929, he signed the certificate for Michigan’s first Air Tour, which originated at Pontiac Municipal Airport, now known as Oakland County International Airport . That historic certificate is still part of our story today and is on display in PTK’s main terminal.

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed August 19—Orville’s birthday—as .

Today, on what would have been Orville Wright’s 155th birthday, we celebrate a pioneer who changed the world—and PTK’s own connection to his remarkable legacy.

Happy Birthday, Orville—and Happy National Aviation Day! ✈️

08/14/2026

BLIMP UPDATE! 🎈

Yesterday we mentioned that two Goodyear Blimps were expected to be in Michigan for the . We’ve since received an update from the blimp crew that only one will be making the trip.

Keep your eyes on the sky! can be seen flying around today and tomorrow, with occasional stops back here at (PTK).

If you happen to spot Wingfoot Two while you’re out and about, snap a photo and share on this thread! 📸

08/13/2026

In case you missed the hovering over the intersection of Airport Road & M-59, has arrived!!

Share your here & include where you spotted her.

08/13/2026

this afternoon! 👀

Once this morning’s fog clears, you just might catch a glimpse of the as it makes its way to Oakland County International Airport (PTK) ahead of this weekend’s !

This marks the second year in a row the iconic airship has visited , and we’re excited to welcome it back!

📍 Once it arrives, the blimp will be visible near the corner of M-59 & Airport Road as it arrives at PTK.

If you’re in the area, keep your eyes to the sky for a glimpse — but if you’re behind the wheel, ! 👀🎈

07/28/2026

Did you spot one or more C-17 III's during the recent presidential visit?

While it wasn't carrying the President, the C-17 plays an important role in supporting presidential travel.

This versatile cargo aircraft transports the vehicles, security equipment, communications gear, and other essential supplies needed before and during a presidential visit. In many cases, the support arrive ahead of the President to ensure everything is in place before Air Force One lands.

The C-17 is one of the U.S. 's premier strategic , capable of carrying more than 170,000 pounds of while operating from relatively short —making it an ideal aircraft for missions like this.

In the video, you’ll see the C-17 begin to get airborne mid-airport as it , showcasing the impressive performance and capabilities of this aircraft.

Presidential travel is a carefully coordinated operation, and the C-17 is a key part of making it happen.

07/28/2026

Did you know isn't a specific airplane?

Air Force One is the radio call sign for any U.S. aircraft carrying the President of the .

The aircraft that visited PTK was a Boeing C-32A, the version of the Boeing 757-200. Because the President was aboard, it was Air Force One.

The iconic blue-and-white Boeing VC-25A (a modified Boeing 747-200B) is the most people associate with Air Force One. It's a much larger, four-engine aircraft, while the 757 is a smaller, twin-engine aircraft better suited for with shorter runways.

With 's longest runway measuring 6,521 feet, the C-32A is an ideal choice. A Boeing 747 requires significantly more for normal and operations, making PTK unsuitable for 747 operations.

07/28/2026

Politics aside, a presidential visit is one of aviation’s most unique operations. With a lot of planning to seamless coordination on the day, countless professionals come together to execute with precision on the airfield. It’s a reminder that moments like these—often seen only from a distance—are built on professionalism, teamwork, and carefully managed complexity.

07/18/2026

From all of us at to our friends at :

You’re cleared direct to an amazing week! Expect heavy traffic of great , incredible , and unforgettable . May your fuel be affordable, your camping spot be shady, your smooth, and your skies blue. safe, have an incredible time at , and we’ll be looking forward to your trip report when you return!

https://www.eaa.org/airventure

Tickets On Sale Now for EAA AirVenture 2026! Daily air shows, aircraft tours and rides, tons of family friendly entertainment, and spectacular night time air shows

07/14/2026

If you're missing the excitement of an air show, Willow Run Airport's (YIP) Thunder Over Michigan takes place July 17-19.

Scheduled to appear:
• Fast Ropes Demonstration
• Jack Aces Demo Team
• Melissa Burns – Edge 540
• MiG-17F
• P4Y-2G Privateer
• Royal Air Force Demonstration Team
• Smoke-N-Thunder Truck
• F-16 Viper Demo Team
• CH-53
• USMC MV-22 Demo Team

Rides available:
• Rosie's Reply
• UH-1H Greyhound

For more information and tickets, visit the T.O.M. website.

Get your Tickets Tickets July 17 – 19, 2026 | Willow Run Airport | Ypsilanti, MI Plan your Thunder Over Michigan Air Show experience with ticket options for every fan! Choose from our popular Drive-Up Tailgate spots or upgrade to premium experiences like the Bomber Club and Fighter Club, featuring...

05/30/2026

A historic calls home.

The Grumman G-21 Goose first flew on May 29, 1937, as a luxury amphibious commuter aircraft designed for business travel. Its rugged design and amphibious capability later made it valuable in military and commercial service, with surviving examples still flying today.