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Join The Lighter-Than-Air Society!

The Lighter-Than-Air Society is a not-for-profit organization whose members are devoted to the study of the history, science, and techniques of all forms of buoyant flight. Individually and as a group, members believe in the advantages that lighter-than-air vehicles (balloons and airships) have in many transportation, promotional, sport, scientific and defense applications.

The L-T-A Society began in 1952 as a employee activity of the Goodyear firm. Over the years, membership grew beyond the company, and the L-T-A society incorporated as a separate entity in 1975. Today, with membership open to the public, nearly 1000 members of all ages share their common interest in lighter-than-air flight. Membership in the L-T-A Society is not only educational - it's fun! To participate, complete the application form below.

One benefit that members of the L-T-A Society enjoy is the publication, Buoyant Flight. Other benefits include discounts on the purchase of books and other hard-to-find items pertainint to LTA. The Society also holds informative meetings throughout the year, including a festive banquet where the L-T-A Society Achievement Award is presented. The Society maintains a large library and museum collection, and sponsors an annual picnic and model hot-air-balloon contest.

Buoyant Flight

The L-T-A Society's bulletin, Buoyant Flight is regarded as one of the most technically correct and authoritative publications available on the subject of LTA. Buoyant Flight presents articles on lighter-than-air history, news of recent developments in lighter-than-air aviation, book reviews and summaries of the Society activities. Since 1954, it has provided informative reading for the serious student of LTA flight, the newcomer to the field, and the retired airship crew member.

Book Discounts

Members of the L-T-A Society may purchase current books and other items relating to LTA at a discount. This list of items offered for distribution appears in each issue of Buoyant Flight, and is kept current as new releases appear. Many of the publications have been authored by L-T-A Society members.

Regularly Scheduled Meetings

The L-T-A Society hosts meetings, on the second Thursday of January, February, March, April, May, September and November. These regular gatherings are held in Goodyear Hall, 1144 E. Market Street, Akron Ohio and begin at 7PM. Programs feature a guest speaker or a videotape presentation. Subject cover historical or technical developments in lighter-than-air flight. The atmosphere is informal, and free refreshments are provided.

Annual Banquet

The highlight of the L-T-A Society calendar is the annual banquet and presentation of the Achievement Award, given to an individual or team for an outstanding lighter-than-air endeavor during the previous year. Honorees have included participants in record-breaking distance, altitude, and duration flights of balloons and lighter-than-air craft. A special guest speaker and a display of items from the L-T-A Society Collection are also featured.

Picnic and Model Hot-Air-Balloon Contest

People of all ages - especially young people - are encouraged to participate in the model hot-air balloon contest at the Society's annual picnic each August. Members and their children learn the principles of buoyant flight by building and flying their own model balloons. They compete for prizes awarded for balloon duration aloft.

Library and Museum Collections

Over many years, the Society has collected a considerable volume of LTA-related materials, donated by its members and friends worldwide. More than 1,200 books on LTA are maintained in the Akron-Summit County Public Library. Manuscripts, press clippings, photos and films are housed in the University of Akron Archives. Hundreds of historically significant artifacts and relics are also in the Society's collection. Items from this collection are periodically exhibited. Plans are underway to open the Akron Airship Historical Center, a place to make the history and technology of LTA flight accessible in an educational, exciting, and entertaining way.

Membership and Management

Active Membership is open to anyone with an interest in LTA topics. Membership provides a 1 year subscription to Buoyant Flight, book discounts, voting privileges, and a membership card. To join, complete the following form and mail to:

THE LTA SOCIETY
526 S. MAIN ST, SUITE 232
AKRON, OH 44311
U.S.A.

Telephone: 330-535-5827 (Office)
330-535-0100 (Museum Workshop)

Membership Application

(Click here for a printable Membership Application form.)

Name: __________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________

City: _______________________________ State: ____________

Zip Code: _________________________ Country: ____________

Types of Membership Available:
___ Active Membership; U.S. & Canada; $25 / year

___ Active Membership; other countries; $35 / year

___ Benefactor Membership; U.S. & Canada; $100 / year

___ Life Active Membership (Specify Category)

___ Up to Age 55; $425

___ Age 55 to 70; $325

___ Age 70 and Over; $225

Please Indicate:

___ New Membership

___ Renewal

___ Yes! I would like to help the Museum project, the Akron Airship Historical Center, take flight by supporting the continuing activities of site planning, educational and promotional programs, and the cost of preparing the Society's vast collection for public display. I am adding a tax-deductible contribution of $______ with my check or money order.

For orders from outside the USA, please send remittance in US Dollars - either postal money order or bank draft.

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Last Updated: October 25, 2006.

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