Learn to Fly Day Attracts Future Aviators and Aerospace Industry Workers

By Carmelo Turdo

Day two of the Midwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show was "Learn to Fly Day," sponsored by the Greater St. Louis Flight Instructors Association.  The event is designed to attract the next generation of aviators and aerospace industry workers, and judging by the attendance today, it was a great success.  Families and students gathered around the exhibitors and the flight simulators provided by Mr. Mike Saettele of St. Louis Flight Simulator (http://stlflightsim.com/flight-simulators/).  Many of those who flew the simulators were then introduced to the EAA Young Eagle flight program by nearby EAA Chapter 32 representatives and were also invited to visit the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum for more interactive and educational aviation activities.  

Many of the exhibitors from yesterday's Trade Show, including local airport FBOs, educational institutions and local non-profit organizations, were again available to meet with visitors.  Several new exhibitors, including Mark Ezro with his RC Edge 540, Alexandra Honey from Trans States Airlines, and an FAA air traffic controller added variety to the career specialists on hand to counsel interested youth.  Special guest speaker Mr. Dave Desmond, Chief F/A-18 Test Pilot, Military Tactical Flight Operations at the Boeing Company, showed a dramatic video of military flight operations with the Hornet fighter and discussed military aviation career opportunities with an attentive audience.   

Special thanks to the Greater St. Louis Flight Instructors Association, Missouri Pilots Association and the exhibitors at this year's Trade Show - all of whom were gracious and generous with their time and talents.  Here are some scenes from today's event:



Bob Crandell from MO Pilots Association Gateway Chapter 

Flight Simulators and EAA Young Eagles Exhibits

Realistic Flight Simulators From St. Louis Flight Simulator 

Future Aviators Receive Training During Their Sessions 

Boeing Test Pilot Dave Desmond Discusses Flying Jet Fighters

Bill Macon (left) Owner of Ideal Aviation Visits With Guests

 

McDonnell Aircraft Retirees With the Missouri Aviation Historical Society

Paul Voorhees of the St. Louis Aerospace Institute Explains Programs 



Alexandra Honey Recruits Future Flight Attendants



Mark Ezro Demonstrates His RC Edge 540