EAA Chapter 864 Breakfast Fly-In Starts Fall Event Season, Raises Funds for Aviation Scholarships - Expanded Coverage

By Carmelo Turdo

EAA Chapter 864 held their Breakfast Fly-In Saturday, September 13, at St. Louis Regional Airport. The fly-in kicked off the fall aviation event season and attracted a variety of aircraft from around the area. Visitors of all ages, from crusty pilots to toddlers, exhibited a fascination of flight that transcends the generations and continues to feed the growth of general aviation in the St. Louis region. The weather was perfect, and the food was great too!

The Aero Experience coverage begins with a gathering of EAA Chapter 864 members greeting guests and providing a great breakfast on the patio outside of the Piston Aviation facility. The proceeds will go to funding the chapter's aviation scholarships. Events like this have already made a significant difference in the lives of the next generation of aviators, so we encourage our Midwest Aviation community to support EAA chapter fly-ins and other fund-raising events.

Although this was not an official Young Eagles rally, EAA Chapter 864 provided some flights during the event. Here we feature Young Eagle flights with pilots Kevin Hand in his Bonanza, Simon Stearns in his Cherokee and Randy McKee in his Cessna 172. 

From a World War II-era Stearman to experimental aircraft and popular general aviation types, the fly-ins arrived in waves throughout the morning hours. Here we include a survey of the aircraft on the apron along with some departures. After that breakfast, no doubt some new weight and balance calculations were needed before takeoff!

The Aero Experience thanks EAA Chapter 864, Piston Aviation and everyone who flew in and attended Saturday's event. The chapter meets the second Thursday of the month at the airport's administration building.