EAA Chapter 64 and Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum Open House Offers High-Flying Fun

By Carmelo Turdo

EAA Chapter 64 and the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum added another dimension to Saturday's Fall Fly-In - flight opportunities in a Waco biplane and T-6 Texan warbird. Visitors to St. Louis Downtown Airport were offered the chance to purchase flights at a discount rate in Kevin Kegin's 1941 Waco UPF-7 open cockpit biplane and Greg Vallero's AT-6F Texan warbird trainer, both based at the airport. Several people took rides in each aircraft, including our own Fred Harl (Aero Three) in the Texan and Mark Nankivil (Aero Two) in the Waco. The Museum and EAA chapter 64 displayed their aircraft and current projects on the ramp between historic Curtiss-Wright Hangars 1 and 2, and other organizations, such as IPMA, SWIC, Wicks Aircraft Supply and the Lions Club also contributed to the variety of activities available to visitors.  

 

   

Lions Club Member Becky Henderson gave free eye screenings:

 

Mark Nankivil took a ride in Kevin Kegin's Waco (http://kevinkeginamericanwarbird.com/t/00/00Main.asp):

 

Fred Harl took a ride in Greg Vallero's T-6 Texan (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Warbird-Rides-USA/180169395331362?v=info):

 

Flying in a 1941 Waco Biplane Over St. Louis Is Unforgettable Experience

By Carmelo Turdo

Exciting things are happening at St. Louis Downtown Airport, home of the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum and a new attraction - Kevin Kegin's 1941 Waco UPF-7 biplane.  Kevin and the museum are teaming up to invite you to take a flight in his beautiful Waco.  The Aero Experience recently flew in the Waco with Kevin, a 10,000 hour pilot, A&P mechanic and good old fashioned barnstormer.  There's nothing like a tour of the St. Louis riverfront in an open cockpit biplane, gently banking for a closer look at the Mississippi River and surrounding areas.  Contact Kevin at kevin@americanwarbird.com for your reservation.  While you are at the airport, visit the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.