Big River Aviation at St. Louis Downtown Airport Becomes STL Flight Maintenance

 

Big River Aviation Provides Training Opportunity for St. Louis Area Student

By Carmelo Turdo

Big River Aviation continues to grow and enhance their reputation as the St. Louis area's comprehensive piston aircraft maintenance center, serving alongside STL Flight Training on the west ramp at St. Louis Downtown Airport. Big River Aviation is the longest-running, continuous sponsor of The Aero Experience, and they recently underwent a change of ownership that will ensure future success in the years to come. 

Big River Aviation is investing not just in their own business, but in the workforce that is desperately needed to sustain and grow the aviation industry. Earlier this year, The Aero Experience featured A&P Apprentice Noah Klein in our aviation maintenance topic series. Klein has worked at Big River Aviation since January, and he continues to acquire the practical experience needed to obtain his Airframe and Powerplant certificate. While at Big River Aviation, he has worked on a wide variety of aircraft types under the supervision of the area's most experienced A&P technicians and IAs. He has since also received his Private Pilot Certificate from STL Flight Training, and he plans to use his flying and aircraft maintenance skills in the mission field.

Big River Aviation also provides internship opportunities to area high school students. During a recent visit, we met with Isaac Keys, a junior at Saint John Paul II Preparatory School, who was assisting with a retouch paint treatment on a Cessna 172. His high school offers a unique hybrid schedule that gives students Wednesday and Friday for in-home study or on-site vocational training along with an in-school, classical education program on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Keys was homeschooled through fifth grade, and he learned about Saint John Paul II Preparatory School through recommendations from other homeschool families before attending there himself starting in the sixth grade. 

The hybrid learning model provides the time for Isaac Keys to work in the Big River Aviation hangar on Friday mornings, and he immediately began shadowing the A&P technicians as they received their job assignments. Along with general hangar organization duties, he has assisted with procedures such as brake repairs and sheet metal work. 

"I've loved engineering and I also love planes, so this looks like a pretty good place to get started with that," Keys told The Aero Experience. He is intrigued with aircraft structures and has been taking additional math and science classes to prepare him academically for college engineering courses after graduation. 

"If the opportunity arises, I'd say take it, especially something like this where you are on the ground actually doing this stuff," Keys advises other high school students looking for practical experience in their field of interest. He plans to spend the rest of the semester, if not longer, working on aircraft at Big River Aviation and setting himself up for success in the aviation industry.

Prior to his internship at Big River Aviation, Isaac Keys attended the Soar & Explore Summer Experience for high school and vocational students at Wings of Hope. He and a select group of his peers met at Wings of Hope for two half-days per week, for four weeks, to explore the world of aviation and the humanitarian mission of Wings of Hope. Along with introductory STEM education projects, the program provides a first-hand look at Spirit of St. Louis Airport operations, a practical application of aviation knowledge and skills through work in the Wings of Hope hangar and a course on non-profit organization management. Young Eagle flights were also provided by EAA Chapter 1675 on the final session of the program. The Soar & Explore program was a positive influence on his decision to pursue the internship at Big River Aviation. 

Isaac Keys was introduced to the Soar & Explore program by his Vice Principal, Dr. Richard Allington, who actively seeks out off-campus educational opportunities for his students. Dr. Allington recommended the Wings of Hope program after learning of his interest in aviation, and it was a great match. After he completed the Soar & Explore program, Keys was eager to continue working around aircraft. Wings of Hope forwarded some recommendations to Dr. Allington, and he suggested that Keys visit Big River Aviation for some hands-on experience in aircraft maintenance and repair. This was another excellent recommendation that has already put his student on the path to achieving his career goal.

The Aero Experience appreciates the roles that Big River Aviation and Wings of Hope have played in preparing students like Isaac Keys for success in the aviation and aerospace industries. We look forward to featuring more STEM and vocational programs in the year to come.

Sponsor Announcement: Big River Aviation Transitions to New Ownership, Continues to Sponsor The Aero Experience Team

By Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience is proud to announce that Big River Aviation, one of our original sponsors and advertisers, continues to support our ever-expanding coverage of Midwest Aviation. For over a decade, Big River Aviation has contributed greatly to our growth by providing not only unique story content in their maintenance facility but also some adventurous road trips and cross-country flights to service or ferry a customer's aircraft. Big River Aviation continues to provide high-quality aircraft maintenance services and is positioned for strong growth at their St. Louis Downtown Airport location.

Big River Aviation recently began a new era with a change of ownership. The official public announcement that summarizes the transition reads:

Josiah Bridges and Paul Voorhees

Cahokia Heights, IL, August 28, 2023 — Big River Aviation, a prominent player in the General Aviation repair sector, is thrilled to announce a change in ownership effective June 30th, 2023. After over a decade of successful stewardship by Paul Voorhees, the reins of leadership have been handed over to Josiah Bridges, who assumes the role of Managing Partner. This strategic transition marks an exciting opportunity for continued growth and expansion, driven by a renewed commitment to customer excellence and cutting-edge solutions.

With a remarkable legacy led by Paul Voorhees, a seasoned A&P IA with over 20 years of maintenance experience, Big River Aviation has been a cornerstone in the industry since its establishment in 2010. The new ownership team, led by Josiah Bridges A&P IA, brings a wealth of combined experience, boasting an impressive 92 years of business and aviation acumen. The commitment to maintaining the company's established reputation for excellence while embracing new horizons is at the forefront of this transition.

Under the new leadership, Big River Aviation is set to soar to new heights. Clients can anticipate a heightened customer service experience as the company introduces an innovative digital maintenance software suite. This cutting-edge technology encompasses a user-friendly customer portal, streamlined digital estimates and work authorizations, and comprehensive digital logbook solutions. Notably, Paul Voorhees, the seasoned industry expert and former owner, will continue to contribute his expertise as he takes on the role of Shop Manager within Big River Aviation. While the company's name remains unchanged, a refreshed logo and branding are set to complement these advancements. The transition assures employees and clients alike that the foundation of Big River Aviation's quality service remains steadfast while evolving to meet the demands of a dynamic industry. (End of statement).

A reputation for Excellence, A Drive for Growth

Big River Aviation is equipped to service general aviation aircraft from the STL Flight Training Cessna and Piper fleet to large piston twins and a host of unique types that make their way to the St. Louis area. Paul Voorhees and his staff conduct 50hr/100hr/annual inspections, airframe and powerplant maintenance and repairs, and aircraft recovery. The new customer portal will soon be available to ensure that the service experience is more efficient and transparent. By leveraging the resources and talent of the new management team, Big River Aviation will build upon their reputation for quality service and add greater value to the St. Louis aviation community.

Big River Aviation is known for taking on the most complex inspection and repair assignments, but the crew is ready to help with the small but necessary jobs as well. On our recent visit, the hangar contained a variety of aircraft types. Here we see Ron Brown and Dan Lorenz teaming up on a Cessna 421C pressurized twin, Stephen Long working on two different Cessna 172s and Dathan English getting parts for the next project. 

Big River Aviation believes in developing the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians, and they currently have four A&P Apprentices serving alongside the crew. One of the Apprentices, Noah Klein, was recently featured in our story, A&P Mechanic Apprentice Begins Training for Higher Calling, posted in April of this year. He began his 30-month work experience requirement in January, and he has already provided valuable support on several major projects. Here Noah is shown refilling the oil reservoir in a U.S. Forest Service DeHavilland Beaver during a 50-hour inspection performed at Big River Aviation in the spring.

The Aero Experience looks forward to the coming year as we share the unfolding story of Big River Aviation under the new ownership team. It is not often the best gets better, and we will see that happen in our upcoming features with Big River Aviation.

A&P Mechanic Apprentice Begins Training for Higher Calling

By Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience continues our mini-series this week focusing on aircraft maintenance at several St. Louis area service providers who support flight training fleets as well as the local general aviation community. As the aviation industry navigates through these turbulent times, there continues to be uncertainty in the ability to maintain the general aviation fleet that trains a new generation of pilots and provides transportation to business and pleasure destinations across the Midwest. We will look at the issue from both the management and labor perspectives based on two interviews conducted in recent weeks.

In Part Two of this series, we visited with Noah Klein, 22, an A&P apprentice for Big River Aviation at St. Louis Downtown Airport. He began his 30-month work experience requirement at Big River Aviation in January, and in just a few months, he has provided supervised maintenance service on a variety of aircraft coming through the shop, including the St. Louis Flight Training fleet. He is shown at right checking the P&W R-985 Wasp Junior radial engine on a U.S. Forest Service DeHavilland Beaver undergoing a 50-hour inspection in early March. 

Klein is taking the on-the-job training route available to A&P apprentices under FAA regulations. He supplements his work experience with study materials, but he enjoys the practical day-to-day activity of the shop environment. 

Noah Klein was born in Minnesota and lived in Wisconsin before coming to Missouri. He visited the EAA Aviation Museum regularly, and his grandfather was a pilot.

“I always liked aviation since I was really little," Klein told The Aero Experience. "I didn’t really follow it too much, but I really liked it. My oldest brother almost went to flight school - he studied books and on-line materials." 

Klein's love of aviation has deeper roots. He plans to apply his mechanical talents to serve a higher purpose.

"I wanted to be a missionary since I was really little. I have experience in woodworking and remodeling, a lot of hands-on stuff, and so I thought this wouldn't be too hard to learn and would be for the mission field." 

"Even before I became a Christian, I remember thinking, 'If what the Bible says is true about what Jesus did, then the least I should be able to do for Him is everything.' The least I should give back to Him is everything because He gave so much for me." His mentors include Christian missionary pilots Nate Saint and Paul Dye, both of whom regularly risked their lives to serve others through aviation. 

Noah Klein arrives at the Big River Aviation hangar early every weekday, ready to get back to work on another project. He cheerfully begins the day with the big picture in mind.

"Since I want to do this to serve God, I'm doing it for Him. That's a big motivation."

Contact Big River Aviation for more information on current A&P mechanic and apprenticeship opportunities.

The Aero Experience Week In Review: Aircraft Maintenance In the Spotlight

By Carmelo Turdo

The Aero Experience looks back on a week of visits to three of our sponsors, with an emphasis on current and future aircraft maintenance projects. Where there is flying, there is aircraft maintenance, especially when it concerns flight schools. Flight training aircraft need constant attention since most fly every good weather day, and along with expected wear and tear, they undergo regular inspections and upgrades. The general aviation community also needs aircraft maintenance services as well, and the demand for A&P Mechanics and IAs remains. Here we highlight some of the stories we are preparing for full coverage later in the spring.

Big River Aviation, St. Louis Downtown Airport

Big River Aviation provides aircraft maintenance and inspection services for the general aviation customers as well as fleet maintenance for St. Louis Flight Training. During our visit this week, Big River Aviation was working on several flight training aircraft along with some long-term repair projects specifically referred to owner/operator Paul Voorhees and his experienced crew. Among the aircraft shown below is a Lancair Columbia, The New Spirit of St. Louis, flown by Erik Lindbergh in 2002 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of his grandfather's 1927 solo flight across the Atlantic. This aircraft will be returned to flight status soon and used locally by AeroCareers to promote aerospace education at STEM events and fly-ins across the Midwest. Big River Aviation was recently featured on The Aero Experience for completing a 50-hour inspection and fuel tank repair on a U.S. Forest Service 1959 DeHavilland Beaver.  

Big River Aviation directly contributes to the development of aircraft maintenance personnel by training A&P Apprentice staff, including Noah Klein, shown below towing an aircraft and assisting with the Dehavilland Beaver 50-hour inspection. His story is coming soon on The Aero Experience.

Gateway Flight Solutions, Creve Coeur Airport

Gateway Flight Solutions provides aircraft maintenance and inspection services for general aviation customers while also maintaining the Gateway Flight Training fleet. The Piper Archer and Cherokee will soon be joined by a Cessna 310 multi-engine trainer and Cessna 172RG complex trainer, each of which are undergoing inspections and avionics upgrades. Gateway Flight Solutions is an authorized Avidyne, Aspen, Dynon and Electronics International dealer, offering quality products and expert installation services. The Aero Experience has begun a series of feature stories covering the fleet upgrades: Gateway Flight Training Provides Avionics Upgrades for Complex Trainer, Part 1.

This week we found progress on the fleet aircraft upgrades along with a wing repair in progress following a recent bird strike to the Cherokee's right wing leading edge.

Elite Aviation, Spirit of St. Louis Airport

Elite Aviation provides aircraft maintenance and inspection services to general aviation customers as well as fleet maintenance for ten Cessna 172 and one Piper Turbo Saratoga aircraft in their fleet. Led by Maintenance Manager Jeff Lucchesi, a highly experienced A&P Mechanic/IA, the maintenance staff are adept at frequent inspections and engine changes necessary to keep a busy fleet in the air. Elite Aviation's maintenance department is known for attracting talented technicians from around the region, many with military service, and there are currently opportunities available for additional staff as the fleet continues to grow to meet growing student and rental demand. The Aero Experience will feature an interview with Jeff Lucchesi (shown below) in a future post.