National Vietnam War Veterans Day - Air Power Tribute

By Carmelo Turdo

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is commemorated on March 29 of each year, and The Aero Experience joins thankful Americans from across the country as we salute the veterans who served in any theater during the designated period of November 1,1955 to May 15, 1975. The Aero Experience presents this survey of Vietnam War-era tactical military aircraft from our previous coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Though limited to a very few types, we include the classic Huey and Loach helicopters, O-1 and O-2 Forward Air Controllers (FACs), OV-1 Mohawk reconnaissance aircraft, Douglas Skyraider and Invader attack aircraft, the F-100 Super Sabre and the mighty F-4 Phantom II in this selection. In a small way, we keep the spirit of a generation alive and offer a belated, but no less sincere, "Welcome home."

Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation Signage Leads the Way to Hangar Location

By Carmelo Turdo

The Gateway Youth Aeronautical Foundation recently received new signage for their hangar facility at Creve Coeur Airport. Silver Fox Marketing delivered and installed the truck decals, banner and welcome signs sporting the foundation's logo. The foundation recently completed the restoration of the F-4 Phantom mobile cockpit exhibit, and the OH-58 Kiowa helicopter restoration is well underway. There is a small museum in the hangar filled with interesting items from the Missouri Air National Guard 131st FW, previously based in St. Louis. The hangar is open most weekdays, and walk-ins are welcome. 

St. Louis Science Center Aviation Day Follows Debut of "Air Racers" Omnimax Movie

Steven Hinton, Jr.

By Carmelo Turdo

The James S. McDonnell Planetarium at the St. Louis Science Center Held "Aviation Day" Saturday following the debut of Air Racers at the facility's OMNIMAX Theater. Air  Racers, the new IMAX film featuring the Reno National Championship Air Races, focuses on the highly modified P-51 Mustang flown by Steven Hinton, Jr. for Team Strega.  Mr. Hinton, the youngest winner and four-time national unlimited class air racing champion, made a special appearance at a reception for St. Louis Science Center Members and VIP visitors Friday evening.  He also spent time with visitors to the St. Louis Science Center on Saturday, answering questions and signing autographs.  Other attractions at "Aviation Day" included aircraft on display, an F-4 Phantom II fighter jet cockpit, and information booths staffed by representatives of the local aviation community.  Below are highlights of the day's events.

Aircraft on display in the rotunda

 

Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum's BD-5 and EAA 32's Sonerai

St. Louis Community College Aerospace Institute

Steven Hinton, Jr. visits with EAA Chapter 32

 

Steven Hinton, Jr. signs autographs

St. Louis Flight Simulator

 

St. Louis Aero Pilots RC Club

Gateway Area Ultralight Association

Show Me RC Airshows

F-4 Phantom II Cockpit from the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum