St. Louis Downtown Airport Hosts Annual Youth Gateway to Aviation Day

By Carmelo Turdo

St. Louis Downtown Airport hosted the annual Youth Gateway to Aviation Day Saturday sponsored by EAA Chapter 64, the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum, Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology (of St. Louis University), the Boeing Company, Wicks Aircraft and Motorsports and other aviation service providers. The event provided aviation career education to hundreds of Aviation Explorers, including Young Eagle Flights with EAA Chapter 64, flight simulator activities at the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum at historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar 2, and information booths at the Parks College hangar. About 85 Explorers were flown before high winds curtailed flying activities. Thanks to all participants!

            

 

 

 

Youth Gateway to Aviation Day Provides Young Eagle First Flights and Hands-On Experiences for Hundreds of Scouts In St. Louis Area

By Carmelo Turdo

Hundreds of Scouts descended upon St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia this weekend for Youth Gateway to Aviation Day. The Event was sponsored by Parks College of St. Louis, along with EAA Chapter 64, The Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum, Wicks Aircraft Supply, Boeing, and many other aerospace organizations. Only 2 weeks following EAA 64's successful EAA Ford Trimotor weekend event, local EAA chapters again banded together to accomplish the impressive feat of giving nearly 300 Young Eagle flights to scouts encamped at the airport. Flying over a dozen aircraft, from a 1937 Waco YKS-7 to a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, and using the museum's historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar 2 as the operating base, EAA and local pilots were in action all day Saturday providing that vital first flight experience to the next generation of aviators. Other exhibitors provided hands-on experiences to the Scouts throughout the day, and aerospace giants, such as former NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz (of Apollo 13 era) and EAA President and CEO Rod Hightower, inspired youth and adults alike to pursue excellence and aviation activities and careers. 

Local Scout Troops Gather at St. Louis Downtown Airport

Exhibitors Provide Hands-On Experiences in Aviation Careers

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EAA President and CEO Rod Hightower Visits Youth Gateway to Aviation Day

Gene Kranz Tops "A-List" of Speakers Providing Inspiration to Scouts

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Young Eagle First Flights Were Provided for Attending Scouts